Topic: 550 Exhaust, just cut it off?

[Kalamazoo]

So my exhaust is pretty much rusted from the inside out but my 4 into 4 headers are still in good shape.
There are only 3 holes thru and its all on one pipe, I can definitely patch these hole up no problem but is it really worth it, I can actually hear rusted off parts inside the pipes.

So Next step if there is no use in patching the holes is running just headers ok?  I am not buying exhaust, its out of the question, I dont have enough money and there are other things that need to be done first.
Will running just headers have any bad repercussions?
Hard to tune?

Any Advice?

[dmizer]

I'm not as knowledgeable as some folks here, but I wouldn't suggest it.

First of all, it will throw off the back-pressure balance, and you'll loose power unless you re-jet and/or run pods. There needs to be a good balance between intake and exhaust, if either of those are out of whack, you'll experience power loss.

Running headers may also put your valves at risk. They'll get too hot and burn if you run this way for too long. It's okay to do this at the track because the engines get rebuilt frequently, but for everyday use straight headers could do permanent damage to your engine.

I don't have any other good alternatives to suggest, but I definitely would avoid just cutting 'em off.

[pablo78cb550]

you could cut the mufflers off, but you would need to replace them.
there are a couple of options.
Sito from Dennis Kirk 4 into 2
Emgo from Dennis Kirk 4 into 4
of course you'd need four of the Emgo pipes.

[Kalamazoo]

well, I am going to be running pods once they are delivered, and will be purchasing a could different jet sizes to try out. So power loss isn't much of a worry.
However Permanent engine damage? That would definitely put a damper on my day.
I know I have seen guys running just headers on what look like just daily riders.
It's kind of hard to really see the damage to the exhaust without doing something like cutting it right in half, so maybe just patching the holes would be the best way to go.
-Thanks-

Anyone else?

[Shenanigans]

If there are only holes on one pipe, why not just find a replacement for that pipe?

[Kalamazoo]

you could cut the mufflers off, but you would need to replace them.
there are a couple of options.
Sito from Dennis Kirk 4 into 2
Emgo from Dennis Kirk 4 into 4
of course you'd need four of the Emgo pipes.

Well... how much, I don't really have much money right now.

[Kalamazoo]

If there are only holes on one pipe, why not just find a replacement for that pipe?

Well there are only holes in one... but it seems all of the pipes had been rusting from the inside out before I bought it, none of the pipes are really in very good shape

[pablo78cb550]

emgo $47 each = $188
http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp?skuId=&store=Main&catId=403&productId=p431285&leafCatId=40302&mmyId=
sito $301  http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp?skuId=4401018&store=Main&catId=403&productId=p4401018&leafCatId=40302&mmyId=

[my78k]

I am also guessing if you don't have the cash for new exhaust you likely don't have the cash to pay the tickets you will get for noise violations  you may want to check what the cost of getting stopped sometime would be.

Dennis

[Kalamazoo]

Yeah, that would be a problem if I went anywhere, but here in my little town of Viroqua it wouldn't be much of a problem.
There are more trucks and cars around here with no exhaust or straight headers than I care to say, and the cops don't do anything.
Also helps that I know every cop on the force here. 

[TwoTired]

If your bike is a 77 or 78, then patching the holes is far better than open headers... unless you rejet.
Pods, or almost any air filter change from stock will also require a rejet.
Other carb adjustments like slide needle height, and idle mixture screws also would need addressing.

Loss of back pressure and/or loss of intake restriction will make the engine run lean and hot, possibly burning valves, overheating oil, seizing pistons in the worst case.

Cheers,

[dmizer]

I know I have seen guys running just headers on what look like just daily riders.

Yes, but those engines were either designed with open headers in mind, or the owners are too stupid to know the dangers.

Open headers aren't so much of a problem if you have hardened valves, forged pistons, a modern lubrication system, and a precisely tuned intake (think fuel injection). My guess is that you do not have any of those

The valves on these old CB's are pretty delicate. They were designed to be run with leaded gas which helped to keep them cool and well lubricated. A damaged exhaust is not something you should take lightly.

[tygrant]

if it makes you feel any better there are other people out there running straight pipes, im guna run my exhaust off the 4-1 collector and call it a day.

[Kalamazoo]

well, so for now patching seems to be the best way to go.
But... new exhaust is in the works.

[dn4911]

I've got three exhausts, pipes and headers, I will sell you cheap if you are interested.  Just bought them on Ebay, but there were some dings in the pipes, just cosmetic, nothing serious, but not what I was looking for.  They are for 2, 3 & 4. PM me if you are interested.