Decatting header
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 804
Likes: 1,510
From: Bloomington, IN
2022 RKS - Quick question. I would like to save some $$$ and decat my OEM header rather than buying new one since I plan to save my stock shields anyway no need for me to spend $800 on fullsac.
Will overall final effect on performance of the bike be significantly different between using decatted OEM header vs expensive FullSac?
I run KhromeWerks mufflers
It might sound stupid but at the end of the day both options are hollow pipes so I would expect final effect on performance gains (when installing cams) would be negligible if any. Is my logic tinted?
Any idea?
Will overall final effect on performance of the bike be significantly different between using decatted OEM header vs expensive FullSac?
I run KhromeWerks mufflers
It might sound stupid but at the end of the day both options are hollow pipes so I would expect final effect on performance gains (when installing cams) would be negligible if any. Is my logic tinted?
Any idea?
I'm not sure if you've done this yet. I drilled mine out on my 20 SG. I took the head pipe off. It's a little more work, but makes it a lot easier to work on and 100% worth it to remove first. Cutting and welding is not necessary. Drilling it out took about 30 minutes, and it was a complete removal. I drilled two holes about 3/4" apart and used a wrench to put inside the holes and twisted the whole thing out. Easy enough, and I've done it again since.
You will not see a performance increase, but it was recommended to get a tune. It does change the way the engine runs. Personally, I don't feel like it's worth the trouble. I just replaced the system and didn't look back. If you're keeping the 2 into 2 look, then it's worth the effort to set yourself up for better running down the road with the tune.
You will not see a performance increase, but it was recommended to get a tune. It does change the way the engine runs. Personally, I don't feel like it's worth the trouble. I just replaced the system and didn't look back. If you're keeping the 2 into 2 look, then it's worth the effort to set yourself up for better running down the road with the tune.
Last edited by NoRegerts; Dec 28, 2023 at 03:53 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5,450
Likes: 6,279
From: pacific northwest
Ok, I hesitated to bring this up because it will probably start a frenzy of posts on the subject but I would remove the head pipe to take out the cat... Think about this a minute.. When you drill or bust out the cat, notice all the cat dust floating around? Ever think about the fact that the exhaust valves are open on at least one cylinder? Also not so much with a stock cam, but there is overlap where both intake and exhaust valves are open at the same time. There is also reversion where exhaust gas reenters the cylinder through the exhaust valves.. So you knock the cat out, make all this dust and small chunks of cat, maybe think you got it all out and then crank the engine.... Does the engine ingest some of the dust and small chunks?? It might or might not but why chance it?
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 625
Likes: 509
From: Mo
How do you remove the dust being created on the engine side of the cat while drilling and knocking it out?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5,450
Likes: 6,279
From: pacific northwest
Have de catted two headers by this method and zero issues .
HDF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 7,821
Likes: 4,381
From: Texas
Originally Posted by NoRegerts;[url=tel:21505513
21505513[/url]]I'm not sure if you've done this yet. I drilled mine out on my 20 SG. I took the head pipe off. It's a little more work, but makes it a lot easier to work on and 100% worth it to remove first. Cutting and welding is not necessary. Drilling it out took about 30 minutes, and it was a complete removal. I drilled two holes about 3/4" apart and used a wrench to put inside the holes and twisted the whole thing out. Easy enough, and I've done it again since.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 4,798
Likes: 5,889
From: Knoxville
Why? Catalytic converters have zero impact on performance or sound despite all the hen talk?
Really want to hear why in all seriousness.
My take has always been, if you can sport for a 30k PLUS motorcycle, you can afford to spend for a proper header that doesnt have a catalytic converter. If not, performance mods are not in your wheelhouse. Just ride the bike.
Happy New Year to all!
Really want to hear why in all seriousness.
My take has always been, if you can sport for a 30k PLUS motorcycle, you can afford to spend for a proper header that doesnt have a catalytic converter. If not, performance mods are not in your wheelhouse. Just ride the bike.
Happy New Year to all!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5,450
Likes: 6,279
From: pacific northwest
Why? Catalytic converters have zero impact on performance or sound despite all the hen talk?
Really want to hear why in all seriousness.
My take has always been, if you can sport for a 30k PLUS motorcycle, you can afford to spend for a proper header that doesnt have a catalytic converter. If not, performance mods are not in your wheelhouse. Just ride the bike.
Happy New Year to all!
Really want to hear why in all seriousness.
My take has always been, if you can sport for a 30k PLUS motorcycle, you can afford to spend for a proper header that doesnt have a catalytic converter. If not, performance mods are not in your wheelhouse. Just ride the bike.
Happy New Year to all!
