I wanted to re start the debate on the best exhaust for the Raptor. I've got a DynoJetted, Pro Flowed Raptor with the stock exhaust. I want to get a good exhaust in the next few weeks and want to see your opinions on:

1. Full vs. Slip on
2. Brand
3. Value

I don't mind spending a chunk of change as long as it buys me something. I would rather spend more on a better exhaust than buying an inferior product at any price. Basically, if more cash buys a better and more powerful exhaust, I'm all for it. I just don't want to spend a lot of money on jumk. I've heard that DMC and Big Gun full systems and even HPD and GYTR slip ons are pretty good. Also, I don't really plan on doing any internal mods to the motor in the near future. Thanks for the help and sorry to re-hash a tired subject!

Matt

 

Slappie:

I guess the December issue of Dirt Wheels, did a big write up and testing on pipes.

I have a CT Racing with a Pro Design foam filter and love it.

My Raptor Pic's
http://www.imagestation.com/album/in...?id=4292277311

 

I, too, have the CT Racing exhaust system and Pro Flow filter. I researched for quite awhile and it seems to be the best performance value out there...

 

I have the big gun exhaust which is a major improvement over stock and I have no complaints. If I was starting from scratch though I think I would go with the trinity system, it looks like they did a good job working out the flow characteritics of the raptor exhaust and their race motors are top notch

 

I've got the DMC and love it. Sounds like a YZ426f. I know that you will find many people telling you to go with only a slip-on, but I would say that you will be happier with a full system. If the stock header pipes are the same size as the 400ex head pipes, then how couldn't you gain better flow and hence more power from a larger head pipe. Smaller header pipe diameter would give you more power down low(torque), but would hurt you in the upper R's. As we all know the low end isn't the weak area for the Raptor. Also for the most part the aftermarket head pipes offer a lot smoother flow out of the head into either the "Y" or in the DMC's case the muffler.

 

Popo35,

I didn't see any Raptor pipe shoot-out in the December issue of Dirtwheels. Are you talking about the January issue by any chance? If so what did they test and what were the results/conclusions? How did your CT pipe do?

 

December issue of dirtwheels did not do a shootout or a testing of the various systems. What they did is test the FMF power bomb and power core IV Q on the 400ex with dyno graphs for comparison. wish they would do a good comparison I think we would all welcome that kind of info

 

I just posted this message a few days ago in another thread, but I don't know if you read it:

Gotta chime in here with my opinion.

Just bought a CT Racing full kit with foam filter and dyno kit, no lid. WOW! Startling, major difference. Throttle response is immediate, power is everywhere. Wheelies in 3rd gear with no tug on the bar, will wheelie in 4th with a little tug, still no clutch. Holds 2nd, 3rd gears on 300ft hillclimbs (gravel). I almost want to change the gearing but I don't need to. I don't need to race anyone, I just want a machine which is more fun to ride. This thing is like a 660 should be. You jump on the 400 and it's like a kid's toy. I have ridden it for almost a year, and just added the kit this past weekend. I can definately tell the difference, and would highly recommend you talk to Alan at CT about their kit. It is worth the money, and he is a straight shooter. Everything he said was true, and his recommendations were bang on.

My buddy bought his Raptor one month after me, and immediately put a GYT-R Carbon pipe on his bike. No difference. My stock bike and his GYT-R bike were a dead heat. (he weighs a good 50 pounds more than I) When I ordered my CT kit, I talked to Alan, and he recommended that we get the Pro-Flow Flange, and foam filter kit for the GYT-R. He also recommended we get the Yamaha jets to go along with it. Ordered it and installed it.

This also made a HUGE difference on his machine. Same feedback. Immediate throttle response, wheelies when you want it. It rips. (We haven't had a chance to line them up yet, as I put mine on last weekend, but it will happen soon enough) When you let the Raptor breathe, it really responds. This has to be the biggest improvement. Proper airflow, and proper jetting. Both are critical, and both make a huge difference.

I haven't even touched the internals of the motor. Just a filter, jet and pipe kit. Amazing.

I would agree with CT's dyno charts which show a broader power range, and it pulls harder, longer and the power increase is dramatic. I am very happy with my purchase, and also very happy with my machine.

I would agree that the Raptor can benefit from better shocks and a wider axel. It will be my next improvement. I am finished with the motor. I don't need any more power. I just wanted more motor, cause I love to wheelie and rip around. I know I would get spanked on an MX track if someone spent the same money on a wider axel. But I made the choice for the pipe.

One other thing to take note: I bought CT's pipe kit because it was a KIT. Matched, dyno tested, supported by CT, and proven results. No thinking here. I love to ride more than fix. I have watched these boards for the last year, reading many posts about people trying to get a miss match of parts to work together and then get the jetting right. It was more important to me to make the purchase, install and ride. Not screw around and get frustrated. (Fix the bike, load the bike, take it to trails, start it up, find out it isn't right, load the bike, put it in the garage, fix the bike, yada yada yada...)

I do know that before I installed the kit, my other friend with a DS Baja edition, would just start to pull away on top end when the Raptor was stock. Now, it's no contest. It's now a matter of bike lengths. Proof enough for me.

Installation of the pipe was a breeze. Found it easier to take the header off and do it first, then slide the silencer on. No biggie. The Pro Flow wasn't too bad, however, I don't know if you would want to follow the paper template exactly. It might be better to clamp the flange where you want it and make the bolt holes gently with the flange in place. The jets were easy, once you get all the stuff off. So overall, I would say it is intermediate level to do, but you won't need an expert. The instructions are pretty clear, and I have called them 3-4 times to change my shpping directions and ask questions. And Alan himself answers the phone. Very knowledgable dude.

US$539.95 for the kit. (Exhaust (header, silencer w/discs and megaphone tip), Pro Flow Flange, Pro Flow Foam filter, Yamaha jets, instructions, stickers)

DynoJet Kit US$79.71 (Bought this as well for my cold climate in Toronto. Not normally needed)

Pro Flow Kit with Foam Filter 119.95 (For the GYT-R Carbon pipe'd machine)

Everything came true, no mystery.

Good luck with your choice,

RM

 

I went with the GYT-R pipe and it did make a big diffrence, and isn't terribly load, Its like 87dB at idle. I got this pipe because of what I read at this site, ATVtesting.com They had tried the GYT-R, Pro Circut, and a WB E-seires. They have no dyno numbers but do have db limits and tuning aids, good stright shooting site.

 

I have an E series,K&N, and jet kit. Big difference!! This thing makes the stocker feel boring and slow