Decatting header
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Grand HDF Member
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From: Nowhere
Decatting header
2022 RKS - Quick question. I would like to save some $$$ and decat my OEM header rather than buying new one since I plan to save my stock shields anyway no need for me to spend $800 on fullsac.
Will overall final effect on performance of the bike be significantly different between using decatted OEM header vs expensive FullSac?
I run KhromeWerks mufflers
It might sound stupid but at the end of the day both options are hollow pipes so I would expect final effect on performance gains (when installing cams) would be negligible if any. Is my logic tinted?
Any idea?
Will overall final effect on performance of the bike be significantly different between using decatted OEM header vs expensive FullSac?
I run KhromeWerks mufflers
It might sound stupid but at the end of the day both options are hollow pipes so I would expect final effect on performance gains (when installing cams) would be negligible if any. Is my logic tinted?
Any idea?
Last edited by Burbur2; Dec 11, 2023 at 01:37 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
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Quick question. I would like to save some $$$ 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?
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?
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?
If you go with middle of the road mufflers no issues at all. 02 sensors are in front of CAT anyway.
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Grand HDF Member
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2022 RKS with KhromeWerks mufflers
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Nowhere
Did you noticed any difference in performance between decatted OEM header and FullSac after installation?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
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From: Knoxville
If youre buying a fullsac then I wouldnt waste time taking catalytic converter out as the stock pipe looks like it was welded and bent by the lighthouse for the blind.
Whereas any aftermarket pipe has smooth bends and quality welds.
Leave it be until you get the fullsac.
My experience and .02
Good luck regardless.
Whereas any aftermarket pipe has smooth bends and quality welds.
Leave it be until you get the fullsac.
My experience and .02
Good luck regardless.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: St.Louis Mo.
1 x 16 inch paddle bit from the hardware store. Drilled both of mine out on my 12 and 15 bikes. Heat is much less now.
It's a rough project and hang onto the drill while doing it. Take the pipe off and the 02 sensors out and put it in a vise while drilling.
It's a rough project and hang onto the drill while doing it. Take the pipe off and the 02 sensors out and put it in a vise while drilling.
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Virginia
Decatting the header is worth it if you have heat issues, no real benefit from a performance standpoint.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
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From: College Station, TX
I removed the cat in my 2018 Road Glide using a paddle bit from Home Depot, it took a while (20-30 minutes) but no big deal. I drilled the center, and then started drilling around the perimeter. Then drilled between the side the and the center as many times as I could. Then used a fairly large screw driver to break up the pieces that were left. They came out fairly easily after that.
I kept my stock mufflers because I like the look. With the cat removed they sound better are louder when you accelerate, but are about the same at idle. As far as performance, I can't say of it helped because I removed the cat when I upgraded the cam etc for Stage II. If nothing else, the excessive heat on the right side is gone. Unless you are going all out as in big bore and high lift cam etc, I don't think an aftermarket header will make much difference.
If you want to keep your existing heat shields, Fuelmoto makes a header that accepts the OEM heat shields. It's about $200 less than a Fulsac last tijme I looked.
Paul
I kept my stock mufflers because I like the look. With the cat removed they sound better are louder when you accelerate, but are about the same at idle. As far as performance, I can't say of it helped because I removed the cat when I upgraded the cam etc for Stage II. If nothing else, the excessive heat on the right side is gone. Unless you are going all out as in big bore and high lift cam etc, I don't think an aftermarket header will make much difference.
If you want to keep your existing heat shields, Fuelmoto makes a header that accepts the OEM heat shields. It's about $200 less than a Fulsac last tijme I looked.
Paul
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From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada
I put on Fullsac muffler kit after, and did tune. Did I notice big difference, no. But it was something to do. I took my stock header off, got out my grinder with a zip blade, cut a window to take the cat out, I found it easier to remove. Then just welded it back up, never even knew it was ever done. Can't find my pics on it.
