I'm no mechanic, so I can't challenge your assertions. I am basing my conclusions on what I understood after a conversation with Jamie at FM. As I understand it, the FM headpipe is identical to the stock with the exception of no cat, and it's constructed out of high-quality stainless. I was also told after properly tuned, I would see a bump in both HP and TQ. Now where along the RPM range that bump shows up, I didn't ask.

Although my primary reason for going with the decat, is to move the heat through the exhaust faster, eliminating at least some of the heat on my right ankle, I certainly don't want to lose power.

Jamie, feel free to jump in here and correct anything from our conversation I may have understood.

 

If the FM headpipe is identical to the stock with the exception of no cat then it's better to just remove the cat out of the stock and give it a dyno tune. Money saved.

 

There are certainly differences, improvements, & benefits from a properly designed head pipe like our Jackpot M8 2/1/2 over a gutted stock pipe. I will further explain when I am back in the office after the weekend.

 

Jamie,

I'm looking forward to your explanation. I'm interested in your head pipe for the same reason as the OP. I want to remove heat.

Thanks.

 

I have the FM head pipe on the way. I am looking forward to hearing more info from Jamie on the subject. 👍

 

Bump.

 

Installed my Fuel Moto M8 headpipe tonight. Didn't ride but fired it up to check for leaks before putting Shields back on. Sounds MUCH better! Here's a pic. It fit perfect and was straightforward and I didn't screw anything up yet.

 

The HD catalog says the 117 Stage IV with their high-flow exhaust ($1400) dynoed at the rear wheel at 125hp/115ftlbs.

 

Heatwave beat me to it. I just went out to the FM website and looked over some of the dyno charts they have posted. Everything I see indicates at least minimal power and torque gains throughout the curve. In other words, no hp/tq loss at lower RPM's.

As soon as the weather becomes a little more predictable, I'll be heading up to Wisconsin and have them install the headpipe, tuner and then tune.