Replacement muffler question

[barrelguy]

Does anybody have any insight on replacing my original mufflers (rusted) with aftermarket pipes? Specifically, if I get some decent mufflers, what are the pros & cons of having my local shop fabricate a crossover system? Thanks.

[yamtom]

pros n cons

Hi,

I only have experience with different bikes with different systems, I havnt actually had the parts made.

Ive heard that there is an increase in torque with a crossover system, so I think that if it came down to actually building a crossover, I would have it done. I do know that my 80 without crossover, is slightly less powerful than the two 79s that I have had with crossovers. There are also other factors that could influence the effect on my bluejeans dyno, such as different cams and valve sizes etc between those two models. If I were starting out the way you are, with a need for a new system, I would put a crossover in, since its not likely to be a huge investment and there is some theory that it does work. A few very hi performance cars come stock with crossover pipes too.

[cywelchjr]

I think the crossover on my Jardines is why it performs pretty well all through the RPM range even though it's an aftermarket system. The aftermarket exhaust systems are well known for tending to move the power up higher in the band, giving you a bit more up high at the cost of less grunt down low. That said, my Jardines with their crossover seem to give me plenty of grunt down low.

[strom]

Ditto on a x-over.

My 78 had one (custom headers with x-over) and my 79 didnt (stock headers without x-over).

If youre at it, cut the headers (if theyre ok) just after they open up a bit - I think its just after the heatshield near the peg.
Put on a crossover element. Have it made, should be cheap. Stainless should work fine I think.

As for the mufflers, I got the ones from Louis (www.louis.de)
http://www.louis.de/_30da5f8ca5923d2...027110&lang=en

Price is per muffler, you will need 2. They ship worldwide.
Sound wise, they are not too loud, not too quiet... just a nice rumble. I have a set on my 79 standard and another one on my small block guzzi.
Quality is surprisingly high for such el-cheapos and after a few years, the only wear I see is where I scrape them in the twisties. I scrape the centerstand simultaniously, so the height is OK.

[natemoen]

And they look kinda stock strom!

[barrelguy]

Thanks, all. Crossover it is...

[planedick]

HD mufflers

I found that HD mufflers that the dealer takes off new bikes work well, no crossover and those that ride with me will attest to the fact it runs well.

Best part, they are often free or I've seen them on E-bay for $10.

[nightpilot]

Old sportsters were 1100s I have a pair I have been planning to put on, they have an x over but I have not wanted to tackle the whole thing yet. They look like they will mount up with an extension on the bracket.

[planedick]

Bigger

Mine are stamped for the FX1340-1450 series. They sound really nice, not loud but deep throaty.

[soccer4m]

GO for the Harley Muffs

Hi Barrel guy,,

Planedick is right, the Harley mufflers are an easy, cheap, nice redo. If the front headers are rusty just repaint with some high temp paint, after cleaning, cut off the back mufflers, get a pair of the Muffs Planedick recommended, get the auto store connectors and you are set. I followed Planedicks details and the muffs do sound and act great. Ebay has a lot of them. They actually sound and look better than stock, a nice growl. Only thing I noticed is a slight loss of power off the line until second gear then its the same or better than stock......unless you have lots of funds to get a stock, clean set.....go for the Harley muffs it will put a smile on your face for under 30.00,,,Mike in Sun Diego

[Elevener]

Am I the only one who finds it humorous that people are putting harley parts on their bikes?

[crazy steve]

One thing to be careful of with the new Harley take-off mufflers is many now have a catalytic convertor inside one of the pair. They are marked if they have them I believe, so if you pay attention you can tell.

As far as which HD muffler is 'best', there's really no difference as all have the same 1.75" inlet diameter and pretty much the same backpressure. They are fairly restrictive; an exhaust change and air cleaner upgrade is usually worth about 15-20% more power on a otherwise stock bike, so keep that in mind...

[motoman]

An exhaust change from stock and filter intake change from stock is gonna be more like a 15-20% loss of power on stock XS's.........but some have no other choice in order to make 'em roadable again.

[bikerphil]

Am I the only one who finds it humorous that people are putting harley parts on their bikes?

I run HD emulators, can't see 'em. I've run Harley shocks too, oversprung and under damped.