Cat advice?
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 785
Likes: 2
From: SE TN
So, if gutting the cat only decreases the temperature by 15 degrees, as "Hardheaded" said above in post #12, then it's hardly worth doing. Since the normal temperature of an exhaust pipe is 450 degrees or more, reducing that to 435 really is irrelevant (i.e. you aren't going to feel any difference).
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,226
Likes: 3,049
From: St.Louis Mo.
yes and at the spark plug location sometimes there was a 15 to 30 degree difference. this was after riding side by side for about60 miles. i was doing this just for fun at the time but next time out i will write my finding down and take them at different spots along the exhaust system and head and cylc. temps.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,226
Likes: 3,049
From: St.Louis Mo.
Common sense also tells you that exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine are, as you say, "hot---really hot." So, if gutting the cat only decreases the temperature by 15 degrees, as "Hardheaded" said above in post #12, then it's hardly worth doing. Since the normal temperature of an exhaust pipe is 450 degrees or more, reducing that to 435 really is irrelevant (i.e. you aren't going to feel any difference).
Since you correctly acknowledge that there are no performance gains to be had and you will likely lose some torque, my question remains--then why do it?
Since you correctly acknowledge that there are no performance gains to be had and you will likely lose some torque, my question remains--then why do it?
Former Sponsor
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Gambrills
Yea cats are only good for one thing...epa regulations, when it comes to performance they do nothing but hold heat and restrict air flow. Many people try and remove it which is cheaper but more of a headache. Much easier to just purchase an aftermarket headpipe which obviously doesnt have a cat in it and you won't have to deal with the headaches of removing. Just make sure to grab a tuner when you switch out your breather or air cleaner.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 876
Likes: 4
From: Waskom, TX
As stated, there are head pipes avail. Do not discount reusing your stock mufflers, they have a good (improved) sound after cat is gone. The stock mufflers are good performers and good quality. The "loud" mufflers get old after awhile. Decatt, XIED's and you will be good. If you go with a Stage 1 a/filter you will need to go with a tuner.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...-cat-post.html
Ride Safe
David
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,220
Likes: 14
From: chatham il
well I appreciate all of your comments and after some further research I think im going to get the jackpot headpipe for sure!!! I like the crossover idea but I don't like the look of the vance and hines. after finding the jackpot header I think that's the ticket. I plan to do some motor mods in the future so I may call them about the XXX header but im not sure if it would hurt the performance of the bike in stock form for now. if I replace the header and leave stock mufflers on for the time being can I get by without a tune? I figured I could buy the header now and the tuner and mufflers in the near future? im wishing I hadn't just bought the wife the touring pack now,lol.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
Enough. I think the point is made. No one out there can show that it REALLY does anything meaningful.
On the other hand, I have to admit that I haven't seen any compelling evidence that it really causes any SERIOUS harm either. So if you guys want to spend your weekend with a spade bit and a welder, have fun. I think I'll ride instead.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 131
Likes: 12
From: Ottawa, Canada
Common sense also tells you that exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine are, as you say, "hot---really hot." So, if gutting the cat only decreases the temperature by 15 degrees, as "Hardheaded" said above in post #12, then it's hardly worth doing. Since the normal temperature of an exhaust pipe is 450 degrees or more, reducing that to 435 really is irrelevant (i.e. you aren't going to feel any difference).
Since you correctly acknowledge that there are no performance gains to be had and you will likely lose some torque, my question remains--then why do it?
Since you correctly acknowledge that there are no performance gains to be had and you will likely lose some torque, my question remains--then why do it?
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 876
Likes: 4
From: Waskom, TX
Ah! "A hell of a lot." That nails 'er down! (What is that? About 10 degrees more than "noticeable?")
Enough. I think the point is made. No one out there can show that it REALLY does anything meaningful.
On the other hand, I have to admit that I haven't seen any compelling evidence that it really causes any SERIOUS harm either. So if you guys want to spend your weekend with a spade bit and a welder, have fun. I think I'll ride instead.
Enough. I think the point is made. No one out there can show that it REALLY does anything meaningful.
On the other hand, I have to admit that I haven't seen any compelling evidence that it really causes any SERIOUS harm either. So if you guys want to spend your weekend with a spade bit and a welder, have fun. I think I'll ride instead.
Ride Safe
David
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 156
Likes: 1
From: Eau Claire Wisconsin
wow
I said catalytic convertors get hot, really hot. That's how they work. They get about twice as hot as the exhaust gasses. As others have pointed out, the exhaust head pipe, is not 400+ degrees, but the cat likely is. Please take a minute and Google. Educate yourself. That way you won't come off sounding so obtuse.