Catalytic Converter Bypass

[DR Buck]

OK, I'm not looking for a lecture on the environmental benefits of a catalytic converter. :lecturef_smilie: Here in VA catalytic converters are not required on motorcycles and I'm looking for a way to shed some of the obscene heat that radiates from the Spyder. So the question is, other than the few that have posted having made their own bypass pipes, is anyone manufacturing after market bypasses for the RT? I was thinking of just pulling the cat converter and taking it to an exhaust shop and have them build me a drop-in replacement bypass.

 

[Bob Denman]

If you do that.... Could you please post some diagrams and measurements of what gets built??

 

[flybuddy]

If you do that.... Could you please post some diagrams and measurements of what gets built??

Better yet, have some extra y pipes made and we'll buy them from you at a reasonable profit.

 

[Bob Denman]

:2thumbs:

 

[Schultzi]

bypass

OK, I'm not looking for a lecture on the environmental benefits of a catalytic converter. :lecturef_smilie: Here in VA catalytic converters are not required on motorcycles and I'm looking for a way to shed some of the obscene heat that radiates from the Spyder. So the question is, other than the few that have posted having made their own bypass pipes, is anyone manufacturing after market bypasses for the RT? I was thinking of just pulling the cat converter and taking it to an exhaust shop and have them build me a drop-in replacement bypass.

If you do that, make sure you get you some new gasketts for the down pipes. they're hard to get out and you're not able to reuse them. I build a kit for my RT and is working fine. Trying to build a kit for aftermarket use. Doing some testing to see what kind of improvments i'm gonna get out of it, before putting it on the website. (www.spyder1attitude.com)
What kinda muffler you'll be using? Gonna be much louder then stock.
Are you coming to Lamont's BBQ? I'll be there and you can see my mod and listen to it.

 

[fireplug98]

Better yet, have some extra y pipes made and we'll buy them from you at a reasonable profit.

Count me in too !!!! :2thumbs:

 

[warp10]

Same here ray:

 

[yamahog]

I have been wondering about this too, anyone know if engine will have to be re-tuned? :chat:

 

[Bob Denman]

Maybe Schultzi can answer this one...

 

[Firefly]

If you do that, make sure you get you some new gasketts for the down pipes. they're hard to get out and you're not able to reuse them. I build a kit for my RT and is working fine. Trying to build a kit for aftermarket use. Doing some testing to see what kind of improvments i'm gonna get out of it, before putting it on the website. (www.spyder1attitude.com)
What kinda muffler you'll be using? Gonna be much louder then stock.
Are you coming to Lamont's BBQ? I'll be there and you can see my mod and listen to it.

So you're saying even running the stock exhaust and bypassing the CC it would be considerably louder?

 

[Bob Denman]

Well the converter has to have some noise-cancelling effect; it's in the mainstream of the exhaust...
I'm curious as to just how much of a difference it makes.

 

[Jeriatric]

OK, I'm not looking for a lecture on the environmental benefits of a catalytic converter. :lecturef_smilie: Here in VA catalytic converters are not required on motorcycles and I'm looking for a way to shed some of the obscene heat that radiates from the Spyder. So the question is, other than the few that have posted having made their own bypass pipes, is anyone manufacturing after market bypasses for the RT? I was thinking of just pulling the cat converter and taking it to an exhaust shop and have them build me a drop-in replacement bypass.

You must have missed the when to ride lecture?

Don't you know we're supposed to park our Spyders and only ride them in the cool of the morning or evening?

 

[DR Buck]

If you do that, make sure you get you some new gasketts for the down pipes. they're hard to get out and you're not able to reuse them. I build a kit for my RT and is working fine. Trying to build a kit for aftermarket use. Doing some testing to see what kind of improvments i'm gonna get out of it, before putting it on the website. (www.spyder1attitude.com)
What kinda muffler you'll be using? Gonna be much louder then stock.
Are you coming to Lamont's BBQ? I'll be there and you can see my mod and listen to it.

Maybe I'll just wait for your kit. What's your target date for hitting the market? I hadn't considered changing the muffler. I kind of like the looks of the stock muffler. It goes well with the RT style.

If I do go to have one built, it will be during the winter when the Spyder will be garaged, so if someone else hit the market with one, I'm all for it.

 

[Firefly]

Well the converter has to have some noise-cancelling effect; it's in the mainstream of the exhaust...
I'm curious as to just how much of a difference it makes.

Back in the day.... we use to just hollow them out on cars and re-install.....

 

[dgnspyder]

Cat Removed

So you're saying even running the stock exhaust and bypassing the CC it would be considerably louder?

I have removed the Cat from my RT and replaced it with a really nice looking stainless Y pipe that was custom made. It was done by my dealer and the mechanic is a real craftsman. The sound is fantastic with the Cat gone, has some real attitude now but not super loud, it's deeper and throatier. I have left the standard muffler on as I think that the shape of it suits the bike. The standard muffler doesn't seem at all restrictive with the cat off, I think most of the restriction is in the cat. The weight of the cat is like a concrete block, unbelievable. I have also put the chrome front and rear on the muffler and it looks awesome. I am not going to fit an aftermarket slip on as I have a nice sound, great looks and improved performance with what I have done.

 

[DR Buck]

I have removed the Cat from my RT and replaced it with a really nice looking stainless Y pipe that was custom made. It was done by my dealer and the mechanic is a real craftsman. The sound is fantastic with the Cat gone, has some real attitude now but not super loud, it's deeper and throatier. I have left the standard muffler on as I think that the shape of it suits the bike. The standard muffler doesn't seem at all restrictive with the cat off, I think most of the restriction is in the cat. The weight of the cat is like a concrete block, unbelievable. I have also put the chrome front and rear on the muffler and it looks awesome. I am not going to fit an aftermarket slip on as I have a nice sound, great looks and improved performance with what I have done.

What was the cost of having the pipes made? Did you have to purchase new can-am gaskets? Any re-tuning of the engine?

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

LOUDNESS / NOISE

The catalytic converter probably does more to quiet the exhaust than the muffler does......Mike....:yikes:

 

[Bob Denman]

Did you have to purchase new can-am gaskets? Any re-tuning of the engine?

:agree: Does it appear that the bike is running leaner?

 

[dgnspyder]

Cat Removed

What was the cost of having the pipes made? Did you have to purchase new can-am gaskets? Any re-tuning of the engine?

The cost to have the stainless pipe made was $617 (NZ dollars). I did not need new gaskets but my bike had only done 1500kms. At the time some people on this forum expressed the view that it may need a power commander fitted. I feel that it doesn't need it, but that is not to say that it may improve the performance some more with one fitted. I simply don't know as I haven't tried one. My dealer is pretty experienced with Spyders and he made the comment that the electronics on the Spyder are very sophisticated and that the ECU will adjust for about 20% variance in fuel and air. It would take significant engine mods to step outside of that. His comments not mine. I think he is right as my bike does not seem to be leaning out. I did do the ECU reset procedure. I also replaced the air cleaner element with a Green high performance filter. The engine note changed with that alone, started to breathe much better. That is it for my engine mods for now. Cat gone and high flow air cleaner has made a big difference, I am very happy. If you get a Y pipe made my suggestion is that you go to a custom shop that are used to doing this kind of fabrication. It is not nessarily a job for an ordinary service type mechanic. My Can Am dealer builds custom bikes and the guys in there are real craftsmen. Also the CO2 sensor on the RT is before the Y pipe so that is not an issue. I hope this helps.

 

[dgnspyder]

Cat Removed

:agree: Does it appear that the bike is running leaner?

See reply to Dr Buck. Cheers