Looking for opinions on Header for trail riding

[yamamarc]

I gotta make a trip up and ride too buudy

That would be awsome!! If you are willing to make the trip you stay here!!!

 

[justinator]

Lets not assume that all headers are prone to fail very early. With no disrespect intended, tds gen1 header is the one that comes up the most for early flex bellow failure. The ones I know of locally were gen1’s. I spoke to a member on here at beginning of last winter who had replaced his bellow twice in 12 or 1300 miles. TD had updated the material on the gen 1 and now updated again to the braid bellow so they obviously are aware and testing some components for a fix. Some others have reported a season or more use with no issue. I personally have not seen much talk about early failures on precision or hurricane headers. I spoke to one individual who owns an exhaust company popular in the snowmobile industry and he has replaced the bellows on a fair amount of precision headers and said it is typically between 6000-7500 miles. I havent read anything on the hurricane headers so I have no idea whats average on those.So at that mileage I wouldnt consider that premature, but thats just my opinion. One thing that makes me curious is the td gen 1 header has the shortest tube length and the merge pipe the furthest away from the turbo. The other manufacturers have the merge cloer to turbo and bellow right after. Maybe this design of the header has more heat at the bellow or faster heating/cooling than the other designs?? Or maybe simply they have not been able to source a quality bellow that is working for them? Either way a header is a performance part and with that there is always the chance it may not last as long or be as maintenance free as you hoped. Its all worth it for some.

 

[sideshowBob]

Thanks everyone for your comments on this thread I started...it really helps to make a decision.

 

[Hammer70]

Hahahah
It was definitely a pleasure to finally meet you.
Your sled looks bad #*$&@!!
And no I am no lining up with you..
I'll never live it down if I get blown away by a "wire puller"...hahahhaha
A few of my buddies (ty members)from Southern Ontario usually come up to ride with me, I'll give you a heads up and come join us!!

I bet I know who they are lol.

 

[Motorhead]

One point about the aftermarket non cast iron header! They are very thick and heavy but take the heat very well without turning red hot. Lighter aftermarket non cast steel headers will turn red hot, so whereas they are so close to the gas tank, it’s advisable to use the best of shields and wrap. Saw a one season header fail (bellows) at the end of last season. Once apart a bit of damage on the aluminum frame component that the leak was breathing on, looked like it had worn or melted a bit! The wrap was in the process of disintegrating also. Hot exhaust so near to plastic gas tanks call for correct installation and many inspections to keep it all safe! Even the stock set up demands that the shields do their jobs, or else! But yes the aftermarket headers do make more power with less octane.

Just the 2 cents of a backyard garage guy!

 

[yamamarc]

One point about the aftermarket non cast iron header! They are very thick and heavy but take the heat very well without turning red hot. Lighter aftermarket non cast steel headers will turn red hot, so whereas they are so close to the gas tank, it’s advisable to use the best of shields and wrap. Saw a one season header fail (bellows) at the end of last season. Once apart a bit of damage on the aluminum frame component that the leak was breathing on, looked like it had worn or melted a bit! The wrap was in the process of disintegrating also. Hot exhaust so near to plastic gas tanks call for correct installation and many inspections to keep it all safe! Even the stock set up demands that the shields do their jobs, or else! But yes the aftermarket headers do make more power with less octane.

Just the 2 cents of a backyard garage guy!

This is what I did to try for the season.

 

[Motorhead]

This is what I did to try for the season.

View attachment 163693View attachment 163694

I did see that and it looks like superior protection! Guys like you that are meticulous with your DIY sleds maintenance should have no problem!

But the guy who had his done by others, and just rides until it needs more maintenance, is where my comments are meant to emphasize safety with these Fire Breathers!!

Are you utilizing any of the stock shielding to cover the bellows portion?

 

[yamamarc]

I did see that and it looks like superior protection! Guys like you that are meticulous with your DIY sleds maintenance should have no problem!

But the guy who had his done by others, and just rides until it needs more maintenance, is where my comments are meant to emphasize safety with these Fire Breathers!!

Are you utilizing any of the stock shielding to cover the bellows portion?

I am looking at this for the bellows

Design Engineering DEI Titanium Pipe Shield 4" x 8" 10453 - Vivid Racing

Order the Design Engineering DEI Titanium Pipe Shield, 4" X 8 10453 at Vivid Racing. Shop DEI at great prices, fast shipping, and 0% financing!

www.vividracing.com

I agree about the rider who just rides should just stick with 240sm or 240 pm. Even at that lightly moded your maintenance/inspections frequency should be increased!

 

[sideshowBob]

I don't have a Viper and have never worked on one but they appear to have a SS header as OEM. Does the Viper suffer from header cracking or excessive heat issues?

 

[sabrecat]

I have TD's stock modified can. They did something on the inside and changed inlet and outlet to 2.5 inch. Its not much louder than stock and was also wondering if the headers worth it for my can?