Are there any arguments against using a crossover pipe? I heard it was changed after a certain year or so, some time after my bike.

I'm trying to find a different exhaust setup for my bike and its pretty hard. I basically need to get stock headers and heat shields first since there are like no choices for other full exhaust systems besides V&H straightshots and I'm really not looking to spend $400 on them. It seems like for me to go back to stock exhaust I'd have to use a crossover pipe, so I was just curious as to what some comments were, since I really haven't see any bikes with em on here (as least as I can remember).

 

crossovers are good for low end and mid range power. by the way there are many diffenent exhaust for that bike!

 

the newer models have the crosser pipe hidden instead of right under the air cleaner.

at least i think so.

it helps SO much...

i went from a stock looking but tuned headers into glasspack mufflers, switched to drag pipes are my muffler brackets vibrated apart and the header snapped.

felt like i lost 20 ft lbs torque compared to the old system, but at least i can ride thats what matters. when i can afford it im going to go back to that old setup.

 

There are several exhaust systems for the pre '04 sportsters. The crossover pipe just equilizes the exhaust and boosts low to mid range torque. The '04 and up bikes hid the crossover by makeing the crossover pipe part of the hanger system for the exhaust.

 

The crossover does help the bottom end performance. Harleys head pipes are not very good unless you buy and old set built back in the 90's, the problem with the newer ones is the crossover extends into the exhaust pipe and ruins flow.
You can remove the overhang into the port but it requires cutting the end off the pipe and running a hole saw down the inside of the pipe and then welding the end back on the pipe, it does work this is what I did to my wifes bike.
Myself I would just buy a set of Cycle Shack pipes, they don't have a cross over but they are well designed and have a good high flow muffler.
A larger muffler is important for good performance.

 

I've also seen drag pipes used with slip ons. looked slick, just no crossover. they cut the drag pipes to stock head pipe length and added the slipons.

 

whats wrong with the rip saw pipes may i ask ?
they look nice on your bike

as stock header pipes look at E-bay and do a search, might be surprised

 

They are drag pipes. Came with the bike and I knew nothing about bikes except the fact that they sounded cool when I bought it. Refer to "Anyone elses 883..." thread for my rant that seems to be due to them . Ex: School buses and garbage trucks beating me from lights.

EDIT: They are 2.25" drag pipes I might add.

I've actually talked to a member on here about stock exhaust + SE II slip ons for sale. I might be picking it up from them.

 

should have a 180 main jet and a 46 slow jet and aleast air mixture screw out 2.5 turns to start with.
open pipe are not going to fix your problem,correct no baffles not good
4 screws at carb bowl ,remove bowl check jets
shop telling you 1 hr 2 hr labor for a 10 min job bullzhit
but if your not a wrench, you need someone to really look at this?
your bike is not set-up right

 

What are you referring to about the 1-2 hr job?

I can call up and find out what size jets he put in.