Decatting stock headers
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 1,603
From: High Point, NC.
Decatting stock headers
For those of you that have decatted your headers, how important is it to grind down the crossover piece that sticks up about 1/2 to 3/4 inch?
Bought a carbide grinding stone but doesn't seem to work very well. What did you use if it does need to be ground down?
I thought I read here that you need to grind it down for proper flow.
Thanks in advance for any tips.
Bought a carbide grinding stone but doesn't seem to work very well. What did you use if it does need to be ground down?
I thought I read here that you need to grind it down for proper flow.
Thanks in advance for any tips.
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 62
Likes: 35
From: Trail, BC.
When I did mine I didn’t bother. I’m no expert but the M8 likes a little back pressure any ways. I suppose it does affect flow a bit. With the MK 45 mufflers and baffles, a Fuel Moto map the bike runs great with a lot less felt heat.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 1,603
From: High Point, NC.
Cool thanks. I think I'll leave it as is and install sometime this week.
Honestly after the cost of time and material, it's much more cost effective and practical to get a decatted header like the Bassani or Supertrapp. They can be had very reasonably and use the stock heatshields etc. This and an air cleaner will make a noticeable difference in sound and power for under $500.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 1,603
From: High Point, NC.
Honestly after the cost of time and material, it's much more cost effective and practical to get a decatted header like the Bassani or Supertrapp. They can be had very reasonably and use the stock heatshields etc. This and an air cleaner will make a noticeable difference in sound and power for under $500.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,801
Likes: 2,329
From: WI
I bought my decatted header off Facebook Marketplace for $40, would've done it myself but I wanted to keep the stock header/cat in case I ever need it for a warranty situation... Lots of options on eBay as well for $100-150 shipped.
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For those of you that have decatted your headers, how important is it to grind down the crossover piece that sticks up about 1/2 to 3/4 inch?
Bought a carbide grinding stone but doesn't seem to work very well. What did you use if it does need to be ground down?
I thought I read here that you need to grind it down for proper flow.
Thanks in advance for any tips.
Bought a carbide grinding stone but doesn't seem to work very well. What did you use if it does need to be ground down?
I thought I read here that you need to grind it down for proper flow.
Thanks in advance for any tips.
How important is it? I did it because Steve Cole said it makes for less disruption of flow into the the crossover and maybe I imagine in the right side exhaust. I guess the stub sticking up will cause turbulence. Just how much flow goes into the crossover I don't know. If you still want to do it, $30 and about 15 minutes.
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Honestly after the cost of time and material, it's much more cost effective and practical to get a decatted header like the Bassani or Supertrapp. They can be had very reasonably and use the stock heatshields etc. This and an air cleaner will make a noticeable difference in sound and power for under $500.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 1,603
From: High Point, NC.
If you still want to grind it down, a long shank burr bit will do the trick. I think I paid about $30 for the one I bought.
How important is it? I did it because Steve Cole said it makes for less disruption of flow into the the crossover and maybe I imagine in the right side exhaust. I guess the stub sticking up will cause turbulence. Just how much flow goes into the crossover I don't know. If you still want to do it, $30 and about 15 minutes.
How important is it? I did it because Steve Cole said it makes for less disruption of flow into the the crossover and maybe I imagine in the right side exhaust. I guess the stub sticking up will cause turbulence. Just how much flow goes into the crossover I don't know. If you still want to do it, $30 and about 15 minutes.