Hey guys I was wondering if I could get some advice regarding installing a thunderheader on my '08 FXD. Im currently running stock a/c with vance and hines big radius pipes, runs great no problems at all, and I want to switch things up and slap a thunderheader on there. I was calling around getting some prices and one place said that I could just put the thunderheader on there and it will run fine. However, another place I called they said I need to put a stage 1 on and a powercommander as well and quoted me around $1600-1800 for a price. So my question in who is right? Do I need to do the stage 1 and powercommander to get the signature thunderheader sound and performance it's known for?

 

The purpose of getting a power commander and a stage 1 air filter is to richen up the fuel mixture and put more into the engine. It will give it more power and cool the bike down. Do you NEED to? No. Will it run far better if you do? Yes. I can get you all that stuff for far less than $1600. Install it yourself, it is quite simple. If you get the pipe only and install it you should be fine, but there is a chance of discoloration on the pipe due to the extra lean condition of the engine on the stock bike. PM me if you avhe questions and i can explain or email.

Drew

 

great response! I'll add one thing to get the thunderheader to sound as good and deep as it often does, you will want to tune the bike. The tune makes a good bit of difference in the sound you get out of your pipes.

 

Mc125...what do you consider your mechanical skill level? Can you operate a ratchet and box wrenches? If so, you can do the install yourself. You really should get it tuned which will cost you anywhere from $250+ depending where you go.

 

Thanks for the help guys. I appreciate all the input. After researching a little more I think I will try to do this one on my own and then get it tuned as you guys have suggested...that seems to be the popular solution. Again, thanks for the help.

 

I haven't put a download or tune on mine yet.
I also haven't put my stage one a/c on it yet.
It pops a little on de-cel but not bad, once I hit the 1k
I'll tune it on the dyno.