muffler for intercooler piping means exactly that. previous owner's builders chopped up exhaust piping and welded them together. yeah its cheap, but that was unacceptable to me. a car like the RX-7 that carries a legacy deserves better than that!
as for the BOV i was told that physics wise its better to put it on the cold side of the intercooler piping rather than hotside. its closer to the throttle body, that way when it slams shut the BOV will open faster due to air pressurizing. its a debate-able topic indeed, so for me... its the right way. ive seen guys run them on the hot side as well, but thats their thing. i know it works great between the IC and throttlebody
i also appreciate your compliment btw, before this thing looked like it would explode after 1 good run lol. anyway, more to come soon.