| Author | Message | ||
     Phelan |
Okay, so here's what I'm thinking. I have a Force exhaust, and I love the sound and performance, but it's just not reliable. I had it split in half once and had it welded back toegether, but now it's cracked in another spot so I'll have to weld it again. Are any of the other headers stronger and less prone to this? Or is it because of the rubber lined hanger on the Force that does this? Since the Force pipes use Megs muffler cones, I'm thinking about looking for a Race header and welding a stainless Megs cone on it when I'm financially ready to replace the Force pipe. Any thoughts on this? Is there a stronger header that could be modified? | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
That rubber clamp is really dumb. I've seen them. I would suggest finding a stainless stocker and installing a slip-on. I would suggest against welding the pipe and muffler to avoid putting extra strain on the head studs. When installing my muffler, I like to loosen up the headers a bit and start all of the hardware of the whole system and jiggle the whole thing to take the strain out before tightening it all up. I really think they messed up when designing the force pipe since the muffler and header are all welded up, they chose to allow for minor adjustments with that crappy rubber lined clamp. | ||
| Phelan |
Yeah, they could have done a lot better with design for reliability. Just curious, why do you suggest a standard header rather than the race header? | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
I figure you could get your hands on one used more easily than a race header. That's all. | ||
| Hootowl |
If you're looking for a bullet proof header/can to replace the Force pipe for a tuber, check out the D&D offering. Very durable, and makes good power. They're still available. | ||
| Phelan |
I had a D&D slip-on before I installed the Force pipe. I had what appears to be the first time a D&D blew a cap and packing. Sounded awesome, but since it used the stock 2" collector, I wanted something that would make more power. As far as I know, D&D does not offer a full system for the earlier tubers. I think I will use either a stock S1W header or a Race header and a Megs cone like the one on the Force pipe, but in stainless. It'll look better too. | ||
| Hootowl |
Sorry man, I thought you had a 99-02. Not sure anyone other than Buell can offer you a different header. Sounds like you've got a good plan. | ||
| The_italian_job |
I also have a Force exhaust, but so far, so good! no cracks, no problems. I think is the best pipe (performance/sound/price) available for the tubers. I had the race headers with V&H muffler before the Force, still keeping it in my closet, but I've got a huge improvement from the pipe changing, absolutely noticeable! I think you should keep your Force, you're not gonna find anything that will satisfy you as the Streetfighter pipe! you should get a new one n case you can't fix it, you might be luckier...  | ||
| Phelan |
I actually have two, both are cracked. I'm tired of having them welded up. If I had the resources, I would build a header like the Force but in stainless. I don't though, but I know I can get the same Megs megacone that is used on the Force. It is a universal fit, but I can play with it and make it a slip-on. That on a polished race header should perform similar and have a similar sound. I may lose 1 hp from the Force, but I'll gain a ton in durability. I put a lot of miles on anything I have so reliabilty is a big concern. The Force pipe firat split in 23* weather coming back home from Colorado. I do not want that experience again. | ||
| The_italian_job |
where exactly did the pipe crack? | ||
| Phelan |
The pipe first split at the first seam, the downbend about foot from the exhaust flange on the front tube. I had it welded back together, but now it is cracked just above the weld, about 1.5" long. | ||
| Radon30 |
Ok i have had a force pipe for 4 years now with no problems. Do you bolt these things on to tight or are you doing alot of wheelies and landing hard? | ||
| Phelan |
How many miles have you put on yours? I used to do a few wheelies, but none in the last 4 or 5 months. I have put about 6500 miles on the pipe though, much of that in below 40* weather, and my pipe was wrapped. The wrap probably has something to do with it. | ||
| Radon30 |
I believe around 8000 miles or so. | ||
| Radon30 |
Oh yeah, if if you jinx me and mine breaks in the next few months, i'm coming after you. Radon | ||
| Phelan |
I noticed your bike in the profil is a '99, which means you probably have the later style pipe. That may have something to do with it as well (or maybe not). If yours breaks offer it up to the Gods of Speed and leave me alone  . | ||
| Radon30 |
Funny, Well hopefully i wont have to offer to the gods and i hope your right about the different years. I have heard of other force pipes cracking, but i dont know the years. | ||
| Buellistic |
BUELLers: CHECK my "POSTS", as some where "i" posted how to correctly install an exhaust system and the correct header gaskets to use ... | ||
| Phelan |
Buellistic, that will be on my to-do list when I get around to doing this  . |
