Exhaust recomendations....
- Thread starter rjp1953
- Start date
Delta Force
New Member
I too have a 2011 Ultra Classic 96 that I would like to change the exhaust out on to get a better sound. If I go with the V&H slip ons you have, do I also have to go with a tuner?
dolt
Well-Known Member
It is obvious from the variety of responses that exhaust selection is a personal and subjective combination of appearance and sound. Most don't understand the magnitude of the effect the right exhaust can have on the power output of the H-D vtwin. I have seen a difference of 30 foot pounds of torque between to different systems. That is an extremed example but makes the point.
Much to be considered when evaluating exhaust changes in the late model. The first step would be the elimination of the cat converter in the head pipe. The cat can be "drilled" out; the pipe opened up and the cat removed or the head pipe can be replaced with an '09 catless or an after market head pipe. IMHO, one should consider replacing the restrivtive OEM exhaust as an opportunity to upgrade performance; there is a fair amount of power to be gained.
The newest after market approach to head pipes is the x-pipe; Fullsac and Fuel Moto probably have the best current offerings. I have seen dyno charts comparing the two with the exhaust change being the only change and the Fuel Moto pipe out performed the Fullsac pipe in that comparison; not by much but enough to convince me to select the Fuel Moto pipe. The V&H Power Dual head pipe is another good offering.
The mufflers are a matter of choice and the possiliites range from drilling the OEM muffler baffles to replacing the OEM baffles with aftermarket re-cored baffles like the Fullsac offerings or replacing the mufflers with offerings from Rinehart, Cycle Shack, Rush, Fuel Moto and Vance & Hines; there are others but those listed are better known.
One can mix head pipes and mufflers but, IMHO, it makes sense to match the head pipe with the mufflers. IAW, if running the V&H Power Dual head pipe, run a set of V&H mufflers, like the Monster Ovals, etc. A true x-pipe merge collector head pipe true dual system with the right mufflers can produce very similar numbers to those produced by a 2:1 system. The torque curve will vary a bit but the numbers should be very similar.
Of course the A/C should be opened up to complete the Stage I upgrade to maximize the performance benefit of the upgrade.
The other componenet often avoided because of the added cost is a good flash tuner and a dyno tune. The Dobeck Gen3/4 units are OK but not flash tuners; the best results will come from a flash tuner like the TTS Mastertune or the Power Vision. In the hands of a competent tuner that will spend 3-4 hours tuning the motor will greatly improve performance, rideabilty and often times fuel efficiency.
The total Stage I package should inclued a good free flowing exhaust system, a free flowing air filter, a flash tuner and a proper dyno tune. The combination of the right components and a good tune can produce amazing results in performance.
Much to be considered when evaluating exhaust changes in the late model. The first step would be the elimination of the cat converter in the head pipe. The cat can be "drilled" out; the pipe opened up and the cat removed or the head pipe can be replaced with an '09 catless or an after market head pipe. IMHO, one should consider replacing the restrivtive OEM exhaust as an opportunity to upgrade performance; there is a fair amount of power to be gained.
The newest after market approach to head pipes is the x-pipe; Fullsac and Fuel Moto probably have the best current offerings. I have seen dyno charts comparing the two with the exhaust change being the only change and the Fuel Moto pipe out performed the Fullsac pipe in that comparison; not by much but enough to convince me to select the Fuel Moto pipe. The V&H Power Dual head pipe is another good offering.
The mufflers are a matter of choice and the possiliites range from drilling the OEM muffler baffles to replacing the OEM baffles with aftermarket re-cored baffles like the Fullsac offerings or replacing the mufflers with offerings from Rinehart, Cycle Shack, Rush, Fuel Moto and Vance & Hines; there are others but those listed are better known.
One can mix head pipes and mufflers but, IMHO, it makes sense to match the head pipe with the mufflers. IAW, if running the V&H Power Dual head pipe, run a set of V&H mufflers, like the Monster Ovals, etc. A true x-pipe merge collector head pipe true dual system with the right mufflers can produce very similar numbers to those produced by a 2:1 system. The torque curve will vary a bit but the numbers should be very similar.
Of course the A/C should be opened up to complete the Stage I upgrade to maximize the performance benefit of the upgrade.
The other componenet often avoided because of the added cost is a good flash tuner and a dyno tune. The Dobeck Gen3/4 units are OK but not flash tuners; the best results will come from a flash tuner like the TTS Mastertune or the Power Vision. In the hands of a competent tuner that will spend 3-4 hours tuning the motor will greatly improve performance, rideabilty and often times fuel efficiency.
The total Stage I package should inclued a good free flowing exhaust system, a free flowing air filter, a flash tuner and a proper dyno tune. The combination of the right components and a good tune can produce amazing results in performance.
hdfozz
Member
Cobra 4.5 Powrflo..I just put them on my 11 street glide....took off the old style (98B) style screaming eagles..These Cobra's have a deep low rumble,not annoyingly loud...Go to cobrausa.com listen to the sound file for these mufflers..use a pair of headphones ...soud that you will here is 100% acurate to what they sound like
Hey...you got them. You were asking about the Cobra 4.5 Powerflow's on another thread and I recommended them. I have them on my 09 SG with the CVO fender and extended bags. Look great, good quality, good performance and sound nice. I am glad you like them.
You will love that tts I have one and can't say enough good about it glad I went with it
I would recommend CFR slip ons. They sound monstrous. They sound even better when you change out the pipes too which means you would want to add a tunner and intake (Stage 1). This would require a map to change the air fuel mixture. Some guys will tell you you can add slip ons without remapping but I would be cautious in doing this since as it can have lasting effects on your exhaust and motor. If you're going to spend the money you might as well do it right the first time.
dolt
Well-Known Member
At the end of the day, one has to choose an exhaust system based on the look, the sound or the performance. If one's choice is based on the first two, then the choice is easy. However, if performance is considered as well, one needs to spend some time looking at dyno charts. You will not find dyno charts on some of the systems suggested in previous posts as many are not considered suitable performance systems for Stage I or even Stage II configurations.
As an example, the RB Racing systems that hold all the salt flat records are high rpm, horsepower pipes. They look cool and sound awesome but have no place on a Stage I or II street motor; the OEM system will perform better. Do some homework, as you are doing, and stay mainstream with products that have proven they perform. No need to reinvent the wheel.
The TTS Mastertune is, IMHO, the current state of the art when it comes to flash tuners. It is the second iteration of the SERT with more features, vtuning capability and much more user friendly.
As an example, the RB Racing systems that hold all the salt flat records are high rpm, horsepower pipes. They look cool and sound awesome but have no place on a Stage I or II street motor; the OEM system will perform better. Do some homework, as you are doing, and stay mainstream with products that have proven they perform. No need to reinvent the wheel.
The TTS Mastertune is, IMHO, the current state of the art when it comes to flash tuners. It is the second iteration of the SERT with more features, vtuning capability and much more user friendly.
D
dbmg
Guest
At the end of the day, one has to choose an exhaust system based on the look, the sound or the performance. If one's choice is based on the first two, then the choice is easy. However, if performance is considered as well, one needs to spend some time looking at dyno charts. You will not find dyno charts on some of the systems suggested in previous posts as many are not considered suitable performance systems for Stage I or even Stage II configurations.
As an example, the RB Racing systems that hold all the salt flat records are high rpm, horsepower pipes. They look cool and sound awesome but have no place on a Stage I or II street motor; the OEM system will perform better. Do some homework, as you are doing, and stay mainstream with products that have proven they perform. No need to reinvent the wheel.
The TTS Mastertune is, IMHO, the current state of the art when it comes to flash tuners. It is the second iteration of the SERT with more features, vtuning capability and much more user friendly.
Good points dolt. Too many times people purchase things for their bikes because of what a buddy has done only to find its does not work for them. Research, research, research is the best solution before a big ticket purchase. For being out a lot of cash and not being able to enjoy bike do to poor performance and excessive noise as one wishes to do, creates a bad situation.