Head Pipe questions
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
Head Pipe questions
What is the difference between adding new head pipes and removing the catalytic converter in the stock head pipes?
I think most aftermarket head pipes are straight through pipes with no catalytic converter but maybe I am wrong.
I think most aftermarket head pipes are straight through pipes with no catalytic converter but maybe I am wrong.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 184
From: Indiana, USA
The catalytic converter is a box designed to contain the converter media and flow characteristics are ok at best with the media still inside. Remove the media and you change flow and the box with corners may not flow as well as original, not as good as aftermarket. Aftermarket headpipes are designed to enhance flow and reduce heat with removal of the cat
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
Without getting too technical the better aftermarket head pipes have the o2 sensors placed properly and have a collector that enhances the scavenging effect. Also some have a coating on them to reduce heat transfer.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 57
From: N. IL
What are you after? Little more noise, little more power? Removing cat will help at a relatively cheap cost. I hear the stock head pipe with cat removed is good up to around 100h/p +/-, just saying. Both will need to be tuned with some sort of a programmer.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
According to a dyno run that used to be posted on the Fuel Moto site the difference between a performance head pipe and a stock pipe without a cat is about 1.8 HP. Not enough to make any difference.
If you are just changing mufflers, AC, and possibly installing cams, you will not gain enough with a performance head pipe to justify the 500 cost. Installing heads, bigger jugs, etc. then you will benefit from the head pipe.
Know that mufflers, AC and no cat will require some sort of tuner.
Bill
If you are just changing mufflers, AC, and possibly installing cams, you will not gain enough with a performance head pipe to justify the 500 cost. Installing heads, bigger jugs, etc. then you will benefit from the head pipe.
Know that mufflers, AC and no cat will require some sort of tuner.
Bill
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City
Do a search for 'gutted cat' 'de catting' something along those lines, many threads about how-to's, performance differences, etc. You'll find all the info you want or need.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 804
Likes: 237
From: TN
As others have mentioned, once the cat is out it will defenetly run better and hotter (leaner), you need a tuner. At that point the question becomes who is doing the tuning and what do they recommend. Many discussions on the sensor crosstalk when the cat is removed. If you want to ring out every last bit of power you need a quality head pipe. Fulsac makes a sport pipe which is a stock head pipe with a modified cat chamber, and they have an exchange program that is reasonable. I use it no complaints, probably leaving some power on the table, but not enough to worry about. Talk to your shop what they use for tuners, or if you are going to do it yourself do some more reading. Think of future mods so the tuner, the head pipe will suit your needs.
According to a dyno run that used to be posted on the Fuel Moto site the difference between a performance head pipe and a stock pipe without a cat is about 1.8 HP. Not enough to make any difference.
If you are just changing mufflers, AC, and possibly installing cams, you will not gain enough with a performance head pipe to justify the 500 cost. Installing heads, bigger jugs, etc. then you will benefit from the head pipe.
Know that mufflers, AC and no cat will require some sort of tuner.
Bill
If you are just changing mufflers, AC, and possibly installing cams, you will not gain enough with a performance head pipe to justify the 500 cost. Installing heads, bigger jugs, etc. then you will benefit from the head pipe.
Know that mufflers, AC and no cat will require some sort of tuner.
Bill
__________________
Jamie Long / Fuel Moto USA
The USA's Leader V-Twin EFI & Performance www.fuelmotousa.com
Contact 920-423-3309
Email jamie@fuelmotousa.com
Jamie Long / Fuel Moto USA
The USA's Leader V-Twin EFI & Performance www.fuelmotousa.com
Contact 920-423-3309
Email jamie@fuelmotousa.com