I picked up a brand-spanking new set of Cobra Classic Tapered pipes on eBay for $179...look kinda like the stock ones, but don't sound like them, I know. They are NIB, nice & shiny. One thing that confused me though..the directions from Cobra say to use the original gaskets from the stock pipes. Forgive my ignorance since I've never worked on bikes before, but in cars you ALWAYS replaced gaskets. Mine's an '04 with only 4,200 miles on it, so I guess the gaskets could still be good... Should I follow Cobra's advice and use the old? And for bike gaskets, do you use anything like Permatex sealeant like I used to on cars?

And right now I have stock headers with what I BELIEVE to be Cobra Slash Cut Slip-Ons (I can't find ANY markings on the mufflers). Is the pipe a greater diameter on the Cobra full system than on the stock? Will I gain ANYTHING by putting them on (other than aesthetic relief, since I'm not crazy about slash cut pipes...

Thanks,

RK<br><br>Post edited by: Roadkill1962, at: 2006/08/22 23:28

The OEM stock gaskets can be reused if they look good. The aftermarket crush gaskets must be replaced after each use The OEM gaskets are more like large copper sealing rings and sturdy.... flat faced ...but exhaust CRUSH gaskets are not as wide and are rounded with soft compressible material inside split rounded copper NO you dont use any sealant here and if they look in poor condition replace with the OEM which can be used again The head pipes are larger than stock and give more free flowing exhaust for better performance Funny thing I had Cobra slip ons with fixed baffles then put on a full cobra sytem classic slashcuts 2571sc Just took them off a few days ago to put on the MEGACONE I liked the full cobra system with the removable baffles When I saw the puny after market exhaust gaskets that I ordered I threw them in the box with my other christmas decorations I used my OEM gaskets over again NO leaks but they looked in good shape ie smooth surface no nicks or signs of exhaust leaks.
Again the OEM gaskets (if that what is there which I assume are since you have the stock pipes on and have only slip ons) are more like large sealing rings used on banjo fittings in hydraulic brakes etc once you see them you will know what I am talking about. Not like softer gaskets that need replacing or dressed with sealant<br><br>Post edited by: Pop Rivet, at: 2006/08/23 00:54

Thanks for the good info, Pop...all my &quot;motorhead&quot; experience in the past has been with Mopar 340's &amp; 318's, Chevy 327's and 283's...and VW bug (classic) engines. Spent many an hour scrubbing Permatex off my fingers (gloves? who uses gloves? )

My Roadie only has about 4,200 miles on it now, so I imagine the gaskets aren't that bad. My Cobra system (p/n 2371, discontinued) has fixed baffles, dammit. Was thnking about just selling them to try and get my money out of them before I put them on and then maybe go for some Hi Boy Shotguns or some V&amp;H Longshots...I want some GROWL &amp; RUMBLE...

RK<br><br>Post edited by: Roadkill1962, at: 2006/08/23 00:59

Know what you mean. I did Stage 3 drilling then cobra slip ons then full cobra system and now the speedstar 2 into 1 into 2 My neighbor BOB is consider calling in the white coats. I am ecstatic over the speedstar exhaust as it roars and rumbles and looks good and... and... You dont know what the waters are like ...til you jump in

PS Im in the Auto Business and Ive sold a lot of that permatex <br><br>Post edited by: Pop Rivet, at: 2006/08/23 01:35

Hey Roadkill, if you decide to go with the Longshots you may want to look at the Speedstar long drags. I just put them on my '06 and they look and sound great. Plus they are straight cut, stagered, made by V&amp;H, AND $100 less!
Check out the Speedstar website, the Silverado in the picture has them on.
I recycled my OEM gaskets too. No leaks.

Jab

JAB

ALL Speedstar accessories are made by YAMAHA (or the same people that make the stock exhaust) MY Megacone 2 into 1 into 2 are made by YAMAHA and no one else has this configuration The Speedstar for the WARRIOR is also 2 into 1 into 2
V&amp;H have a 2 into 1
Do you have speedstar drags 2 into 2 that indicate they were made by V&amp;H??????

<br><br>Post edited by: Pop Rivet, at: 2006/08/23 07:06

I was told by the dealer they were made for Yamaha by V&amp;H. Nothing in the box or on the pipes gave that away though.

wonder where your dealer got that idea??? maybe because the v&amp;h pro 2 into 1 looks like the Warrior 2 into 2 into 1???
also ...stage 111 with long drag pipes increases hp 20% while 2 into 1 into
2 megacone by 32% ..read all about it

http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/accessories/en/pdf/06_cruiser_3-14E.pdf<br><br>Post edited by: Pop Rivet, at: 2006/08/23 10:48

Pop Rivet wrote:
...stage 111 with long drag pipes increases hp 20% while 2 into 1 into
2 megacone by 32% ..read all about it

http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/accessories/en/pdf/06_cruiser_3-14E.pdf

Under normal street riding it's torque you want not hp. Surprisingly the long drag pipes give a smoother and higher torque curve in the useable lower rev range. It's especailly noticeable for the Stage IV mods.

Doc

I see that DOC
Since I am not going any further than changing out the exhaust I guess its the rumble Im after... and looks too.. but I was curious and impressed with the 2 into 1 into 2 concept

You have a sharp ride and a long list of changes Did I read somewhwere you are from Ontario??? so am I...<br><br>Post edited by: Pop Rivet, at: 2006/08/23 12:14