To Baffle or not to Baffle that is the Question

[Suty]

I plan on buying a set of V&H Sideshots from Jim. I have a set of V&H Bigshot Stags on her right now. The question is ; Because of the "Power Chamber" in these two pipes do they need baffles ? and if so, The stock V&H's or would another brand be better ? Tu Compadre, Suty

[Deuce02]

Suty, I have the Python Staggered Pipes which are the same as the Big Shots Staggered with the power chamber. I've tried these pipes three ways, with, without and cut down baffles. On my EFI Deuce the best performance and sound, in my opinion, came with the baffles in but cut down. The bike just didn't seem to have the low end it had when the baffles were in and without baffles they gave me a headache. The bike retained the bottom end power with the baffles cut down to 4 1/2 "
I felt like this was just right. It had a nice sound and performed just the way I like it. I should mention that when I made the changes I did make some slight changes on the Power Commander. Results will differ on a carb equippped bike. Also, these pipes are pretty loud with the baffles in, so I'd make sure the cops in town are your friends or get different baffles. I'm in Illinois and haven't had any trouble. (Yet)
Side Shots are real nice. I'm sure you'll love em.

[Dyna Jim]

I'm afraid no baffle would really hurt performance with such a short pipe Suty. You really need some backpressure with a short pipe to keep reversion and popping to a minimum. I think deuces baffle mod might do the ticket though, i'd start out long and shorten them cautiously as you go and note your improvements.

[Deuce02]

Sorry, I should have mentioned that. I did shorten small amounts until I found a satisfying sound and performance.

[wideglide4jesus]

Great question; I have Samson Rip saws :gasthrowe and I am told many different stories about Torque Cones. Bob Wood says don't use them, put a very small baffle in the end of the pipe because the TQ cones are to close to the head and actually restrict flow as opposed to giving back pressure!

What are you guys thoughts?


peace

Joker

[Dyna Jim]

I use Torque cones in our chopper builds, but thats because they are unusually short pipes. It helps a ton, and most of these pipes you couldn't get a baffle in them to save your life. I do however think a baffle is a better way to add backpressure than cones, but i've never done tests to prove this. :angel3:

[wideglide4jesus]

I use Torque cones in our chopper builds, but thats because they are unusually short pipes. It helps a ton, and most of these pipes you couldn't get a baffle in them to save your life. I do however think a baffle is a better way to add backpressure than cones, but i've never done tests to prove this. :angel3:


I think I will use the torque cones and the power rings. Bob Wood said he uses a baffle in the Samsons that sounded just like the power rings. Thanks Guys


Peace :angel3:

Joker

[Deuce02]

I second Jim's opinion on the torque cones and baffles. If the baffles fit, use them. Want louder, cut them down.

[wideglide4jesus]

Hey this thread brought me out of the newbie Categry!! :red:


Peace

Joker

[MIALMA]

I've got both actually (cones and cut baffles). For the money and hassle associated with each - go with the baffels and cut 'em down as you like 'em. The cones revealed negligible difference for me, which meant that basically taking the pipes off was a pain in the ass compared to slipping a baffle in and out a few times.

[Silver]

I've got V&H Bigshots and am looking for a bit more sound while retaining performance. I too have tried without the baffles and liked the sound, but the torque hole and occasional tip-in stumbles were unacceptable.

[Deuce02]

Silver, read the post on performance enhancements regarding the tunable baffle. I preferred to just cut the baffle down to 4 1/2" and it sounds way better than without and performs equally as well with my Python pipes. Too much performance loss without baffles.

[marineaquariums]

Silver, read the post on performance enhancements regarding the tunable baffle. I preferred to just cut the baffle down to 4 1/2" and it sounds way better than without and performs equally as well with my Python pipes. Too much performance loss without baffles.

well i am in the same boat getting close to 100 today and engine is whinning for something feels like clutch slipping at 80,, no baffels, big shots ,mikuni 42,
love the no baffel sound but killer in all around performance
question is are you guys cutting out the crnter section and welding or starting at the end
i was just going to remove about 2 inchs from center weld back together and see if i can get the sound and performance in one package

[Deuce02]

I just cut them down to 4 1/2"
I guess if you want to go through the trouble of cutting out the center you can. Mine don't rattle. If they do you can always bend a small lip in the end to make a tighter fit. The idea is to keep a small amount of backpressure so you don't lose bottom end power and to slightly reduce the noise. At least that was my purpose. The amount of power loss without baffles was just unacceptable.

[marineaquariums]

well i cut out 3 inches in the center and it seems to be doing good
had to adjust carb a little but no hesitasion
thanks

[Deuce02]

well i cut out 3 inches in the center and it seems to be doing good
had to adjust carb a little but no hesitasion
thanks


How is the sound compared to the way it was?