Well, I just finished installing my racing beat turbo-back exhaust, and I thought I'd post up a quick review for those who may be considering it. I should have pics/sound clips later.

The company: B+

Calling racing beat and working with them was great. Very friendly, very helpful. Only thing keeping them from being an A was they didn't offer a way for me to know when my package was shipped or to track it.

Packaging/shipping: A

As you'll see from the pic, the packaging they used was awesome. Not only did they wrap each end of every component, the also wrapped the middle and anything (hangers, etc) that stuck out. Then they used a ton of packign paper to keep everything secure. I was a little worried when I got it because the bottom of the box was bowed out a bit, but once I opened it everything was wrapped well and in no danger of being damaged. The box was just bowed from the weight a bit, but it was a heavy-duty box and didn't look like it would have torn (the shipping weight was 87lbs!). Shipping was really fast. I ordered Thursday evening, and it showed up to my door Tuesday morning (shipped to Utah).

The quality: A

This exhaust just LOOKS amazing. I really almost didn't want to install it on the car. Welds are great, and the flanges are nice and thick. All hardware was supplied, including a block off plate for the air bypass that usually goes to the cat. Nice touch there (even though I didn't need it) that showed they really thought this out.

Instructions: A

I know, I know. It's an exhaust, do we really need instructions? No, not really... but they did have some really helpful info in there that I wouldn't have thought about. For example, they explain how to disconnect the airpump and everything. Again, I didn't need that, but the fact that they put it in shows a lot of thought on their part. Also, I found out the previous owner of the car had removed the grounding strap, so I was able to put a new one in with this exhaust. And lastly, their directions for tightening etc allowed me to make sure the cans were even, something that probably wouldn't have happened if I had just installed it without checking the directions.

Sound/performance: A (your mileage may vary)

Ok, first off, the sound. I was expecting it to be decently quiet, but still louder than what I had before (since my previous exhaust was 2.25" and this is 3"). Man this thing is QUIET! I'm completely blown away by how quiet it is. And it sounds AMAZING. If you're looking for something to get attention with noise, this system will not do it. I really like it though. I can hear all the other noises my car makes now, and you can really hear the turbo spooling.

As for the performance aspect... I did notice my turbo can hold boost a little better at higher RPM, but I have to verify that with the Haltech still to make sure it's not just in my head. The funny thing is the car almost seems slower since it's not making nearly as much noise as it used to! lol


Anyway, if you have any questions I'd be happy to answer them.

And this pic shows the old exhaust (RP 55mm) next to the still wrapped Racing Beat.

 

Be careful with the Haltech!
The Haltech uses MAP-based loading, so with the freer flowing exhaust, your engine might be running lean!
Did you retune the fuel maps after changing exhausts?


-Ted

 

my se seems slower too when i put on the racing b exu...

 

it's probably the weight difference that makes you feel slow.....................and yes, RB is the sit....

 

It's an NA.
What did you expect?


-Ted

 

Thanks for the heads up!

My map is rich (it's set for a hybrid) except for the cruise areas , so I'll fatten them up a bit until I get my wideband in, and I'll take it easy on it.

I'll be doing a dyno tune here soon to get it really dialed in. The reason my map is still rich is on the last dyno session I was having some issues maintaining boost, so we just left it rich until I can get that figured out. I'm hoping to get a hybrid and some 1600cc secondaries as well, but either way in the next little while I'll be throwing it back on a dyno for a true tune.

 

I installed my RB exhaust in my 88 TII last weekend. The sound IS amazing and I can for sure see much more power. (I think my original exhaust was somewhat restricted though I did not really check it...... just pitched it out) I bought a new hanger kit at the same time and changed every one under the car. Because my car has ABS I was forced to remove the pump (ABS) before I could reach the bolts holding the shield over the top of the downpipe. Even then It was very tight getting the shield off and then the downpipe. I went ahead and put my wideband O2 sensor in due to the degree of difficulty in getting to it with the ABS pump in the way. Went ahead and programmed the LC1 for 0 vdc to 1 vdc so the stock ECU is happy until
I get my Megasquirt refitted for my TII.
Overall I`m very happy with the RB setup.....expensive but I believe worth the cost.

 

I love mine

 

This might be just an illusion or maybe the lighting, but the weld that bonds the tip to the muffler doesn't look all that good, almost looks to be that it is welded through.

 

Love mine too! I thought it was very quiet too when i first installed it but now having it for two years it seems to have developed a more aggressive low tone. Dont forget to mention how the exhaust is pretty ******' loud under boost. Not as loud as some exhausts but people know when you are on it.