OPEN HEADERS?!?!?!?

[Shane]

If i put open headers on my bike what is the down side?
what will happen?
are they safe to keep on if i get a racing ECM?
anyone done this?

 

[GSXdoubleR88ciNINJA]

Really, REALLY LOUD. You'll need to add MORE fuel than just the race ECM alone. I ran the stock header open for a couple days before I got my muffler back. That would get old quick. My jap bikes with open headers weren't that loud.

 

[50dro]

It will run too lean, loose bottom end torque and you will get hearing damage!!

I don't think a race ECM would be the right tune for that since it is tuned for the race muffler...not open headers. I'm not sure that any amount of tuning would compensate for zero back-pressure???? I remember reading other posts of people wanting to do this but I'm not sure what the end result or opinion was...Do some searching on here...there's a wealth of information!!

Good luck!!

 

[Shane]

more fuel? you mean harder on the throttle?
im asking because ive heard people did it and screwed up valves and fouled plugs...
regardless, im running straight pipes, so WHATEVER i need to do i will.

just need to know what those things are

 

[50dro]

He's referring to the air/fuel ratio in the mapping. It has nothing to do with the throttle. The damage you refer to is mainly due to a lean combustion (too much air...not enough fuel). You will need a custom fuel map and or tune to get it running "right."

 

[Buellysses]

The factory exhaust (race exhaust, and most aftermarket cans) create backpressure. When you pull the muffler you lose that backpressure (and your low-end torque), but you gain more airflow. Hence the recommendations for adding fuel to your fuel maps.

As for the valves, I think the theory is that without a muffler or long exhaust the valves cool too quickly, warp, and fail. I found an engine forum with the same topic, I didn't read it all, but you may be able to get some good info out of it. engine & fuel engineering

 

[GSXdoubleR88ciNINJA]

More fuel in every throttle position. Damage would come from running lean, damage from heat. It's common to burn exhaust valves when running lean like that, if not just over heat all together. You'll need to adjust your fuel map by logging some runs with ECM spy and then use Megalog viewer to richen up your maps.

 

[Shane]

wow...
maybe ill just get a D&D..lol

 

[Buell_Cru]

If you tune it right and are very for straight pipes it can be done. Someone on hear mentioned using backpressure cones like they do on the straight pipe choppers to keep their bottom end. Maybe that's the route you want to try.[confused][up]

 

[tuneport67ss]

I'm currently in the process of building a set of straight pipes witht he cones. I have the 08 though and havent got the nerve up yet to start tuning on it. Ill let you know how it turns out when ever I get it done. (Probably an all winter project though.)

 

[Shane]

yes please do! just send me a message, when ya ride her, lemme know how she does.
apparently if the pipes are long enough, you are safer.
so i will have to remap to make her run richer and investigate those cones!!!

 

[Buell_Cru]

No, don't message him. There are others on the site that would be interested in the info. Keep it public.

 

[tuneport67ss]

Its gonna be a while due to too many coals in the fire as it is along with work and family. I am going to do my best to get it done before the winter is over. Yes I will keep everyone updated as it comes along.

 

[onelogue]

Shane:

wow...
maybe ill just get a D&D..lol

What happened to

im running straight pipes, so WHATEVER i need to do i will.

 

[Shane]

Well for a while there it seemed that straight pipes was asking for trouble!

so i thought about getting a D&D.

but apparently if im carefull and take the right precautions, and steps, straight pipes arent that big of a deal.

soooo im still for straight pipes.[smirk]

 

[CoastieRider]

Bump!!!!

Did you go with the straight pipes?

 

[afinley]

Open header and straight pipes arent the same thing. Do a straight pipe. It is loud as hell though.

 

[CoastieRider]

What if you run open headers, but tune the fuel so it does not run lean??

 

[afinley]

Take your muffler off and start your bike, then think if you want to run open headers.

 

[CoastieRider]

I did, rode it up and down the street, which is why i asked the question, also my jardine needs new rivets...if i put a small baffle in a straight pipe and retune the fuel, i would enjoy my bike alot more... the louder the better..