modifying thunderheader
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
modifying thunderheader
I recently put a Thunderheader 2-1 exhaust on my bike and I am very pleased with sound and overall engineperformance, however, it is just too easy to drag it in the corners. Would it be terribly difficult to cut it off at the collector and make new headers that move it up an inch or so and reattach it? Also, how about moving it up about 6 inches so it goes over the passenger peg instead of under? I'm notexperienced making exhausts so I'm gonna leave this to a pro, just wondering if I should expect it to cost as much as buying a whole new exhaust or if it should be relatively easy.
[IMG]local://upfiles/32967/ED09D21CE0F348A19FBD68884B4CDADF.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/32967/ED09D21CE0F348A19FBD68884B4CDADF.jpg[/IMG]
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 592
Likes: 1
From:
RE: modifying thunderheader
I don't know anything about modifying the thunderheader. Mine doesn't drag, so either I am not riding as hard as you are or it sits higher on my bike. I mostly wanted to post and say that I love your bike. That's a kickass look man.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From:
RE: modifying thunderheader
Get the old saw out...take a pie cut out of the collector (but don't saw all the way through)and TIG it back together..no big deal.
You know you'll need to mod the muffler mount also.
I did almost the same thing to mine.
just do it !
You know you'll need to mod the muffler mount also.
I did almost the same thing to mine.
just do it !
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
RE: modifying thunderheader
Thanks Lebowski! I ride agressively sometimes, but I think it has the most to do with the Deluxe coming from the factory already lowered 2" compared to all the other big softies. I'd really love to lower mine more, but in the name of performance I'm leaving it where it's at until I can afford air ride. I'd really like to just make a custom exhaust for it too, but I know that anything I make will not perform as well as the Thunderheader. Any guesses how much a job like this will cost me?
Spike
Spike
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 87
From:
RE: modifying thunderheader
I believe that changing the length will affect the performance. A better solution would be to bend the head pipes so that the muffler is higher up, say about in line with the rear axle. I have no idea what this would cost but you need to take it to someone that has the equipment and experience and see if they can do it. I would think it would be fairly inexpensive and since you are not running heat shields it should suit you very well.
I am editing this because I now think it might be tricky bending the header pipes if they are welded together but a good metal shop may be able to handle it no sweat. I am no expert at this.
I am editing this because I now think it might be tricky bending the header pipes if they are welded together but a good metal shop may be able to handle it no sweat. I am no expert at this.
Trending Topics
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
Likes: 83
From: Canton, Michigan
RE: modifying thunderheader
It's gonna be pricey....Anytime you start cutting the chrome stuff and asking someone to tig it back together you are in fora bit of expense...
Personally, I'd wait until I could go the custom exhaust. And I'm a big advocate of the Thunderheader exhausts...I'll be putting one on my 93 EVO when the factory headpipes go to hell.
Personally, I'd wait until I could go the custom exhaust. And I'm a big advocate of the Thunderheader exhausts...I'll be putting one on my 93 EVO when the factory headpipes go to hell.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
RE: modifying thunderheader
Well, I can go to the custom exhaust any time I want. In fact, I really would prefer the look of something different, but the performance of the Thunderheader is the best I've experienced yet and, for my tastes, it is one of the least offensive looking performance 2-1s out there. Also, chrome is not a factor for me as I want to get it ceramiccoated blackanyway. I'm just wanting to have new headers made and welded back on to the collecter. I will try to keep the headers really close to the same length they are now, just repositioned.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 2
From:
RE: modifying thunderheader
funny that you post this now. i picked up all the stuff to do my 95 kit/ and cams and am gonna rework my thunderheader at the same time due to the constant dragging. tired of always rewrapping the bottom primary tube. i'm gonna cut off the muffler section and reroute the top primary above the aircleaner and back down so that where the top primary went into the muffler will now be at the bottom. will take alot of pics and send them to you if you want.