After lurking on this forum reading various reviews about 2 into 1s I settled with the patriot defender. Looks really well made and can't beat the price point. The whole install was easy, until it came time to fit the exhaust into the cylinder heads. I had replaced the exhaust gaskets (which were a bear but I got them ok) ... Neither pipe wants to go all the way inside of the exhaust ports. I got them started, and got the bolts started on the flange, but it seems I am putting WAY too much force tightening them down. Got about 1/2" of space between the cylinder head and the flanges on both sides. Any one have a similar experience? Don't want to go Neanderthal on it. Thanks!

Bike is 2007 sportster low, forward controls...

 

Never installed those pipes but I cant see them being any different from the others at the exhaust ports. Make sure that the gaskets are set properly first, and try again. After reading the patriot defender pipes install instructions I found on line, if you are putting in more that 8 to 10 foot pounds of torque and it's not working something is wrong.

Here is the pdf link I found for them

http://patriotpipes.com/instructions...20M141510S.pdf

 

Thanks inferno. The gaskets were seating very flush and in good condition inside the ports... going to give it another shot tomorrow. Thanks for link

 

I had the same issue with my defenders. I was not able to install them with regular oem gaskets. I was only able to get them to fit correctly with the smaller screaming eagle gaskets and even with those it was hard to get them to seat right with no leaks. It was a bit frustrating but I finally got them installed.

 

pretty sure I used the screaming eagle as well. I know it's recommend somewhere

 

Ok good advice, I will pick some SE gaskets tomorrow and give it a try. Thanks!!

 

Makes sense now why you are having problems. They recommend in the instructions also that you use the SE Gaskets Part # 17048-98.

http://houseofharley.com/Harley-Davi...-17048-98.html

 

The thinner gaskets worked like a champ. Thanks guys