Please help me out here -

I'm waiting fr my Ultra Limited to show up so lots of time to think.

I want to eliminate the catalytic converter (in the head pipe) and so I figure I'll be changing out the head pipes. This gives me options.

I like the stock look and figured "True Duals" give me that.

I've heard in the past that performance is not as good when you keep the exhaust separate (versus cross-overs for instance).

On my 2001 Fatboy I eliminated the cross-over and have what I consider to be excellent performance.

So - what are the advantages and disadvantages?

 

on my 08 softail custom I had true duals. I felt as if power suffered a bit. Had stage 1, ness sucker. On the 08 Heritage I put V&H big shots on. they have the crossover in them, same stage 1 and ness sucker and performance was up.

Now on the 2010 SG, the system is a true 2 into 1 and performance is the best IMO. The true duals sounded the best but power lacked.

So, out ot three diff set ups, 2 into 1 is tops in performance while true duals is tops in sound.

 

6 of one, half dozen of the other. More power with a 2 into one, amybe a litle more sound with a true dual setup.

 

True duals will move the torque (power) curve into a higher rpm range. Probably not as accessible during normal driving. More for flat out racing performance.

 

Interesting - the torque issue is concerning. I'm planning to use SE 255 cams - would that counteract the shift towards higher rpm?

 

I really like the performance and sound of my thunderheader. It also has a "falsee" making it appear that its duals.

 

I'm not sure that the "Average Joe" is really going to be able to tell just how much your really going to lose. It's not like a 1/10 of a second or 2 is going to be that big of a deal? It is a bagger, not a dragster.

Go with what you like IMHO. 2-1, TD's, cross/ no cross, falsee. You'll be the best judge on the looks and sound that you like. The few HP/ TQ gains or loses should be secondary.

 

Good to know - I'd keep the stock headpipes if it wasn't for the cat . . . (and the 2009 don't work particularly well thanks to the 12mm O2s - but let's not let this thread become another EFI system debate.)

 

Had true dual on my last bike and like others have said, torque was lost a little bit but it did sound really good.

 

Want the cat removed...go to www.fullsac.com and read what they have to say. Call Steve and talk to him--very heplfull and knowledgeable. He can remove the cat and send your pipe back to you in a few days. Stock look and no cat!!