Going Catless
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,275
Likes: 3
From: Arizona
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.
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.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 458
Likes: 1
From: WISCONSIN
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 !
Good luck !
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,824
Likes: 603
From: Myrtle Beach SC
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
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 2
From: Rhode Island
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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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
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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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
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.
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.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Moore, OK
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.