I'm getting a racing beat header to mount on my stock 1980 RX7 because I heard it will improve performance.

Can I remove the air pump and thermal reactor when I install the header? Are there any other connecitons I have to consider.

Also, I don't have a presilencer and was going to install the header in front of my existing stock mufler and tail pipe. Will this cause any problems and what can I expect in terms of sound, performance, and reliability?

Thanks.

 

the thermal reactor has to come off thats where header attaches to.
the car will be very loud with out a presilencer of some sort.

 

You'll want more than just the header. The header with whats left of the exhaust after you remove the thermal reactor will be way too load. Cop drawing loud. You need a couple of silencers stuffed with SS or Ceramic fiber so it won't melt and a good muffler that flows out back.

Check out the threads that show up below when you read this as they are good place to start learning. Also search a bit and you'll find out a lot more about what works best and so on.

 

pfft, noise is awesome. I just got my racing beat muffler and header in the mail so ill probably be installing that in november.

Reactor has to come off, you should take your air pump off and remove your cats so nothing clogs up (really remove emissions) this is all assuming you dont have emissions laws.

Also, without a presilencer, there will be a gap between the header and the stock connection pipe. so you would either have to get something made, or bolt in a presilencer


Also im guessing you are new judging by your post. Headers bolt to the engine block and are about 4 feet long. I've been told that using headers with the stock muffler is excessively loud but i just cant picture that as stock exhausts are always more restricitve and quieter than aftermarket.

Racing beat seems to be the number one choice around here (its what i got too). Tad pricy but a product that will last on a rotary. Not much universal stuff withstands the rotary heat.

 

Thanks.

When I change all this out, will there be noticable increase in performance?

What about fuel mileage?

 

With just the Racing Beat header and the Racing Beat muffler it's actually not much louder than the stock exhaust at idle without the presilencer. I just worked on my friends SA with that setup and it shocked me at how quiet it is. It will make the engine's exhaust flow better, which will increase performance.

 

My fuel mileage increased with the header.

 

If you search the Archives/FAQ for removing the rats nest, the first part of that illustrates removing the air pump. You will have to have a cover plate for the intake and a double belt pulley for the alternator to run the fan.. or go with an electric fan. Some say that the RB exhaust and electric fan will add 50 Hp.

There is a load of information about exhaust(s) on this site. Make sure that you find someone who can get a heavier gauge pipe if you take it somewhere to weld up between the header and the remaining stock exhaust. Most exhaust people in our area do not know what a rotary is or that it needs a heavier pipe due to higher temperatures, which may have to be ordered in.

With all the rednecks in our area running straight pipes (especially on diesels these days) , I don't think you will think a header to muffler is too loud. I have heard of some who will run two mufflers in series versus a pre-silencer.

Someone on here has a thread on making your own.