No more catalytic convertor

[Freebird]

Finally got around to changing the headers on my Road Glide. The later model Harley's put the convertor in the pipe, not the mufflers. It is located right in front of the passengers footrests and creates a LOT of heat. Changed the headers and it runs so much cooler. Tests that I've read says that it lowers the running temp about 20 degrees but I think the heat right on the right side by the passengers feet was much more than that.

 

First picture shows the new head installed and the old one sitting on the garage floor. Second picture shows heat shields re-installed and ready to go.

[Venturous Randy]

Can you tell any difference in the sound and performance?

RandyA

[cowpuc]

Looks like she lost about 70 pounds too Don!!!

[Freebird]

I intended to use a decibel meter to check the noise level before and after but got anxious to get started and forgot. I do think that it's a little louder though. It almost has to be with that solid chunk of convertor removed. Unfortunately, it has rained for the past two days and I haven't gotten the chance to ride it yet.

 

As for losing 70 lbs., I doubt it. Everything is the same except that the new header was cut open and the convertor removed and then welded back together. I don't know what the convertor weighed but I doubt it was more than a couple of pounds. Of course I know you are probably talk about the stuff that I removed to get it down. It is all back on now smarty pants.

[cowpuc]

My sincere and utmost apology there Don,, I misread your post,,, I thought you were gonna run that new Glide with open headers so it would sound fast and add to HP/weight ratio... In no way was I trying to be one of those "lets pick on Freebird about riding a Harley" people smarty pants guys..

Why do I feel like I just dug my own grave a little deeper:confused24:

 

Seriously Boss,, IMHO your on the right track with your project!! After ya get it all done to your liking, you might consider getting a race tuner for it (get the Screaming Eagle - I know they are expensive BUT the calibration parameters are awesome - adjustable every 200 RPM on both jugs).. Get it to a good Dyno guy.. I helped with a very similar project as yours not to long ago (2010 Ultra), fattened up the rear jug just a little bit along with the converter routine,, it made a HUGE difference in passenger heat too...

[SilvrT]

Finally got around to changing the headers on my Road Glide. The later model Harley's put the convertor in the pipe, not the mufflers. It is located right in front of the passengers footrests and creates a LOT of heat. Changed the headers and it runs so much cooler. Tests that I've read says that it lowers the running temp about 20 degrees but I think the heat right on the right side by the passengers feet was much more than that.

 

First picture shows the new head installed and the old one sitting on the garage floor. Second picture shows heat shields re-installed and ready to go.

 

 

Gutted the CATs on my Vic shortly after I bought it. HUGE difference in the amount of heat, especially under the passenger floorboards. Do notice an increase in exhaust sound.