I installed the full exhaust (after having the wastegate ported and fuel pump rewired (thanks Karack!) and installing an FCD) and realized that the RB setup does not use the stock hanger that used to live in front of the second cat/presilencer. I thought I might have missed something, so I called RB, and they said that hanger wasn't necessary... but man. There isn't a lot to support the weight of the front exhaust components other than the three bolts going into the turbo. That worries me. Should it? Searches turn up nothing.

Also I haven't had time to block off the air pump. Will taking it around the block a few times make something explode? It seems harmless enough to me.

Thanks!

 

If it's from RB i wouldn't worry. Those guys know this stuff better then (probably) anyone on this board.

Why would you block off your air pump?

 

Block off the airpump? You mean remove it?

 

I guess the proper word to use would've been 'delete'. I plan to remove the belt and reroute the hoses like RB instructs so I can revert for emissions. Also there's a little brass plate the blocks -something-. I haven't spent time studying it yet. ;>

 

if you remove it, remember to get a dual pulley. you wouldn't want your fan clutch to start slipping then leading to blown coolant seals.

 

That's a bunch of new information all crammed together. I'll do some research. Thanks for your advice.

But this is exactly why I don't know if I trust RB completely. They don't tell (as far as I've seen) their customers that the FCD renders their stock boost gauge retarded, or that many people experience boost creep with the new exhaust. Or that there's a substantial risk of running lean and you should at least try to monitor it somehow.

But yeah. Dual pulley. Commence searches.

 

I like this guy. Orderly paragraphs, doesn't write like he is retarded, and searches!

I'm not a turbo guy but I just had to say welcome!

 

Latch is a good guy. I met him at a miata meet once. Speaking of which...how is your miata?

 

Thanks you two. Except for all the tacky smilies, I love this forum. ;> It's been a great resource. I do try to do my homework.

My Miata is doing well enough -- the fuel pump went out so I had to go back to the stock exhaust for dealer service. I think I'm just going to leave it alone until the warranty expires and spend money on the RX-7. The turbo is much livelier than the IHI dog on the Mazdaspeed.