[Slimjim]

I just got my '05 Heritage back with the V&H Big Shot Staggards and SERT. It runs and looks great but I don't think I can live with the sound. I asked the stealer to put in quiet baffels when he installed them but he said he couldn't get them. I want it to sound like a Harley but I don't want to lose what hearing I have left. My question for you is... If I change to quiet baffels (which I will) will I need to have it checked on the dyno again? Also, how much quieter will it be? The SERT has improved the performance and I don't want to lose any.
Thanks,
Slim

[kenfuzed]

The baffle change shouldn't have any effect on your tuning. If anything a more restrictive baffle would make the engine run slightly richer, but probably not enough to make a difference.

You could always get earplugs

[Slimjim]

Thanks, Ken. That's what I thought but I wanted to hear it from an expert. I'm not sure how much the quiet baffels will help but I've got to try or get the earplugs for sure.

[yankeerl]

Originally Posted by Slimjim

Thanks, Ken. That's what I thought but I wanted to hear it from an expert. I'm not sure how much the quiet baffels will help but I've got to try or get the earplugs for sure.

remove your heatshield and baffles. wrap the stock baffle with a layer of muffler packing and secure it with bailing wire. this will take the rasp out of the exhaust note and calm the pipes noticable. if you are wanting to go quieter, you will need a muffler instead of a drag pipe.

[Slimjim]

I received the quiet baffels today and installed them without much trouble. It is still loud but not nearly as bad as before. This is about what I wanted to start with. I've told the dealer that I expect him to touch up the SERT and he agreed. Thanks for your input.
Slim

[Slimjim]

Sometimes it's better to leave things alone. This has got to be a "tar baby"...once you touch it, you can't turn it loose. I put about 150 miles on it a week ago when the weather broke for a few hours. It runs and sounds good but the gas mileage fell a few mpg and the pipes were black as though it is running rich.....just as Ken suggested it would.
Since the dealer agreed to redo the SERP, I thought it would be best to get it as close as possible. They put it on the dyno today and the quiet baffles have a plug that prevents the probe from being pushed far enough up the exhaust to get a good reading on the A/F ratio. The dyno operator said there would be no problem running it like it is and it may even lean out some when the weather warms. I may make more mods later and the SERT will have to be adjusted each time. Have any of you run into this problem with quiet baffles? The dealer said he could drill them out but that would seem to defeat the purpose.
Thanks,
Slim

[kenfuzed]

I agree, drilling the baffle would defeat the purpose and likely make it as loud as the other version.

Don't recall what baffles/mufflers they were, but I've seen a few people installed regular automotive O2 sensors on the backside of the header to hook to a air fuel gauge. While it requires an alteration to the pipe (hole) it makes for a permanent connection when tuning. There's a kit out also that includes the sensor, weld-in socket, and gauge.

[Slimjim]

Thanks, Ken. I'm going to leave well enough alone for now. I'll check the plugs when it warms up and see if they show any signs of running rich. I appreciate the input.

[Slimjim]

I wanted to give an update on my tarbaby. After running a few tanks of gas through it, it became apparent the mileage had gone in the toilet. Running pretty hard, it dropped to the mid 30s and like I normally drive, 38mpg. I drove like an old man for one trip and got 40. I used to get 48-50 mpg before I started messing with it. The pipes were very sooty. The plugs weren't fouled but the electrode was black. When they tried to put it on the dyno the second time it had dropped two hp and one pound of torque. Not really enough to notice but I do have a perfectionist streak.

I decided to let them drill the baffels and asked that they not drill a hole any bigger than necessary. They got the peak hp (69)and torque (73.3) back and the torque is a little higher on the extreme low end. Still pretty puny compared to what a lot of you ride but has a little more kick. I believe it is a little louder but not nearly as loud as before. He adjusted the A/F ratio very slightly on the lean side below 3500 rpm. Yesterday, I took it to the N. Georgia mountains for a 200 mile ride. As Chuck would say, "I rode it like I stole it." It ran great and got 45 mpg. I'm going to leave it alone!

But....what do you think a set of cams would do for it??

Slim

[Cracker]

Jim,
I would call Head Quarters & tell them what exhaust your running and ask them for there opinion. They have a 88ci dyno posted there pulling some good numbers but not sure with what exhaust. Google head quarters performance for there #.

Ride Safe

Cracker

[Tomflhrci98]

Originally Posted by kenfuzed

There's a kit out also that includes the sensor, weld-in socket, and gauge.

Hey Ken,

Where's this kit be got at???

Tom