I own an 88' RX-7 GTU. I've recently noticed a slight sputtering noise, not the normal back pressure pops after revving the engine, but a more consistant putputputputput. I've also noticed a loss of power, and when it is hot out from idle to about 4000 rpm there is a "woooshing" noise, i belive eminating from the fan, fanbelt. IF anyone has any ideas, please help.

 

Why get rid of the fan belt? The mech fan is just fine. Pull the cats and check them and then, if the neighbors don't mind, run the car with no cats to see if it has problems. Although if it is clogged or chunked enough you will not even have to bother running the car.