So I bought my first Harley, a 2012 Deluxe, about one month ago and now I'm looking into swapping out the exhaust. With this being my first HD I'm not sure what is involved and am looking for some input...

For pipes, I think I have decided on the V&H Big Shot Longs.

Now from what I understand, replacing the exhaust will require upgrading the air intake and ecm. This is where I'm at a stand still. I've spoken to my local dealer, but they weren't much of a help.

So I'm looking for recommendations for the ecm and intake upgrade. Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

I could be wrong but I don't believe replacing your exhaust nesscessitates changing your intake or ECM.
I have an 07fxstc that has an SE exhaust yet stock intake and ECM. I'm sure others can verify or repudiate my thoughts.

 

Great decision on the pipes. I had the ThunderMax A/T installed on my Deluxe last November, a few months later the Vance and Hines Big Shots Long and Arlen Ness Big Sucker. I know I'm satisfied!
Hope this helps.

 

If you search the forum, you'll find thousands of posts on this, plus there's a separate tech forum here devoted to the topic at https://www.hdforums.com/forum/engin...ke-exhaust-57/. But I'll give you the thumbnail version.

The BSLs are a good choice for sound and performance. I would suggest that you get the quiet baffles if you're set on these pipes -- they really tone down the raspy/tinny V&H sound and produce a nice, deep rumble with more back pressure. It's not required (and there's a lot of debate about this), but your best bet would be to do a Stage 1 a/c upgrade, using a kit from HD, Arlen Ness, etc. When you do, your engine will be running lean and you'll need to adjust the ECM. You can go aftermarket for this, too, or with an HD Pro Tuner. For best results, most will say that you'll need a dyno tune to dial in the best settings.

But it depends on what you want: sound or performance (or both). If you're happy with the way your bike runs stock and you just want it to sound more like a Harley, then you may want to consider installing aftermarket slip-on mufflers, such as those from Rush, which will save you some $$$. In that case, you really don't need the a/c upgrade or any other flashes or fuel management systems.

 

Look into the Patriot Defenders which come in several configurations and paints:

http://www.patriotpipes.com/

 

You don't need to change the air with pipes.

I have stage 1 with BSS and a V&H fuelpak, but you CAN do just pipes

 

I don't think the pipe should change the tune except possibly if the o2 location is different. And that won't effect wot. I would think The air cleaner mods would effect it more. With less restrictions the engine will see more air flow.

 

IMO. Go with the complete stage 1 kit for the best power gain instead of just sound. The pipes are the biggest cost. Save your fun tickets and do it all. You picked the best sled out there to mod for sure. Good luck with the mods brotha.

Stone

 

I think most sources will tell you that with that system you will need a fuel manager. I have slipons and don't need a fm but if I did I think I would go with the dynojet powervision which doesn't require any addons stuffed into an already cramped space under your seat. It simply flashes your existing ecm.

Fuelmotousa.com is a sponsor here and you may be able to get a good package deal from them. Pipes, ac, and tuner. Like I said I've been happy running with just slipons but fuelmoto has a good reputation on the forum.

 

Excellent choice in your bike & pipe choice.
Installed Big Shot Longs on my 2011 Deluxe last month & am totally stoked.
I had the SE stage one A/C & dealer download (cheep fix if you lack flow for a fuel tuner) before I installed the pipes.
The power gain from slip-ons that I had was very noticeable & replacing the
closed A/C cover for one that exposes the A/C element also made a noticeable difference.
Bottom line more air flow = better performance.