It's getting holey.

13B NA in a 1991 Convertible with an auto trans. Bone stock with only 36k miles...but 28 years of corrosion takes it's toll. I've got time to get this right; most of the sanctification is in the mufflers and its only through in two small places, but I don't think the rest has long for this world either.

I'm looking to headers to tailpipe components.

A few questions:

• Racing Beat makes a complete system, but only for manual cars. Sent them an e-mail on the auto question and will post up when/if I heard back from them.
• Summit Racing has a set of Paceseter headers. The Racing Beat setup is 2:2, the Pacesetters are 2:1. Seems like the Pacesetters would be easier to fab up a custom system, but I've heard good things about the full Racing Beat setup too. Thoughts? Other brands to consider?
• No smog testing here so there's no need to keep the cat. It's therefore probably heading to the bin. I need to keep the O2 sensor in the loop somewhere to keep the stock ECU happy, right? If so, is the O2 sensor pre cat , post cat, or both?
• Alternatively, does someone make an O2 simulator that will take it's place well enough if I'm not planning to tune the car right now?
• Any other weird things? Always better to learn from others who have done the job before me!

 

Couple things to consider. Pacesetter is cheap. Yes will and do they work. But well you get what you pay for. I can't speak to the transmission side of things. I can't imagine it affects the exhaust. Racing Beat is an amazing system, quality, easy fitment and does sound good. The header has the bung for the O2 sensor, so it makes it easy to put it in. I would install a new sensor when you do this since it's easy when your swapping things out.

Things to consider, exhaust studs on the engine are likely want to walk themselves out. Ordering new ones is cheap insurance. I know the RB system comes with hardware, but you might need to get some fasteners and washers. Lastly order new rubber hangers. They have probably dry rotted onto the great beyond.

Otherwise this is relatively easy job if you have a lift. Jackstands and such make a little harder. But still a afternoon type job.

 

yes you do want to keep the O2 sensor, pretty easy to do that.

the cheap street system would be to buy the RB downpipe/presilencer instead of headers. its a bit long winded, but the stock manifold works really well, and is not restrictive, so you can keep it. it also works to de-couple the tuning effect of the rest of the exhaust, so you can run any muffler/cat you want and still keep restriction low. you can even leave a cat in there, and not have the smell.

TLR? the stock manifold is bulletproof, and RB makes a downpipe/presilencer for the a/t (hopefully for the a/t vert)

RB does make a 2:1 header, no need for the pace setter

 

jl1rx7 - Thanks! Yeah, getting the old o2 out of the piping is usually a no-win situation in my experience, so if I keep it I'll just replace it.

j9fd3s - Thanks! The O2 is pre cat right?

 

yes, pre cat.

ND 234-1000 is the OE o2 sensor without the connector on it, if you can source the connector it is the least expensive way to go. if you can't 234-1040, more expensive, and harder to find

 

The Denso 234-1000 is what I have currently since I have to extend the wire cause I have a header anyway.10.69 on Rockauto or 13.99 from Autozone.
RB makes a DP/presilencer combo for the auto convertible. http://www.racingbeat.com/RX7-1986-1992/Exhaust-Down-Pipes-Presilencers/16218.html

If you want a header I know this header Rotary Exaust Header for 86-92 RX-7 Non-turbo - Racing Beat fits a convertible 'cause I knew someone who had it on theirs. His car was a manual though. They make an auto presilencer Presilencer for 89-92 RX-7 Non-turbo - Auto Trans - Racing Beat but don't know if that setup works on a vert.

 

Racingbeat is the way to go. Specifically built for our cars and bolt on with no issues. I believe they sell a complete set that includes the full exhaust and all rubber hangers and gaskets. I have their road race exhaust and I love it.