I just installed the 300 Eliminators on my 18 Heritage, but I don’t know how tight to tighten the clamps provided with the mufflers that attach the slipons to the head pipes. I tried calling V&H but they said they don’t have an answer. I do not want to over tighten, I’m afraid I’ll crush the head pipes. Does anybody know how tight in ft pounds to tighten the clamps? Also I did not use gaskets, the instructions said nothing about using them. Thanks.

 

Some slips ons don’t need the gaskets, I “think” V&H are on that list. If they fit fairly snug you should be fine. If they were swimming loose when you put them on, maybe try the gaskets. You’ll know when you start it too. It won’t hurt anything to run without the gaskets but you’ll notice the leak around the join. Just wouldn’t ride it if you realize it Does need gaskets...only because it’ll rattle and stress the mounting bolts...and worst case come off mid ride.

As for torque, they just need to be very snug. Once you are getting good resistance give it another 1/4 to 1/2 turn and call it good. No need to crank too hard. If you can get it that tight it’s another sign you don’t need those pesky gaskets.

 

No gasket on V&H slip ons or torque settings.

Use the old school tightening scale;

loose
Tight-ish
Tight
Really tight
Really f*cking tight

Ideally with slip on's you want to be somewhere between Tight and Really tight.

Never go past 'Really f*cking tight' because then you'll be on 'Oh f*ck, I've stripped the thread', which is a different scale altogether.

 

Thanks, I will try that scale, they do sound good, put on the ventilator and the fuelpak tuner and I am satisfied. I just like mechanical aspects of the bike be in spec.