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[Jim Kerr]

It sounds a little louder than stock on the video, but it so hard to tell on the computer.  What is your opinion?
Definitely sounds like it revs quicker too.

It's louder and a bit deeper, but not loud by Harley standards.  I'm sure it's still even legal

In the Road Glide board I've posted some stock dyno results and a video of my initial stock pipe test.  I used a Radio Shack sound meter to establish the stock db baseline.  As I make changes I repeat the test.  When removing the cat this is what I found:

Idle with cat: 93db - w/o cat: 96db
2K RPM with cat: 102db - w/o cat: 100db
3K RPM with cat: 96db - w/o cat: 101db
4K RPM with cat: 104db - w/o cat: 105db
5K RPM with cat: 102db - w/o cat: 106db

NOTE: The meter is mounted to the right of the driver over the saddlebag pointing rearward and slightly up.  These are not the db's a cop would be interested in.  It's basically what the driver hears when riding. 

[skreminegul07]

The next step requires a 1.6" coring drill bit that is 14" long.  You can get one of these form McGillis Warehouse for $25 + shipping. 

http://mcgillswarehouse.com/ItemDetails.aspx?ItemID=154120006&IN=SILVERBRAZEDDRILLBIT,14

This bit is designed for drilling concrete and has a 5/8" UNC shaft for accepting a chuck.  This is a lot bigger than anything I own, so I purchased a 5/8" rod with UNC threads from Home Depot.  I cut it to a more reasonable length and mounted it to the bit with a nut and lock washer.  I ground down the end sticking out of the bit to get it to fit my 3/4" drill chuck. 

Jim,
Me thinks you could sell this coring bit to another member, who wuld use it ,then sell it to another member, etc.
Nicely documented.


BTW, I believe that hunk of Platinum is worth more than the drill bit.  People may start to steal CATs off of bike as they are doing here with cars in Boston using Sawsalls.  SUVs are easy because of ground clearance.

[Jim Kerr]

I never thought about selling the core.  Good idea.  I may start my own cat coring business

I'd be happy to share the bit with others, but with shipping, boxing, etc. it's just as easy to buy a new one.  It's hard to beat $25 for a bit, $4 for the rod/washer/nut.  Drilling Platinum is also pretty hard on the bit.  I doubt it will make it through many more. 

[grc]

Has anyone investigated the pipe for the non-California TC96 bikes to see if they don't have the catalyst?  If the '09 models follow the same pattern as the '08, the only bikes with a cat are the California bikes, the CVO's, and the HDI (export) models.  Reason I ask is that some may prefer to just replace that section of the system with a non-cat version, versus drilling out the pipe. 

Jerry

[Jim Kerr]

Has anyone investigated the pipe for the non-California TC96 bikes to see if they don't have the catalyst?  If the '09 models follow the same pattern as the '08, the only bikes with a cat are the California bikes, the CVO's, and the HDI (export) models.  Reason I ask is that some may prefer to just replace that section of the system with a non-cat version, versus drilling out the pipe. 

Jerry, I looked at this option at the dealer the other day before deciding to drill my cat.  Your assumption is correct.  The 09 non-CVO/non-California bikes do not have a cat in the headers.  I don't recall the exact cost, but it was very expensive.  It was cheaper to pull my header cut it, remove the core and weld it back together.  Drilling the cat seemed to be the best choice.  It was cheap, quick and easy. 

BTW, the cats in the headers can also screw up dyno tuning. If I were to leave mine in they would have to drill a small hole in the header prior to the cat to get an accurate EGT fuel/air reading.  Dyno tuners typically pick up their readings at the exhaust pipe.  Most of us change our exhausts to high flow, so they don't realize the bike has a cat.  You need to let a tuner know that you have a cat in the header.  Most tuners I've met, including several HD dealers, were unaware that the bike had a cat in the header.  Not a huge deal, but something to keep in mind if you leave your cats installed.  Cats considerably change dyno readings and would result in a horrendous tune. 

[Jim Kerr]

I was out riding this morning and came across this photo op.  It couldn't be more appropriate for this discussion thread 

[Iglide]

GREAT JOB JIM,

THANKS

[planenut]

    thats great foto

jon

[Jim Kerr]

  thats great foto

I'm lucky I wasn't thrown in jail just driving by this guy

[NA_Dude]

Jim....Thanks.....

I will follow your footsteps on drlg out the cat.

I have installed D & D super boss muffs 2"x18" baffles. I noticed on the dyno after SERT install, that I was only at 85.3 hp & 104 tq. I looked inside the stock muffs, no cats, as in previous year CVO bikes.

I look forward and will post numbers at later date.....

Thanks again
Lee

[guppytrash]

Jim
I like the photo, I am ordering the cc remover bit today.
Do you have any after cat removed dyno numbers?
 I got to believe getting that much restriction out of the header has to be as effective or more effective than any slip on muffler change.
 Thanks for the info

[roady]

Jim,

Thanks for all the great info and pictures. I will be ordering the bit tonight.

[customryder]

thanks for the post\info... the mufflers are also a killer in the flow department.. as the exhaust gases must do a complete 180 to get out the muffler.. very poor flow.   I have noticed a slight improvement in power.  here is a sound bite taking off with the fullsac 2'' cores..  www.jeffsautobodyshop.com/hd2.wmv 

[Fullsac Performance]

thanks for the post\info... the mufflers are also a killer in the flow department.. as the exhaust gases must do a complete 180 to get out the muffler.. very poor flow.   I have noticed a slight improvement in power.  here is a sound bite taking off with the fullsac 2'' cores..  www.jeffsautobodyshop.com/hd2.wmv 

What? No burnout! Lol.
Sounds good. Now cut that Cat! The two mods will compliment each other.
Great post Jim!

Steve

[GregKhougaz]

Thanks Jim!  Great instructions!

GK