My exhaust manifold heat shield finally rattled its way loose so I removed it yesterday. I was wondering if anyone has compared power gains/losses between a 2-1 header and using just a pre cat eliminator pipe onto their stock manifold (like the RB or Bonez). I'm thinking about getting the RB header to connect to my presilencer and wrapping it with header wrap to reduce the underhood temps which are even worse now that there is no heat shield on my exhaust man.



I've read at Mazdatrix that for basically stock NA fuel injected 13B's, they recommend the cat replacement pipe rather than the header. Does anyone have the header with just basic bolt on's? What do you guys think?



thanks

I've got a RB header and intake. Its the only NA 7 ever i've ever driven though, so i cant really tell you how much faster it is than stock. It's really loud though.

Did you notice any increase in power from before you installed it or did you get the car with it on? Do your port actuators still work? I just don't want to lose any power over my current set up.

i got a bonez race pipe and my ports are opened.....not much changes in the low range but there's a difference in upper rpm ranges

I've had both, i would reccomend the race pipe, since 1) it WAY cheaper 2) No where near as loud, sheez headers are loud! 3) the header does have slight more power but not worth it imo.

When I added a BONZ pipe on my Stock 88' it made a huge difference... Maybe it was the sound... But it sure seemed to have more power.



I've got a header now, no sleves and well... a totally different setup so I can't compare it to the stock motor.

thanks guys, I'll save my money since I have this oil seal to worry about now.



:rant: