Mechanics suggestion and recommendations requested. I've got a 1990 FXR pictured with a Thunderheader 2-into-1 exhaust that is starting to show its age. I have a unique opportunity to purchase a Screamin' Eagle 2-into-1 exhaust specifically from an 1998 Softail (part #80093-03) the pipes appear to route similarly enough that they would fit just fine with the appropriate gaskets (part #17048-98) I understand I need 4 of those.

My question is whether my Thunderheader mounting bracket will work or require minor modification to set up or I will require a custom bracket. My local Harley dealer indicated this pipe is "obsolete" from their parts catalog and said if I can find a Dyna mounting bracket for the Screamin' Eagle (possibly 2) that "should" work but I'd rather measure twice and cut once if you know what I mean. All comments appreciated!

 

Pipes look good to me. I rather have the thunder headers.

 

Older pic, scratched the tail end and the bottom a bit and significant discoloration at the headers. Heat wraps are intermittent and showing their age. For those older Harley nuts you should know that the issue with brackets and mounting on an FXR is the rubber mounting so if I "could" use my thunderheader mounting bracket I assume it would require some modification? Any thoughts or experience on that?

 

There is no easy answer! If you are able to inspect the new exhaust and offer it up to your bike it should be possible to decide if it is worth buying. It rather depends where the rear-most mounting is on the SE and if it is practical to use it for supporting from the rear mounting on your bike. The further apart they are the less practical it becomes. It is similar to my Supertrapp which I am very pleased with, so well worth following through.

 

The Softail exhaust support bracket that if I remember right should mount below the transmission side cover. If you can find a welder who has stainless steel welding wire you could weld a bracket to the back of the muffler to use your FXR support bracket from the frame. Also you could grind your old bracket off the TH muffler and use that.

Best place to find a welder who has stainless steel welding wire would be a custom exhaust shop.