I know that by removing baffles from a stock pipe, there is usually a corresponding loss of torque. What happens if the baffles are left in but some or all of the packing around the baffle is removed?

Yes, I know the bike gets louder...

 

Your pipes will definitely be louder, they won't have quite as deep of a tone and they may sound a little more "tinny" but that should mellow as the mufflers get a good coating of soot in there. Removing the packing shouldn't hurt anything other than the slight possibility of discoloration over time due to heat but I've never had that problem. I guess it all depends on the quality of the muffler shell. It shouldn't have a negative affect on performance, in fact I actually think it will add a little more back pressure because it allows the exhaust to circulate around the baffle instead of flowing straight through the core but I can't back that up.

 

mufflers are designed to give the best performance and sound from the makers when new.

the more u alter it in any way Ur taking the chance of making it worse in both ways..

On my rush I repacked them after two yrs, about 17k, had lost some packing material on the ends and down the middle seam where they come together on both baffles..
rush sent me new material and I redone them..
that gave her the deeper/better sound again, IMO

Most baffle material in mufflers thats several yrs old that I've seen will crumble and fall apart when removed and U may not be able to re-install it once U take it off. and more than likely U wont like the sound if U do take it off.

What are U trying to do or want..? louder pipes?? or are U just playing??



.

 

Thanks. Actually, I was sort of wondering out loud.

 

I pulled the stock baffles out of my '09 SB mufflers and installed Cycle Shack baffles. Better sound and I didn't have to mess with the packing, it stayed in place.

 

Thanks again!

 

I took the baffles out of my S/E and replaced them with Cycle Shaft baffles. Better sound and definitely more tq