catalytic converter removal?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,020
Likes: 69
From: Twin Cities, MN
RE: catalytic converter removal?
I've done it and the sound improves a little (deeper and a little louder) and itflows a little better.
Not a hard process, but are talking about touring pipes or other CVO pipes? I've done touring pipes.
Not a hard process, but are talking about touring pipes or other CVO pipes? I've done touring pipes.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,020
Likes: 69
From: Twin Cities, MN
RE: catalytic converter removal?
Here is how I did it.
I did this to a pair of '06 CVO pipes.
I was able to pound/bore through the cats (the catsare a soft aluminum type screenmaterial about 1.5" thick) using a 1.5" diametergalvanized pipe (make sure it fits into the muffler inlet and the pipe is not real thick walled). I cutthe pipe at a 90 degree angle toabout 18' long. Thenwith a bench grinder,sharpened the end of the pipe, real sharp. On the other endof the pipe Idrilled two 1/2" holes across from each otherandpushed through, and bolted down, a 12" longbolt to form a "T" handle. Once completed, I put the muffler on the gound with the inlet side facing up. Make sure you use some thick carpet or paddingas a cusion for the outlet end. I inserted the sharp end of the pipe into the inlet (this is where the cat screen is) I used small sledge hammer to pound into the cat material. I periodically sprayed in WD40 to provide lubrication. Every few pounds I use the "T" handle to twist around the pipe so it didn't get lodged into the material. After about 5 minutes or so of pounding and spinning I broke through the material. Since I had been makeing sure the pipe wasn't lodged in the material,I was able to pull out a perfect "plug" of cat material. Once out, there was a perfect, clean 1.75 (approx) hole straight thourgh the cats.
Once done, I was very pleased with the performance and sound of the muffler. It was a little bit louder than before with a nice growl when ramping up. Louder than stock but quite a bit quieter than V & H or Reinharts. They are very quiet when cruising however.
I have since put on some 65115-98B's that I got a great price to give me MORE volume since the cagers want to turn into me all the time during rush hour. But they do not look anywhere as cool as the CVO mufflers.
I did this to a pair of '06 CVO pipes.
I was able to pound/bore through the cats (the catsare a soft aluminum type screenmaterial about 1.5" thick) using a 1.5" diametergalvanized pipe (make sure it fits into the muffler inlet and the pipe is not real thick walled). I cutthe pipe at a 90 degree angle toabout 18' long. Thenwith a bench grinder,sharpened the end of the pipe, real sharp. On the other endof the pipe Idrilled two 1/2" holes across from each otherandpushed through, and bolted down, a 12" longbolt to form a "T" handle. Once completed, I put the muffler on the gound with the inlet side facing up. Make sure you use some thick carpet or paddingas a cusion for the outlet end. I inserted the sharp end of the pipe into the inlet (this is where the cat screen is) I used small sledge hammer to pound into the cat material. I periodically sprayed in WD40 to provide lubrication. Every few pounds I use the "T" handle to twist around the pipe so it didn't get lodged into the material. After about 5 minutes or so of pounding and spinning I broke through the material. Since I had been makeing sure the pipe wasn't lodged in the material,I was able to pull out a perfect "plug" of cat material. Once out, there was a perfect, clean 1.75 (approx) hole straight thourgh the cats.
Once done, I was very pleased with the performance and sound of the muffler. It was a little bit louder than before with a nice growl when ramping up. Louder than stock but quite a bit quieter than V & H or Reinharts. They are very quiet when cruising however.
I have since put on some 65115-98B's that I got a great price to give me MORE volume since the cagers want to turn into me all the time during rush hour. But they do not look anywhere as cool as the CVO mufflers.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
RE: catalytic converter removal?
Would this work the same way on non-CVO pipes, for 06 Touring stock pipes.
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 59
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RE: catalytic converter removal?
Thanks Pumba - I have a set of these pipes from a buddy that are sitting in the garage taking space while I shop around for something quieter than my Hookers - so I'll give this a try before shelling out more cash.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,020
Likes: 69
From: Twin Cities, MN
RE: catalytic converter removal?
They really have quite a pleasing, but very mellow sound. My friend has a decibal meter and he read them at over 105 db at about 3,000 rpm (guess) in the parking lot. Certainly doesn't sound anywhere that loud when riding.