Posted by Witch Doctor on May 22, 2000 at 01:41:52:
In Reply to: long str8 pipe posted by motorcycleboy on May 21, 2000 at 13:40:26:
I've run a straight pipe before on my 98 model Savage, and unless you do it right, you're just asking for problems. Re3gular exhaust pipe tubing from the parts store gives a very poor quality sound. Thick wall heavy duty tubing like that used on motorhomes is better, but the sound is still iffy as far as tonal quality is concerned. Also, unless you have a way to bend the tubing to run parallel with the original frame mounted bracket, a straight pipe will not allow the rear brake to function properly. The lever on the drum hits the pipe, and has a tendency to hang upm, resulting in the loss of the rear brake. Also, on't bother with trying to paint the pipe if you go ahea and run one, 1200 degree manifold paint will burn right off of it. Trust me on this, when I used regular tubing from Autozone, the manifold paint started to blister as soon as the pipe was turned on, and within 3 miles, it had all burned off. That was after curing the paint in an electric oven as per label directions.
To get the best sound from the pipe, cut the end off at a 70 degree angle. Have the angle parallel to the ground (facing out, not down or in). The angle will help the pipe to vent spent gases, will provide a self-contained resonator board, and makes a very interesting flame cone if the bike is shut down quickly after a hard run.
For my money, I'd buy a 12" stainless steel glasspack, a fishtail straight pipe section, and go from there.
Have fun, don't let the cops hassle you too badly. A Savage with a drag pipe is about 3 times as loud/obnoxious as a Harley big twin with a drag pipe.
-WD