Arrow header better than gutted cat?

[woods]

I have a 2013 and had Anthony re flash my ECU to run without the cat converter
I have been putting some time on the bike with stock exhaust and feel like I need to change the exhaust some how to assist with the reflash.
I have too much going on right now to put money aside for a new header but am capable to cut open the cat remove contents and reweld the box.
Is it worth the effort to gut the Cat? Will I see any issues with the engine if I keep riding with the exhaust the way it currently is till I can get a header?
Thanks in advance
Ken

 

[shrekonwheels]

With todays engines they are designed to run with the emissions, little will be gained by putting on a header.

 

[woods]

Thanks,
My concern is with the ECU reflash
I don't want to burn exhaust valves or pistons because the reflash was set for an engine with aftermarket exhaust
Also, I would like to remove the heat from the header that is caused by the cat

 

[78YZ]

Thanks,
My concern is with the ECU reflash
I don't want to burn exhaust valves or pistons because the reflash was set for an engine with aftermarket exhaust
Also, I would like to remove the heat from the header that is caused by the cat

I do not know what Anthony programmed but here is a guess. Most likely, you are running rich with the stock exhaust. An aftermarket exhaust, typically coupled with a less restrictive air filter, will flow more air to accommodate the increased fuel added to the mix. Running rich is not going to burn-up valves. It will actually run a little cooler. Do not take my word on this. Check with Anthony to see if this is what he did.


On my WR250R, which has a dyno jet tuner and aftermarket exhaust, I set the mixture richer and put a big hole in the air box to flow more air. It yields more air plus more fuel in the intake, which equals more power. Obviously, this decreases MPG but who cares on a 250.

 

[Don in Lodi]

What heat are you detecting with the catalytic converter? It's so low and there's stuff between you and the cat, there shouldn't be anything radiated that you can feel. The heating of the actual header won't change with the cat out of the system, it's heated by the combustion gasses right out of the valves. There are wraps for the headers, and there is a ceramic coating that can be done.
Depending on how fat the fuel ratio is, you could eventually foul the the catalyst to the point that it begins to restrict flow.
Here in Cali they've been talking for years that they want to run bikes through the Smog Inspection system. If and when they do this, they shouldn't grandfather in older models than those of the year of implementation, but you never know. In Cali at least, you should keep the cat and muffler intact, hang 'em on the wall or something. At least until the other shoe falls.

 

[patrickg450]

I have been chatting with AVC on his flash, he stated that I would be better served keeping my stock ones. I am still learning but thought I'd share.....

 

[Rasher]

With todays engines they are designed to run with the emissions, little will be gained by putting on a header.

I would disagree. Arrow claim 2.5 bhp gain for end can and 9bhp for system.

Tested my headers with stock end can and proved 6PHP gain.

Problem (certainly with early model) is off idle fueling that most flash vendors cannot fix, got mine sorted by UK based ecumenical tuner with full dyno setup. And now about 12-15 PHP up on stock, but it took a lot of effort to get there.

 

[Derekj]

I have gutted my header and have a flash from Anthony. The gains are absolutely worth it. I have been riding like this for almost a year with no negative effects at all. I would doubt they an arrow header would have any advantage over a gutted stock.

 

[78YZ]

Here in Cali they've been talking for years that they want to run bikes through the Smog Inspection system. If and when they do this, they shouldn't grandfather in older models than those of the year of implementation, but you never know. In Cali at least, you should keep the cat and muffler intact, hang 'em on the wall or something. At least until the other shoe falls.

NJ seems to be going in the other direction. A couple years ago, we elected a new governor and he eliminated all inspections for motorcycles.

 

[Rasher]

I only got my arrows as they came up at half price almost new. Thought could then hang up originals as headers tend to look scruffy quickly so I just wanted to preserve them.

Cost me two flashes on top before sorted but happy now with it all and nice to have the motor pulling hard into the red zone rather than tailing off early.

Would be wary of decat due to or costs, whereas easy to sell on arrows later and revert to stock.