exhaust swap needs an ECM?!
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Stage IV
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Dickinson Texas
exhaust swap needs an ECM?!
I recently got an 09 FXDB. Lover her but man she is pretty quiet with her stock pipes. So I've been looking at a set of Bassani Fireflight and have been reading that I should install a new ECM. Especially the Cobra Fi2000 PowrPro. My question is it essential that I upgrade to a new ECM to prevent suffering horse power loss and bad idles. I'd really like to swap those pipes, but the pipes, ECM, and air cleaner upgrade is running a 1700 dollar price tag. Just curious of yalls opinions. Thanks for the help guys.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,162
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From: Doghouse... mostly
Neither one. Install the A/C or pipes, one or the other, ride her around for 7-10 miles and let the factory ECM recalibrate itself. Then install the other mod, ride her around for 7-10 miles and let it recalibrate itself again. No need for what they're telling you to do.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,403
Likes: 72
From: North Dakota
Neither one. Install the A/C or pipes, one or the other, ride her around for 7-10 miles and let the factory ECM recalibrate itself. Then install the other mod, ride her around for 7-10 miles and let it recalibrate itself again. No need for what they're telling you to do.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 724
Likes: 2
From: SC Lowcountry
Neither one. Install the A/C or pipes, one or the other, ride her around for 7-10 miles and let the factory ECM recalibrate itself. Then install the other mod, ride her around for 7-10 miles and let it recalibrate itself again. No need for what they're telling you to do.
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Stage IV
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Dickinson Texas
Wow man. Lots of different opinions here. Thats great. More info equals more tools to grab from. Ill get the pips on this months and let you guys know. I appreciate all the help. I come from a vintage brit bike background so I'm sure i'll have more questions as I go. Thanks again.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2009
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As many have said, swapping pipes and air cleaner doesn't hurt anything unless you routinely run it like you stole it. You will leave performance and drivability on the table, well even without pipe and intake changes you are leaving plenty of performance on the table. But if you are just ridding and want the sound or style, it is a don't care. The ECU has a base map that reflects the stock engine airflow. When you change pipes and air filter you change the airflow characteristics of the engine, especially above 3-4000 rpm. The ECU will adjust closed loop, perhaps it won't be happy but it will adjust. Open loop, when you ar on the throttle or during throttle transitions, the adjustments are not enough to compensate. They should be close enough for occasional hard riding, but I'd avoid running hard routinely. You need some kind of tuner to compensate.
I wouldn't bother with an air filter unless its for style. You won't see any performance difference without also tuning.
Every bike is a bit different, if you want to dial in the tune yourself, either to be sure its done right or you like to tinker, think about a TTS kit for your tool box. I have one and so does my neighbor and its probably the best tuning device for the back yard mechanic. Otherwise go to a competent tuning pro (not necessarily the dealer) for advice. Stay away from the add on boxes with canned maps unless you want to save $100 and are willing to live with the compromises.
I wouldn't bother with an air filter unless its for style. You won't see any performance difference without also tuning.
Every bike is a bit different, if you want to dial in the tune yourself, either to be sure its done right or you like to tinker, think about a TTS kit for your tool box. I have one and so does my neighbor and its probably the best tuning device for the back yard mechanic. Otherwise go to a competent tuning pro (not necessarily the dealer) for advice. Stay away from the add on boxes with canned maps unless you want to save $100 and are willing to live with the compromises.
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