The tuner I used just recently (Jason @ Fairbault HD) fiinshed doing my tune after my cams and said a 2-1 exahust would help me out with my numbers but said if I like the exhaust thats on there its not worth the switch. Had I hated the exhaust and was getting a new set up then yes he said go 2-1 for performance. His only job there is tuning so he knows numbers. I say get the pipe/pipes you like the best becuase it going to be much better than stock! If your goal is pure performance and looks second 2-1 is your pipe.





I can buy that the 2-1 is better for performance than the 2-2 but I won't believe that a 2-1 stage one is better than a stage 2 with a 2-2. Something is not right there. I noticed a bigger difference going from stage one to stage one plus cams than I did from stock to stage one.

 

I was kinda surprised too...they are the same bike but like I said, every bike is different.
Plus they were tuned on different days, humidity, ect. Even with all that, I was surprised I came on top.

 

True true

 

Doubt you'll get a definitive answer on this. There's just too many variables. Depends on what else is done, whether its dynoed and who by, etc.

Not all 2-1s (or 2-2s) are created equal. Some 2-1s are more about looks than being designed for performance. Some that are tuned are tuned for top end i.e. dyno bragging rights that don't translate into anything useful on the road.

You could quite easily buy a 2-1 because they are generally supposed to perform better that a 2-2 and find its actually worse.

Personally if I had a good 2-2 system already (say some Remus slip-ons on stock headers) I'd not spend the money on a 2-1. If I was upgrading from stock then I'd likely pick a good quality 2-1. Though some are pretty fugly and you have to live with it and that might outway a 1-3 HP gain on a stage 1 bike.

 

Bazinga this man has it

 

If all else fails, listen to some YouTube clips. Sound is a big factor too, after all once you've flown though your gears, you gotta listen to it cruise for the next xx,xxx miles....

 

yeah i was just looking for a ball park estimate. i know you cant give exact figures. but i was thinking if you get a difference of 10ish hp instead 3ish hp it would be enough to think about looking for a 2:1. I think you guys have answered my questions. thanks again

 

This has been my experience too. Sometimes, stock head pipes with good slip-ons out perform 2-1's.