darkness

After about two months of waiting my friend and I were finally able to put my downpipe on yesterday. All this rain we have been getting didn't hurry things up one bit. I will have to say though this was one tough project for me at least. All in all it is a fairly easy upgrade but I had issues with the downpipe fitting correctly and f@cking up a couple nuts and studs. It took us 6 hours over the course of two days. But its on, with no leaks or boost creep (I cross my fingers) and I love it! The car pulls like a race horse! The pre-cat is huge and heavy. What a difference. Why Mazda did you put that monster on this car? Anyway just wanted to share. On a side note... what upgrade should I do next? I what exhaust but would it be better to go with a bigger radiator or something else. Thanks in advance for any input.

GoodfellaFD3S

iTrader: (213)

Go with a nice catback exhaust next. Don't do any more power mods after the catback without ugrading your ecu. Next look towards suspension and brakes. An aluminum rad is never a bad idea......what kind of condition is your stocker in?

darkness

The stock rad looks pretty good. I did notice that the coolant temps dropped a tad after the downpipe upgrade. Yeah I think you're right about the exhaust.I know the stock is restrictive along with everything else relating to the exhaust system. I heard an rx-7 with exhaust and a downpipe and it sounded niiiice. thanks

pomanferrari

iTrader: (1)

You mean my car ? Either I'm getting old or it's too loud.

If your car has higher than 70K im mileage, get a radiator. Most OEM radiators last about 100K. On our car, the heat destroys it earlier as compared to other OEM radiators.

darkness

Yup I was refering to your car. I can still remember that wonder sound as you cruised by me.
I have 54,000 on the engine and the rad seems to be in good condition. So now I think I may be leaning torwards exhaust.

911GT2

Hey, don't feel bad about it taking 6 hours to put the dp on, it took me 8. And that included a drive down to the local Meinekie because I snapped off one of the studs on the cat.

I'd lean towards a cat-back next too, as long as your stock radiator is in good condition. But I agree with GoodFella that that should be your last power mod before some type of ECU.

darkness

I had to go to the local auto store to get a stud because I stripped the original. When we first put the downpipe on and cranked her up all we got was a lot of exhaust leaking from the header manifold. That was at 8:45pm. So we came back 2 weekends later took the whole thing off and found that the gasket was not seated properly thus causing the leak. Pain in the a@@ but once I drove her around all frustration went away.

911GT2

I had the same feeling. I was pissed and cursing and all sorts of upset while doing it. I had to drive to meinekie w/ a decent size gap between the dp and the cat. It was LOUD. But after driving, I was all smiles.

kyle@insight

They all look pretty good until they break. This is why it's called preventive maintenance, you're preventing the worste from happening before it happens. If not for the sake the the stock radiator is garbage, at least do it for your peace of mind.

darkness

I will get a radiator soon enough but right now my temperatures are good with only the downpipe mod. I know as you do more performance upgrades a bigger radiator is a must. I will get a radiator probably right after I get exhaust : Trust me it's on my list of upgrades.....

r0t0r-rooter

Congrats with the DP. I paid Mazdatrix to install mine for me back in my pre-forum days. I think it took them ~2.5 hrs @ $75-80/hr (close to $200 in the end).
Basically you just saved yourself 1/2 the price of a radiator

areXseven

iTrader: (1)

Hey darkness;, what brand DP did you install. I just ordered a Pettit SS DP and plan to insatll next week. Which bolts or studs gave you the most trouble taking off and installing the DP?. Did your Boost Pattern change (for the better, I hope)? Thanks.

darkness

I installed the M2. As far as which bolts/studs gave me a hard time, I would have to say the the top one (the one you can't see) on the manifold side. It was a b*tch to get to let alone loosen or tighten. I also stripped the nut and stud connecting the midpipe. Use lots of PB blaster on those nuts and studs and let it sit over night. And to answer your last question: My boost pattern didn't change at all and it shouldn't if its installed correctly. Always watch out for boost creep. And check for leaks or hissing noises. What you will notice is the beautiful sound of you turbos spooling faster and pulling strong.

jpandes

I took me and buddy 6 hours over two days to get the DP in. That was the first mod that I installed myself(w/ help) after "discovering" the RX7 forum. I was just as impressed as you were going for the first drive with the new DP. After that, I was hooked on modding the car.

darkness

I'm hooked too. Thats why I want exhaust so bad now...

Snook

iTrader: (12)

darkness
I'm glad it all went well

Don't get too excited about the exhaust. It will definetaly make the car look and sound better but you won't feel much power difference compared to the downpipe. After you get the catback and ecu (I suggest PFC) (or Pettit if you aren't going to mod that much more) and you are ready for a midpipe then you will **** yourself once again because the power gain from a midpipe instead of the stock cat is tremendous.

Sounds like you are on the right track and I agree about the radiator. As long as you have an aftermarket temp gauge and you keep an eye on it the radiator is not a problem even if it breaks you can shut the car down in time simple as that. They cool great the only problem is the plastic cracking on them IMO.

As for exhausts I have the apexi dual N1. I believe it is the best looking on the car and also the best flowing dual tip catback but also one of the loudest exhausts out there with a midpipe. I like the look of the dual tip maybe look into a pettit or m2 or other brand. Everyone gets the racing beat but its kinda too small looking for me and I'm not sure how well it flows since its quieter.

-Snook

darkness

Thanks for the advice Snook. Oh I know I won't get a tremendous gain from a cat back, its really the sound and look I'll be going for. I am leaning torward a Greddy SP cat back though.

areXseven

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the 4-1-1 and congrats on your DP install!!