THUNDERHEADER vs FATCAT
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 71
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From: Urbana, Ohio
THUNDERHEADER vs FATCAT
I have a 2010 Ultra Classic Limited. Wanting a 2 into 1 header. Was really turning towards the D&D and was at the local dealership today asking about it. Service manager said ya want power go with the thunderheader. A lot of the employees are running them and I do love the sound but not really impressed with the back of the pipe. I told them that & they said ya have to give up something. I know this has been beat into the ground and opinions are like aholes..everyone has one but would love some input. Thanks all !!!
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 315
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From: Sierra Nevadas
Installed my Thunderheader in 04. Held up great, on the ceramic rattle can paint works good for touch up. No heat shields. Nothing sounds or performs like a Thunderheader.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,396
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From:
The Thunderheader seems to work well enough, I know a lot of guys that run them and swear by them. The D&D is a better built pipe, has better chrome and fits like a glove. The D&D has stepped equal length headers, the T header doesn't. From the little I know about exhaust design the D&D's larger muffler is closer to optimum for a larger engine. A lot of guys complain about their T headers breaking, but that could relate to improper installation. Nothing sounds like a T header, they are notoriously loud, but not in an obnoxious tone. The Fat Cat sound is contoversial, some love it others don't like it. I chose a Fat Cat simply because it's a higher quality piece than the Thunderheader. You probably will be happy with either one.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,132
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From: NorCal
The Fat Cat has better quality, but they sound like poop in my opinion. When I purchased my pipe, cost had no influence on the decision. I was looking at the Thunderheader, Fat Cat and Supertrapp.
The Thunderheader has great performance, and a nice bassy deep sound that is truly unique. The Fat Cat has way too much high-frequency sound, and it is very raspy. I have yet to hear one I like. And my dyno guy says the Fat Cat and Thunderheader both have similar flat spots.
It's all personal preference. Thunderheader is my choice.
The Thunderheader has great performance, and a nice bassy deep sound that is truly unique. The Fat Cat has way too much high-frequency sound, and it is very raspy. I have yet to hear one I like. And my dyno guy says the Fat Cat and Thunderheader both have similar flat spots.
It's all personal preference. Thunderheader is my choice.
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Road Master
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From: SoCal Desert
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 474
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From: Los Angeles, CA
I gotta admit, I love the sound of the Thunderheaders, but I hate the way they look. I love the way the Fat Cat looks, and I've convinced myself I like the sound, but I think I know I'm lying to myself. When I get my money right, I will definitely go Fat Cat, but love the Thunderheader sound.