Thunderheaders vs FatcAt
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Thunderheaders vs FatcAt
Ok, I've decided to go with new pipes for my 2010 Heritage classic and have narrowed it down to the Thunderheaders vs Fatcat and I wanted to get some opinions from you all.
I'm looking for a deep throaty sound and a little more horsepower. I've heard some bad things about the TH quality of late (I want these in chrome) but I heard them on a dyna and they sounded great. I'm a little worried about the Fatcat not giving me enough "thunder."
I'm sure this has been beaten to death but a quick search didn't come up with a comparison of the two.
Should I get a tuner and high performance air cleaner at the same time?
I'm looking for a deep throaty sound and a little more horsepower. I've heard some bad things about the TH quality of late (I want these in chrome) but I heard them on a dyna and they sounded great. I'm a little worried about the Fatcat not giving me enough "thunder."
I'm sure this has been beaten to death but a quick search didn't come up with a comparison of the two.
Should I get a tuner and high performance air cleaner at the same time?
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
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I'd get a tuner and air cleaner to get the proper fuel air ratio with your new pipe. I know a lot of guys who have run Thunderheaders for years with out a problem. They will discolor, guaranteed. If sound is what you want the Thunderheader will be loud enough and most guys like the sound. The Fat Cat sound is a love it or hate it thing. The Fat Cat Quality is amazing. Everything fits very well and the heat shields fit and cover the inner pipe well. The Thunderheader is well known to produce more power in the midrange and higher end, but have a little torque dip at lower r.p.m.s. The Fat Cat makes power better at low r.p.m. and doesn't fizzle out at higher revs. I run a Fat Cat and feel the throttle response is pretty awesome. Either pipe will be a great improvement over stock properly tuned.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Northern, Ohio (Yuck!)
I'd get a tuner and air cleaner to get the proper fuel air ratio with your new pipe. I know a lot of guys who have run Thunderheaders for years with out a problem. They will discolor, guaranteed. If sound is what you want the Thunderheader will be loud enough and most guys like the sound. The Fat Cat sound is a love it or hate it thing. The Fat Cat Quality is amazing. Everything fits very well and the heat shields fit and cover the inner pipe well. The Thunderheader is well known to produce more power in the midrange and higher end, but have a little torque dip at lower r.p.m.s. The Fat Cat makes power better at low r.p.m. and doesn't fizzle out at higher revs. I run a Fat Cat and feel the throttle response is pretty awesome. Either pipe will be a great improvement over stock properly tuned.
That said I like my TH. Get any pipe chrome pipe hot enough and it will discolor. I have had no quality issues with my pipe in 10,000 miles...
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
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kinda on the fence on the 2 into 1 thing myself with the fatcat, thunder header, v&h pro pipe being primary choices.. I am also considering the rinehart 2 into 2 staggards, not the crossflow, just think they look kinda funky. If you go with the fatcat give DR Vtwin on here a shout, he will give ya a great price!
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Los Angeles, CA
I can get you any of these pipes at a great price. I prefer the fatcat,but the TH has been known to get good results as well. Although, quality is not that of a fatcat. Northside also knows that D&D is a great company to work with. Customer service friendly all the way. Leonard is the man!.
Drew
Drew
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From: Northwest of Los Angeles
Thunderheaders have always had a great sound, but their long-term quality have always been suspect, especially regarding discoloring and rusting of the chrome. Subjectively, I also prefer the sound of the Fatcat -- it isn't as loud as the Thunderheader, but it has a deep throaty quality at idle and will really bark at WOT (wide open throttle). Each has its fans, but I voted for the Fatcat a few years ago and have never regretted the choice.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: MEXICO
I've had my TH for over 8 years now, no blueing, chipping, or any other manufacturing issue. I absolutely would put them again (I'd get true duals with Thunderheaders slip-ons next time just to see the sound difference, disregarding the power loss vs a 2-1 system).
Yes, it is highly reccomended that you upgrade your intake as you upgrade your exhaust.
Good luck with your decision, I only wish you bike was carburated, can't beat the sound of an evolution carburated engine at idle....
Check how those design lines flow with the bike:
A wider angle:
Mimo.
Yes, it is highly reccomended that you upgrade your intake as you upgrade your exhaust.
Good luck with your decision, I only wish you bike was carburated, can't beat the sound of an evolution carburated engine at idle....
Check how those design lines flow with the bike:
A wider angle:
Mimo.
Last edited by mimo; Aug 30, 2010 at 10:51 AM.
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Intermediate
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As usual, great replies guys, thanks. I think I may edge towards the Fatcat because I like the looks of them a bit better, but I'm still worried about the sound. Anyone know of any videos where I could get a listen? I know it's not the ultimate way of doing it but I want to make this decision rather quickly. I've heard the thunderheaders live and they sound great.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 10,058
Likes: 8
From: MEXICO
There you go, it sounds quite nice actually (you would have to hear them live thou) and that is how a carbed engine sounds... blisssssss... And that is a heritage...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBE8BDO-Td8
Mimo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBE8BDO-Td8
Mimo.