Removing Ballast

Message

guscave · #1 Unread post by **guscave** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 4:43 am

Hi,
Can anyone tell me how much more "growl" or loudness can I get by removing ballast from my pipes. I have a 2007 v-star 1300 which is too quiet for my taste, but I also don't want to annoy the neighbors (not too much)

I don't have the money right now to get new pipes, and I haven't found too many 2 into 1 slip-ons that are much cheaper than a whole new exhaust system, so for now I have to take the cheapest route.

Any recommendations is appreciated.

Thanks,

paul246 · #2 Unread post by **paul246** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 7:39 am

By "ballast" I assume you are referring to removing or modifying the baffles. IMHO, don't do it. Its the cheap and dirty method and it will sound like it, too. Your exhaust won't sound "good", it will just be loud and sound like absolute krapp. Trust me, I have seen and heard it many times.

Please wait until you can afford some decent pipes, and don't forget to store the stockers with care as you may have to reinstall them at a later date with changing regulations. Stock pipe sets are very expensive to replace once you no longer have them!

guscave · #3 Unread post by **guscave** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 8:33 am

Thanks Paul. Actually I meant baffles..

I'm not looking to get it "too" loud, but more of lower end sound, and yes a bit more volume. The reason I mentioned removing the baffles is because so many folks have recommended taking them off.

Wish there was a way to compare. For example how many more db do you get when they are removed.

Tennif Shoe · Fri Jan 23, 2009 1:04 pm

have you checked to see how your baffels are installed? they may just be bolted in.

guscave · #5 Unread post by **guscave** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 5:54 am

Hi Tennif,
The bike currently has a 2 into 1 pipe which I'm not crazy about (both the sound & look).

I'll probably get slip-ons in about 4 to 6 months, but wanted to remove the baffles in the meantime.

I'm not very mechanically inclined so I'll be using a local bike mechanic to do both for me.

Johnj · #6 Unread post by **Johnj** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 7:12 am

Then take it to the mechanic and let him worry about it.

BTW if it's not done right you will blow a hole in the top of the pistons.

Zagnut · #7 Unread post by **Zagnut** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 9:15 am

Depending on the mechanic and where you live... There's a good chance your mechanic won't modify your stock pipes due to emmissions standards and/or warranty issues. Also something to think about is when removing the baffles, you are modifying and/or eliminating the back pressure your baffles create and you may have to modify your settings and/or rejet. Some folks have have good results by drilling holes in the baffles for a nicer note to the exhaust. I frequent the vstar 1100 forums and those guys can answer just about any question and give you good advice. There is a vstar 1300 forum...you should check it out.

http://forums.delphiforums.com/OldFart1963

OK...I just looked in there after posting the link that theres hardly any posts in there... I guess due to it being such a new model and all...

Try the Vstar 1100 forum... it's for Vstar 1100's but I bet they could help you with your 1300. They dive into technical issues concerning Vstars more than folks around here will be able to. Good luck.

http://forums.delphiforums.com/yamaha1100/start

.

guscave · #8 Unread post by **guscave** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 9:59 am

Thanks for the link. I'll definitely check it out.

cHAosjiHAd · Sun Jul 19, 2009 8:18 pm

BTW if it's not done right you will blow a hole in the top of the pistons.

Ryethil · #10 Unread post by **Ryethil** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 5:14 am

guscave wrote:Hi Tennif,
The bike currently has a 2 into 1 pipe which I'm not crazy about (both the sound & look).

I'll probably get slip-ons in about 4 to 6 months, but wanted to remove the baffles in the meantime.

I'm not very mechanically inclined so I'll be using a local bike mechanic to do both for me.

IMHO, don't do it. You need back pressure to make the scavaging of the cylinder head to workd properly.

However, if you have to do some thinig, you miight try "rodding" the baffle while it is in thr pipe. This makes them more free flowing but not take away all the back pressure. It's exactly as it sounds. But it has to be done carefully...

The big problem is that a lot of communities are starting to crack down on load pipes. And when suburbinites start makeing regulations, they don't stop at some place logically. But I got an alert for several counties, esp in Florida and Virginia, I think. But who'sto know when they will stop. Just a thought and possibly a warning if you budget is that tight.