LAST ONE IN STOCK. THIS ITEM WILL BE DISCONTINUED ONCE GONE.
November 2009
Performance Auto Sound Magazine
A full review of the Racing Beat Exhaust System.
The Racing Beat REV8 "Street Legal", Cat-Back RX-8 Exhaust System (Twin Outlet Tips) is the perfect replacement for your stock exhaust - a durable assembly offering a real horsepower gain over your stock unit. Our RX-8 exhaust system consists of a 304 stainless steel Racing Beat connecting-pipe, muffler canisters, tubing, flanges, and outlet tips. The replacement connecting-pipe is manufactured using 3-inch (OD) tubing and features cast stainless steel flanges for positive exhaust gas sealing. (2009-11 RX-8 exhaust systems differ with regards to the positioning of the outlet tips and are NOT compatible with earlier 2004-08 RX-8 models.)
Twin Tips
The REV8 RX-8 Exhaust system will certainly stand out from the crowd with its distinctive twin tip outlet design! A first of its kind offering for the RX-8, these highly polished stainless steel tips offer a welcome change from the standard single tip design and provide a well-balanced look to the rear of the RX-8. Mirroring the design of the new-for-2009 tail light assembly, the twin tips provide a symmetrical balance from rear facing angles, and maximizes the exhaust openings in the bumper. To view a larger photo of the complete exhaust system follow this link.
Power Output
Utilizing our in-house dyno test facilities, the Racing Beat engineering staff has undertaken exhaust system extensive testing with the RX-8 Renesis engine. Our research has found that simply adding a large-diameter, "straight-through" muffler is very loud, and power gains are only modest. We focused our development efforts on optimizing the power output, while maintaining a moderate, but aggressive exhaust tone.
Based upon our initial test sessions, it appeared that the Mazda engineers did not leave much "untapped" horsepower behind in the stock RX-8 exhaust system. Although it appears there might be modest power gains available from a "cat-back" exhaust system, be wary of big horsepower claims from any aftermarket exhaust system.
Our testing has provided the following results:
Stock production engine - with muffler removed +5 HP
Stock production engine - with RB muffler + 3.5 HP
Stock production engine - with aftermarket system "A" muffler + 3.5 HP
Stock production engine - with aftermarket system "B" muffler + -1.5 HP
For a report on our testing methods, follow this link.
Sound Quality
Takayuki Oku, Racing Beat's co-founder and chief exhaust designer, has spent considerable time and effort in an attempt to fine-tune the internal canister design of our muffler canister to provide what he believes is the ultimate rotary exhaust note!!! As he notes, "A little bit of my blood, sweat, and soul is in everyone of these RX-8 mufflers!" During development of the exhaust he worked extensively to find the optimum balance between power and sound level. Too much sound dampening would rob power; too little dampening would bring the exhaust note up to unacceptable levels.
Just what is "unacceptable"? We assume that an individual that has purchased a RX-8 is seeking an exhaust note that reflects the character of both the car and the maturity of the car owner. The exhaust note that we envision for this car should provide a modest sound level increase over stock, but any harsh or "tinny" tones should be suppressed. Cruising speeds should not produce any droning or buzzing tones, but provide a deep melodic tone that doesn't distract from the driving experience. But, jump on the throttle and the exhaust should come alive with an aggressive note that enhances the driving experience. Refined and modest while cruising; aggressive and authoritative under acceleration - that is the balance that we strived to achieve!
