the car is backfiring when i rev @ idle, i haven't driven it until i figure out whats going on. i don't think it backfired before or the stock cat was muffling it.

day 1 with new exhaust, no backfiring, but i didn't rev it before the motor was completely warm.

day 2 gently reved it to 2k and back while warming, and this is when i noticed the backfiring. does it each time i left off the gas quickly.

is there something wrong with the car? does this have anything to do with the gasket leak? i did check the chassis to muffler ground, its there. nothing underhood was touched. is it safe for me to drive? i'm planning on taking it to a muffler place to get the leaky gasket replaced in the morning.

 

found the answer

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/popping-sounds-392887/

so its normal