American Custom PowerFlex Header Issue
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Club Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 185
Likes: 1
From: Tuddenham St. Mary, United Kingdom
American Custom PowerFlex Header Issue
Received the PowerFlex header, mufflers and heat shields this past week from American Custom. Went to install the headers today and found they were misaligned.
Picture 1: This is a photograph of the PowerFlex header at the rear cylinder, after the header for the front has been loosely bolted into place, and after the bottom bracket has been properly aligned. You can clearly see a gap between the top left portion of the opening and the PowerFlex header.
Picture 2: PowerFlex header is on the left, stock header is on the right. The angle difference is clearly visible.
I really wanted this to work, since today was a beautiful day in NC and I was looking forward to a decent ride. Also, my wife and I (yes, she helped - she's a terrific mechanic) have done quite a bit of work on cars and motorcycles, so this installation was nothing new for us. Nonetheless, we went over everything several times to be sure we weren't doing something wrong.
I requested a return shipment label for the misaligned PowerFlex header, as well as immediate shipment of a replacement so I can complete the exhaust system installation. I'll follow up tomorrow morning to ensure all the details are ironed out, and hopefully this will be resolved quickly.
I was disappointed, but these things happen. My loyalty (and future dollars) often go to a company based on how they handle issues such as this.
Picture 1: This is a photograph of the PowerFlex header at the rear cylinder, after the header for the front has been loosely bolted into place, and after the bottom bracket has been properly aligned. You can clearly see a gap between the top left portion of the opening and the PowerFlex header.
Picture 2: PowerFlex header is on the left, stock header is on the right. The angle difference is clearly visible.
I really wanted this to work, since today was a beautiful day in NC and I was looking forward to a decent ride. Also, my wife and I (yes, she helped - she's a terrific mechanic) have done quite a bit of work on cars and motorcycles, so this installation was nothing new for us. Nonetheless, we went over everything several times to be sure we weren't doing something wrong.
I requested a return shipment label for the misaligned PowerFlex header, as well as immediate shipment of a replacement so I can complete the exhaust system installation. I'll follow up tomorrow morning to ensure all the details are ironed out, and hopefully this will be resolved quickly.
I was disappointed, but these things happen. My loyalty (and future dollars) often go to a company based on how they handle issues such as this.
Never heard of them.
I hope they come through for you.
I, too, had an issue with a RUSH Racing pipe, they took care of me post-haste.
I have never had dealings with a company that had better customer service than RUSH.
I hope they come through for you.
I, too, had an issue with a RUSH Racing pipe, they took care of me post-haste.
I have never had dealings with a company that had better customer service than RUSH.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
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Likes: 5,316
That's because they are used pipes. According to their website, the header "is made from a stock Harley header." By stock, I have to assume it is a used stock Harley header because I doubt Harley would sell them OEM stock headers from the factory. Their website goes on to say that they "replace the restrictive, power-grabbing section of the muffler with our own POWER chamber." In other words, they de-cat the header and weld in their "power chamber", whatever that means.
Thread Starter
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Club Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 185
Likes: 1
From: Tuddenham St. Mary, United Kingdom
That's because they are used pipes. According to their website, the header "is made from a stock Harley header." By stock, I have to assume it is a used stock Harley header because I doubt Harley would sell them OEM stock headers from the factory. Their website goes on to say that they "replace the restrictive, power-grabbing section of the muffler with our own POWER chamber." In other words, they de-cat the header and weld in their "power chamber", whatever that means.
As for their service, a they said a different header is on the way, with a return shipping label for the misaligned one. Regarding installation, they advised, "The best way to install is to tilt the bottom out and scoop both pipes into the ports and then, once they are aligned, tilt the bottom toward the bike onto the mounting bracket. That should be a helpful tip when installing the replacement." We had already done that. In any event, hopefully the replacement header works.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,057
Likes: 5,316
I don't know, but I get the impression the "power chamber" is something they add to that part of the pipe where the catalytic converter was because, otherwise, it's just a used de-catted head pipe which can be had on eBay for ~$125. American Custom is asking $234 for their pipe, so they must do something more than de-cat the pipe.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: coast to coast
They've been around for a while and more than a few forum members have pipes from them with good results. I've had two sets with no issues and good service. Hopefully they sort you out. Never tried their headers, but they do a few nice mods on the OEM slip ons they sell. I'll be interested in your review of the header.
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Club Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 185
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From: Tuddenham St. Mary, United Kingdom
Update - Replacement header arrived today - not too shabby considering I discovered the issue and communicated it to American Custom on Sunday. Will attempt an install this weekend.