Cat Converter Heats up my ride side 2012 ltd.
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Stage IV
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: colorado
Cat Converter Heats up my ride side 2012 ltd.
Have been reading the different options on how to correct from buying a fan to gutting the catalytic converter altogether. I was told by the dealer one way to cool this down, is buy a race tuner and make it less lean. If this doesn't work, go to the next level...Upon visiting with a friend who has the same 2012 Limited said he went through the same process and spent over $2500 with full exhaust and several different dyno runs. That fixed his problem.....
I just want to minimize the extra steps and was thinking header pipes where I can use the existing shields and exhaust along with dyno tune that adjusts the co2 sensor, etc.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated along with suggestions on header pipes.
Thanks,
RADARRED
I just want to minimize the extra steps and was thinking header pipes where I can use the existing shields and exhaust along with dyno tune that adjusts the co2 sensor, etc.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated along with suggestions on header pipes.
Thanks,
RADARRED
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
I wear 10-11" boots and jeans, have the Harleygoodies floorboard extensions (which move me out an inch) and have never noticed heat from the cat even in 100 degree heat in the summer. A better pair of boots and floorboard extensions are alot cheaper than changing out the exhaust system.
The only heat I ever feel is in the crotch area coming from the rear jug and the rear header pipe. I'm going to go with Captain Itch next summer to address that. No matter what you do, you will never significantly reduce the heat from the motor. It's a 103 cubic inch internal combustion engine you're straddling.
The only heat I ever feel is in the crotch area coming from the rear jug and the rear header pipe. I'm going to go with Captain Itch next summer to address that. No matter what you do, you will never significantly reduce the heat from the motor. It's a 103 cubic inch internal combustion engine you're straddling.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,022
Likes: 60
From: Greer, South Carolina
Probably the cheapest way, assuming you can wrench your own bike, is to remove the cat. converter yourself. There are several threads on this Forum with methods to remove it. As for me, I don't have the skills (nor the desire) to wrench mine off, so I went to the dealer. Had them install a Vance and Hines Power Dual header, RCX-Haust slip-ons, Ness Big Sucker air cleaner, H-D S.E. race tuner and then dyno it. That cost about $1,800.
I wanted to do more than just remove the cat. converter. I wanted to capture the added H.P. and torque by doing the full Stage 1. It turned out great in my opinion, and I only had to do it once - now I'm done.
Check out the different cat. converter threads to help you determine what you want you want to do based on your budget.
I wanted to do more than just remove the cat. converter. I wanted to capture the added H.P. and torque by doing the full Stage 1. It turned out great in my opinion, and I only had to do it once - now I'm done.
Check out the different cat. converter threads to help you determine what you want you want to do based on your budget.
Last edited by one-up; Nov 5, 2012 at 07:46 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,932
Likes: 882
From: SOON TO BE A SAFE AMERICA
This almost seems to comes up weekly.
Best advise is to: GET a REAL turner, GET RID of cat (in way of a new aftermarket header) new pipes, and a stage 1 air cleaner.
There a lot of choices for the above set up. The two I would recommend are:
Fullsac and Fuel Moto. Do it once and make it right from the start!!
Good Luck with your project and Ride Safe!
YELLOWBIRD
Novice
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: MI
It has been posted many times on this forum in the past. Just gut the CAT and it will reduce the heat to a very acceptable level. I did my 2012 Limited when it had 1500 miles on it and have never had a problem in the 16,300 miles I have ridden it so far. Other than a big reduction in heat and a slightly deeper exhaust sound there's no change in how it runs.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 532
Likes: 9
De-catting your head pipe is easier and way cheaper than buying a headpipe, especially if you are going to run the stock heat shields.
A stage one air cleaner, de-catted head pipe and a Dynojet Power Vision(or other fuel tuner of your choice) will have your Limited singing sweet music, improve your fuel mileage and get rid of the heat problem.
I would skip the Dyno runs other than the initial tune. Unless you are obsessed with squeezing every last number out of it. I prefer my seat-of-the-pants dyno to spending money on useless numbers or bragging rights. JMHO.
A stage one air cleaner, de-catted head pipe and a Dynojet Power Vision(or other fuel tuner of your choice) will have your Limited singing sweet music, improve your fuel mileage and get rid of the heat problem.
I would skip the Dyno runs other than the initial tune. Unless you are obsessed with squeezing every last number out of it. I prefer my seat-of-the-pants dyno to spending money on useless numbers or bragging rights. JMHO.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,589
Likes: 98
From: Port Orange, Fl
$200 for true dual headers
$250 for slip-ons
$200 for used PCV
No heat and more power. There is nothing to difficult about installing all of the above with basic hand tools.
$250 for slip-ons
$200 for used PCV
No heat and more power. There is nothing to difficult about installing all of the above with basic hand tools.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,134
Likes: 1,871
From: Minnesota
I removed my cat over the weekend, it was easier than I thought. Maybe an hour to take the head pipe off, half an hour to cut pipe and remove cat, half an hour to weld the pipe back up and another hour to put the bike back together. Could have done it in less time, but I cleaned up a few things along the way. Total cost $2 (I needed a new cut off wheel for the angle grinder)...
Happy with the sound improvements, have not noticed any power change - but I only drove around the block. The inside of the heat shield by the cat was getting discolored after 3,700 miles - that cat sure gets hot...
Happy with the sound improvements, have not noticed any power change - but I only drove around the block. The inside of the heat shield by the cat was getting discolored after 3,700 miles - that cat sure gets hot...
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
I've tried several things to lessen the heat on my 110 CVO motor and a header from Fullsac is the only thing that has helped.
http://www.fullsac.com/
They have two ways to do it
1) send them your stock pipe and they will redo it http://www.fullsac.com/sportpipe.html $279
2) buy their header http://www.fullsac.com/x-pipe.html $479
It will use your stock Heat Shield covers
http://www.fullsac.com/
They have two ways to do it
1) send them your stock pipe and they will redo it http://www.fullsac.com/sportpipe.html $279
2) buy their header http://www.fullsac.com/x-pipe.html $479
It will use your stock Heat Shield covers