So, I just bought Apexi GT spec catback exhaust. I did my research and searching it helped me a little. Anyways, I'd like to know which to go with this exhaust. Header or downpipe. Don't know which of the two make this loud. This is going on an S5 N/A. Any input would help. Thanks.

 

Downpipe refers to the piece of pipe that runs from the back side of the turbo to the rest of the exhaust. You dont need a downpipe unless your turbocharged.

Since you have an S5 N/A, you need a header. It will make the car louder, and it will be quite loud with the Apexi GT spec. It'll sound pretty good, but will be loud unless you have a resonator or two, and a cat still in place.

 

Doesn't racing beat have a cat replacement pipe for N/As? Can I use that?

 

Yes there are downpipes for N/A's, they remove the precat and bolt up to the stock exhaust manifold.
The header will slightly outperform the downpipe w/ stock manifold, but the downpipe will be quieter and less raspy.

 

I love how everyone thinks downpipes are referred to as turbo only.

If you've been in the RX-7 world long enough, you should know that Racing Beat has a product called the Pre-cat replacement pipe, which used to be known as (as probably still does) as the N/A downpipe. Why?

Because RX-7's in their N/A form come with factory exhaust manifolds as opposed to factory headers.

If you wait a week, I am replacing my downpipe with a Racing Beat Header. Since I have virtually no sound insulation in my GTUs, I should be able to tell you how much louder a header really is.

 

I thought cat-replacement pipes were called "test pipes"..... Downpipe to me...... indicates that it comes DOWN.... the cats really don't drop down all that much on an NA.. maybe 2" total? Its all semantics though..

Happy 1000th post Roen.

 

Sweet, let us know about that with vids and/or sound clips.

 

Thanks for the wishes!

The pre-cat replacement pipe does angle downward, to the cat, hence why it's known as the NA downpipe. This does not replace the main cat.

Test-pipe is just an unresonated pre-silencer, or more simply put, a piece of straight pipe that replaces a catalytic convertor.

Right now I am running factory exhaust manifold -> NA Downpipe -> RB Presilencer -> RB Catback

Next week I'll be running RB Collected Headers -> RB Presilencer -> RB Catback

 

Sweet set up, can't wait to hear the result with the RB header. Will you be selling that N/A downpipe?

 

I went from the downpipe to the header, and there is definately a difference in sound. The header is noticably louder (it willbe really loud with your exhaust.) It has some gains over the downpipe, mostly in the low-mid range, especially if the engine is ported at all. I would personally recommend that you get the header and be done with it, but thats just me. Whatever you do, make sure you get the RB presilencer as well.

 

silly kids, downpipes are for turbos

 

no....downpipes are for cars with exhaust manifolds......because the pipe goes down to the cat.....get it?

I will be, but I think someone else has dibs on it. I posted in the Parts for Sale section for 2nd gens.

 

u just wish u had a turbo

 

Second dibs if it falls through!

 

Sounds clips?

 

Here's some exhaust sound clips: http://howto.globalvicinity.com/gv_w...i=66&co=1&vi=1

 

I thought a downpipe took rain water from my gutters to my yard?

IMO headers are only really worth it with port work. This isn't to say they're a waste no matter what you have though. If you have the cash, then just get the header, but if you don't and have stock ports the "downpipe" will be fine.

 

get the N/A downpipe if you dont want your car to be all loud and annoying. they produce pretty much the same power. also, if you get pulled over, your engine bay is still going to look stock.

 

I have already decided to get a N/A downpipe. BTW, I love how you set up your 7. Too bad your selling it

 

It's funny though, on my other FC, I have the road race full exhaust, and that doesn't seem that loud to me at all, and that's full headers all the way back. The only difference is that it's two pipes all the way out. I guess that makes the biggest difference instead of having them collect and then resplitting the exhaust again. Then again, my GTUs has much less sound insulation than my other FC.

 

presilencers are for girls...

 

I'm just jealous that most N/A's are louder than my turbo, and my turbo is pretty loud. Damn turbos quieting things. I'd take the whole exhaust pipe off if I wouldn't choke on the fumes. If I could buy one... I'd buy a loudener.

 

 

Question: Why do people Refer to The Assembly as "HeaderS"??..It is Just ONE Unit...the Racing Beat header..Now I can see if you were Running a V-8 ..you would have a Pair of them..and it Becomes Plural.Headers..as in TWO...ah!.Maybe I am Getting Picky,or haven't had my Coffee!..I'm gonna Go for a Ride in my RRXX77!,that will clear things Up!

 

Two words: "Pants" and "Shorts". The english language sucks.