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Going Catless

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Old Jan 7, 2014 | 05:45 PM
  #1  
Danny D's Avatar
Danny D
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From: Arizona
Default Going Catless

I have heard of many riders "drilling" out their cats. I am strapped for cash and would like to try drilling it out myself. I will probably need a drill bit extension to reach all the way through the cat once I remove the right side muffler.

Here is the big question, what kind of drill bit and what size should I use to do the best possible job. I'll be glad to share my results, good or bad.
 
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Old Jan 7, 2014 | 06:26 PM
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northeimcustom
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I think I heard of guys using a 3/4 or 1 inch spade bit. I would think the bigger the better. You know your not going to get all of the material out right? You would be better off cutting it and welding it up in my opinion.

Good luck !
 
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Old Jan 7, 2014 | 06:29 PM
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Check this out.
Search is your friend...
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...oto-proof.html
 
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Old Jan 7, 2014 | 07:44 PM
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1 inch x 16 inch paddle bit $10 at lowe's. start drilling slowly and hang on to the drill as it will bind once in awhile.
 
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Old Jan 8, 2014 | 04:53 PM
  #5  
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Save up and get one on Ebay in the Spring. You'll be glad you did.
 
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Old Jan 8, 2014 | 06:36 PM
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I can not imagine being able to remove the entire cat material using a drill bit. You may be able to put a hole in it but you can't remove it all so why waste the time and effort. Get one on ebay
 
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Old Jan 8, 2014 | 06:43 PM
  #7  
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risuperglidecustomman
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I bought a stock one on E-Bay that had the cat removed from a stock head pipe & tig welded back up & pressure tested! Bike sounds so much better! Very happy with the results!
 
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Old Jan 8, 2014 | 06:44 PM
  #8  
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
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Originally Posted by Gunnysgt
I can not imagine being able to remove the entire cat material using a drill bit. You may be able to put a hole in it but you can't remove it all so why waste the time and effort.
+1, and consider this:

the exhaust gas pulses travel back and forth within the exhaust pipes both muffler and header.

possible that any loose crap could get pulled into the cylinder.

ebay headers run about 4150 I am told, or check the tutorial in the link above and get a pal who can weld

mike
 
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Old Jan 8, 2014 | 07:01 PM
  #9  
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From: San Diego
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Buy a decatted header from e-bay, and sell your take off to americancustom.com

Should only cost you a few bucks this way. lots easier than all the drilling mess.

You may also decide to keep your stock pipes in case you need them later, or when you sell.

In addition to running much cooler, your bike will sound much better.
 
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Old Jan 8, 2014 | 07:23 PM
  #10  
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There is two opinions of the drill method. Guys who have done it and know that you CAN get every bit of the cat material out and guys that have never done it and think that there is no way you can get it all out. I have done it with a 16" long 1" paddle bit and 100% of the cat material was removed. You use the bit more as a rotating chisel than as a drill bit.
 
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