Going Catless
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: New Jersey
For me, it was a matter of convenience, time and peace of mind, so I opted to keep my stock header and buy a de-catted header on Ebay. Glad I did, too.
The OP seems to be in a hurry to get this done, and when you hurry, bad things can happen.
Nah. I don't think so. Not worth it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
As far as the strapped for cash part, a cost effective option is to buy a set of decatted pipes off ebay ($125 shipped) and sell your stock pipes with cats to americancustom.com ($100 less shipping).
Makes each of the techniques within a few dollars of being the same cost).
Both systems produce the same results, and both are covered up by the stock heat shields.
Makes each of the techniques within a few dollars of being the same cost).
Both systems produce the same results, and both are covered up by the stock heat shields.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 125
Likes: 42
From: Dansville,NY
I tried the drill method, ended up breaking the drill before removing any material. I have the fabrication tools so I cut the window on the outside out of sight, gutted and welded the window back in. The cut and weld method took less time than setting up the drill and breaking it in the cat. It's what ever is easiest for the person doing it. Gutting did cool down my right foot considerably. I have a 2012 ultra limited. My bike does need a tune as it runs leaner now.
Last edited by rvkersh; Jan 10, 2014 at 02:10 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
You do not need to get a fuel processor, however, when your cat has been removed, you are now able to use one (Vied or tuner) to add additional fuel if you wish. If you try to add fuel with the cat, it will just make the cat run even hotter.
New poor man's stage one is decat, Vied, High Flow air filter element.
Bike will run stronger, smoother, cooler, better throttle response, less shifting…all the good stuff. If you buy used, you can get away with only $100 or so net costs.
New poor man's stage one is decat, Vied, High Flow air filter element.
Bike will run stronger, smoother, cooler, better throttle response, less shifting…all the good stuff. If you buy used, you can get away with only $100 or so net costs.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,275
Likes: 3
From: Arizona
OK, So I have decided to try to drill out the CAT from my SG. I can always cut the trap door method if drilling is a failure. I still have not found out what type drill bit would give me the best results.
I have seen videos for the "trap door" method does anyone have a link to a video of the drilling method of going catless?
I have seen videos for the "trap door" method does anyone have a link to a video of the drilling method of going catless?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,217
Likes: 3,046
From: St.Louis Mo.
OK, So I have decided to try to drill out the CAT from my SG. I can always cut the trap door method if drilling is a failure. I still have not found out what type drill bit would give me the best results.
I have seen videos for the "trap door" method does anyone have a link to a video of the drilling method of going catless?
I have seen videos for the "trap door" method does anyone have a link to a video of the drilling method of going catless?
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,275
Likes: 3
From: Arizona
Thanks everyone for the advice. Especially the smart ones who agree with me on how to proceed. Soon as we get a little weather break here in the mid-west, -6 degrees here on Tuesday, I'll get down on the cold concrete and drill 'er out.
I'll let your know how it works out. It's got to get better that stock.
I'll let your know how it works out. It's got to get better that stock.
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Personally I wouldn't go thru the frustration of trying to drill it out if you are capable of the trap door method. You are guaranteed of perfect results cutting it open, don't have to buy a bit, won't be worried that you got it all out, won't be laying on the ground trying to hang onto the drill as the bit catches, won't burn out your drill, there could be some small pieces that could get sucked back up into the motor etc., etc., etc. Plus it's harder to drink beer laying on the shop floor versus working on the workbench... 
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
OK, So I have decided to try to drill out the CAT from my SG. I can always cut the trap door method if drilling is a failure. I still have not found out what type drill bit would give me the best results.
I have seen videos for the "trap door" method does anyone have a link to a video of the drilling method of going catless?
I have seen videos for the "trap door" method does anyone have a link to a video of the drilling method of going catless?
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...oto-proof.html