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You only see part of the cat in that pic, its cross section is larger in diameter than the primary, with enough "open"area in the catalyst "mesh" cross section to accomodate the area of the primary. The one true test that nobody has brought to the table is flowbench results, before and after. You make an excellent point about the amount of air that the engine flows compared to the cat, even if there is a slight restriction, it won't effect performance if it still accomodates the engines flow requirements. I had the FM 2:1 pipe and returned to the OEM 2:1 pipe, both tuned properly, you can't tell the difference on the *** dyno.
FAB, I'll bet your banging your head on the wall! Some people just aren't gunna get past the visual on how that cat looks in the pipe but Imma with ya Bro!
fabrik8r jump in if you want and help me understand the catalyst.
On a typical new touring bike with no SERT or downloads in its normal state the Catalyst is sitting pretty much fat and happy. If you make adjustments to richen your mixture and exhaust it will cause the catalyst to heat up more to burn away all the (bad stuff)?
So contrary to what most people are saying, yes its true the engine will run cooler with a richer mixture but it will create more heat in the catalyst and start cooking that right ankle.
also, wont a high zinc motor oil clogged that puppy up?
looking to be enlightened.
fabrik8r jump in if you want and help me understand the catalyst.
On a typical new touring bike with no SERT or downloads in its normal state the Catalyst is sitting pretty much fat and happy. If you make adjustments to richen your mixture and exhaust it will cause the catalyst to heat up more to burn away all the (bad stuff)?
So contrary to what most people are saying, yes its true the engine will run cooler with a richer mixture but it will create more heat in the catalyst and start cooking that right ankle.
also, wont a high zinc motor oil clogged that puppy up?
looking to be enlightened.
The catalyst performs a thermo-chemical process that converts harmfull emisions into inert emissions, the catalyst material requires the heat of the exhaust gas to do it job. Moderate enrichment down to mid/low 13s won't cool the motor, it cools the exhaust gas, and adds residual unburnt fuel. Neither of those conditions are good for the catalyst, but I don't know the long term effects or the details. I don't think modern bikes are passing enough oil to the exhaust to be a problem for the cat, if so, something probably needs repaired or corrected.
EPA is only in closed loop hence the need for XiEDs. Open loop is 12.5-13.9. Recalibration is needed for correct VE when intake and exhaust are done. For stage 1 economically $240 ish you can get the download and XiEDs and run great.
OK, got a appointment with dealer to put on header without CAT. (I have Stage I and Rush slip-ons) Shop forman Tried to sell me a Screaming Eagle tuner but I am happy with the way my bike runs now. So then he tells me they may not have to reflash the ECM but if they do it will be $150.
The catalyst performs a thermo-chemical process that converts harmfull emisions into inert emissions, the catalyst material requires the heat of the exhaust gas to do it job. Moderate enrichment down to mid/low 13s won't cool the motor, it cools the exhaust gas, and adds residual unburnt fuel. Neither of those conditions are good for the catalyst, but I don't know the long term effects or the details. I don't think modern bikes are passing enough oil to the exhaust to be a problem for the cat, if so, something probably needs repaired or corrected.
hey, thanks. I'm still on the fence about changing the head pipes from stock. Performance, I'm satisfied with stock. Heat, I had a night train that got hotter and more uncomfortable at the rear cylinder and oil tank than the limited does at right ankle. so even in the south east heat, the stock set up isnt uncomfortable to me.
the internet is full of ideas and opinions but like you have stressed time and time again, little quantified results.
Thanks for the answers.
OK, got a appointment with dealer to put on header without CAT. (I have Stage I and Rush slip-ons) Shop forman Tried to sell me a Screaming Eagle tuner but I am happy with the way my bike runs now. So then he tells me they may not have to reflash the ECM but if they do it will be $150.
So tell me what is " XIEDs".
What size baffles do you have in the slip-ons? I recommend a properly tuned fuel management system anytime the head pipes are changed. In most situations it's required for proper operation.
A stage 1 flash of the ECM will most likely not be enough when upgrading headpipes. Since 2008 all it really does is increase the fuel at wide open throttle by 3-5% and will never richen it beyond 14.7. On most models it will slightly advance the timing and raise the rev limiter by 500.
Ryan
fabrik8r jump in if you want and help me understand the catalyst.
On a typical new touring bike with no SERT or downloads in its normal state the Catalyst is sitting pretty much fat and happy. If you make adjustments to richen your mixture and exhaust it will cause the catalyst to heat up more to burn away all the (bad stuff)?
So contrary to what most people are saying, yes its true the engine will run cooler with a richer mixture but it will create more heat in the catalyst and start cooking that right ankle.
also, wont a high zinc motor oil clogged that puppy up?
looking to be enlightened.
First part is correct, not sure about the oil but seems unlikely. I've seem chrome mufflers discolor due to the super heated exhaust from the cat due to a rich a/f ratio.
Ryan
They create a TON of heat, which is passed back into the engine causing the engine temp to rise. As engine temps rise, the ignition is retarded to compensate and stave off detonation. When you retard the spark, you lose power.
They create a TON of heat, which is passed back into the engine causing the engine temp to rise. As engine temps rise, the ignition is retarded to compensate and stave off detonation. When you retard the spark, you lose power.
But hey, if you like it, go for it.
~Joe
The only real undesireable characteristic of the catalyst is the additional heat the rider feels, and the fact that it makes the exhaust system quieter is considered undesireable by the loud pipes crowd. Whether or not they suck is a matter of opinion, mostly influenced by myth and misinformation. Cats don't create heat, they just absorb and harness the existing exhaust gas heat and utilize it to carry out the chemical conversion processes. The catalyst area of the headpipe does radiate more heat than a similar pipe without a catalyst would, but it doesn't make its own heat and it doesn't cause the engine to get hotter, causing it to ping, retarding the timing, and lose power. Please explain what manner of transference you believe the catalyst uses to "pass heat back into the engine" and cause it to get hotter?
First part is correct, not sure about the oil but seems unlikely. I've seem chrome mufflers discolor due to the super heated exhaust from the cat due to a rich a/f ratio.
Ryan
I guess on the oil question was that you could mistakenly put in a GL2 thru GL5 in the crankcase and it has anti scuff additives that are for a gear box (transmission) and not an engine and it will accumulate on the catalyst and eventually clog it up or destroy it. (stressing motor oil is for motors, gear oil is for transmissions)
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