slip-ons or full system
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 772
Likes: 101
From: Oxford MI
slip-ons or full system
What's up folks?
I have the V&H Straightshots slip-ons (standard baffles) installed now and have no problem with the way they sound. I do however like the look of a full system with the seamless heat shield.
I am planning on swapping my cams and figure while I'm doing it I could change my exhaust to a full system as well (getting 20% off on parts at the dealer).
Is a full system that much different than slip-ons? Does the full system have a converter in it? Is a full system louder?
I guess I'm worried it'll be TOO loud. I like the sound I'm getting now...
Also, will the new cams make it louder or just change the sound?
Thanks...
I have the V&H Straightshots slip-ons (standard baffles) installed now and have no problem with the way they sound. I do however like the look of a full system with the seamless heat shield.
I am planning on swapping my cams and figure while I'm doing it I could change my exhaust to a full system as well (getting 20% off on parts at the dealer).
Is a full system that much different than slip-ons? Does the full system have a converter in it? Is a full system louder?
I guess I'm worried it'll be TOO loud. I like the sound I'm getting now...
Also, will the new cams make it louder or just change the sound?
Thanks...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 7
From: SE Illinois
With the FXDC & FXDB the cats are in the muffler bodies, so you're already removed them by doing the slip-ons.
Depends on what type of full system you're thinking of going with. If you're going to do a 2-2 like big shots or something, I feel there will be little if no difference between that & what you have now except the full system will look cleaner. However since you are doing cams a 2-1 system like the V&H propipe would probably benefit you a little power wise.
I did the 3" V&H slip-ons on my new FXDC & I'm happy. I wanted to stick to the 2-2 look & my bike is stage 1 with SERTPRO so I felt doing a full exhaust would not benefit me much power wise since the slip-ons already got rid of the cat, just looks vs. $ & I decided to just do the slip-ons. On the FXDF, FXDWG & FLD you have to do a full system to get rid of the cats since it is in the head pipes of those models.
Depends on what type of full system you're thinking of going with. If you're going to do a 2-2 like big shots or something, I feel there will be little if no difference between that & what you have now except the full system will look cleaner. However since you are doing cams a 2-1 system like the V&H propipe would probably benefit you a little power wise.
I did the 3" V&H slip-ons on my new FXDC & I'm happy. I wanted to stick to the 2-2 look & my bike is stage 1 with SERTPRO so I felt doing a full exhaust would not benefit me much power wise since the slip-ons already got rid of the cat, just looks vs. $ & I decided to just do the slip-ons. On the FXDF, FXDWG & FLD you have to do a full system to get rid of the cats since it is in the head pipes of those models.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 990
Likes: 8
From: CALIFORNIA
The dealers 20% discount should bring the pipes back down to MSRP 
I went from slipons to a big shots system and it's pretty loud. My slipons were super quiet though. I wouldn't think that most of the full systems would be much louder than your straight shot slipons unless you are going with a short pipe system.
I went from slipons to a big shots system and it's pretty loud. My slipons were super quiet though. I wouldn't think that most of the full systems would be much louder than your straight shot slipons unless you are going with a short pipe system.
Last edited by Greatscott; Mar 19, 2012 at 11:17 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,357
Likes: 8
From: Pa
i would say full system. a full system shouldnt be much louder than what you have. you have free flowing mufflers and no cat. so basically not much different than a full system. only thing your missing is that smooth full system look. me personally i like the look of the v&h propipe. the 2 into 1 really keeps the sound tame and exits past the passenger which i heard helps exit the exhaust tones past the driver and passenger. hell its up to you. to get full advantage of you future upgrades i would say full system.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 772
Likes: 101
From: Oxford MI
Ok, full system it is.
Now, what about the install?
I hear guys talking about what a PITA it is and was hoping to get some pointers.
What parts should I replace? I have read to replace the gaskets (but don't get the SE ones, stay with stock), the circlip, the flanges and the nuts.
I want this to be done right the first time.
Know of any good install threads or videos?
Any help would rock!
Thanks...
Now, what about the install?
I hear guys talking about what a PITA it is and was hoping to get some pointers.
What parts should I replace? I have read to replace the gaskets (but don't get the SE ones, stay with stock), the circlip, the flanges and the nuts.
I want this to be done right the first time.
Know of any good install threads or videos?
Any help would rock!
Thanks...
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,357
Likes: 8
From: Pa
to be honest this was my first upgrade i have everdone to a motor cycle. really is simple. also i replaced my exhaust gaskets with the screaming eagle ones. no issues at all. the screaming eagle ones are a little thinner than the stock one. i have read the same amount of post that say to use them to not to. i went with them and never looked back
Last edited by pontiac69; Mar 19, 2012 at 05:40 PM.
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My scoot had 2k miles on it when I changed over to the full system, and installation was very straight forward. I reused stock gaskets, and no issues. Just remember to take your time, and don't tighten anything until you have all your nuts & bolts started. If you're buying a new system, they usually come with instructions, and if it's a used set, you can usually download the instruction sheet from the MFR website.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5,477
Likes: 5
From: New Braunfels, Texas
So what full system did you decide on? A 2-1 will give you the best performance. I bought the V&H propipe and I love the sound...It's actually a tad quieter then my rush slip ons with the 2.25 baffles. Really pretty quiet when I fire it up at 4am but when you get on it, it gets quite a bit louder. Like Pontiac said, it exits past your eardrums so I don't get the ringing of the ears after riding anymore.
If you decide on V&H, directharleyparts.com had the best prices I could find...I paid $479 delivered to my door.
The biggest thing you can do for your bike is after you do the cams and new exhaust pick a quality tuner and have it dyno'ld by a reputable tuner. For me that made all the bike mods just mesh together. Not only does it fly...but it just cruises so much better now. when I let off the throttle the propipe sonds like a jake brake on a tractor with no popping.
If you decide on V&H, directharleyparts.com had the best prices I could find...I paid $479 delivered to my door.
The biggest thing you can do for your bike is after you do the cams and new exhaust pick a quality tuner and have it dyno'ld by a reputable tuner. For me that made all the bike mods just mesh together. Not only does it fly...but it just cruises so much better now. when I let off the throttle the propipe sonds like a jake brake on a tractor with no popping.