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Discussion Starter · #1 · (Edited)
Ok here is the Cliff’s Notes Edition of the 08 GSXR Exhaust Issues with pics and options.
Since there are still a few exhaust threads poping up I figured I’d attempt to lump it all into one thread for those that still have questions.

Here is your stock exhaust system (All 22 lbs of it..)



This is why we HATE it. (CAT is welded to the midpipe/header)


This is what is left if you want to simply want to install a stock 08 slip on. (With previous year models the cat came off with the stock muffler when you installed a slip on.)





Here are exhaust options starting with the simplest and working towards the most complicated and time consuming. Price for each option falls all over the spectrum for each option but most times the simplest cures are not only the best but are also the cheapest.

1. Buy a stock 08 slip on. This does not eliminate the cat and isn’t the most eye appealing. You get better sound and looks than stock but you still retain the heavy/ugly cat. (Pick courtesy of Freekobe15)



2. Buy a stock 06/07 GSXR slip on, cut the cat off at the weld and use the remainder of the stock “midpipe” just behind the SET Valve to clamp the slip on down. This is probably the best exhaust option for the 08 bikes. It is simple, removes the cat and doesn’t cost any more money than option number 1. So far it looks as though any 06/07 slip on will work using this method. Here is an EXCELENT “how to” by XLR 709. http://www.gixxer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=193288


3. Buy a stock 08 slip on, cut the cat off and fabricate a midpipe to fit in the space between the muffler and SET Valve. Any muffler shop could probably do this. This is the best option if you have already bought a stock 08 slip on and want to eliminate the cat. (Pick courtesy of Freekobe15)



4. Buy a complete 06/07 exhaust system and swap out your stock 08 system. This is done to allow you to buy a stock 06/07 slip on and eliminate the cat. IMO this is not the way to go. Originally it was done this way but since then others have figured out more simple and cost effective ways of getting around the cat with a slip on. (see options 2 & 3)


5. Buy a Full Aftermarket Exhaust. This is the most expensive route but will typically yield the most weight savings and power enhancement.



Keep in mind that with most of these mods it will be beneficial to retune your bike. There are plenty of options for this and the necessity and method is a whole other thread.
 

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Good write up... hopefully this will cease the daily exhaust questions.....then again I doubt it

You should also add that it will be hard to find a map that will work right with the cat hack option, and will probably need a custom tune to get peak a/f mixture. More and more problems like this keep popping up with the hackers.
 

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hey when it comes to remapping your bike if i do option 3.....i already have the slip on but if i go this route do i get it custom mapped, or what map should i use from my power commander?? what i kinda mean would be do i use a full map or a slip on map since the cat will be eliminated?
 

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4. Buy a complete 06/07 exhaust system and swap out your stock 08 system. This is done to allow you to buy a stock 06/07 slip on and eliminate the cat. IMO this is not the way to go. Originally it was done this way but since then others have figured out more simple and cost effective ways of getting around the cat with a slip on. (see options 2 & 3)
Where is this more cost effective? I bought 06/07 headers and put them on the bike. It only cost me $75 shipped off the internet. It was quick and easy and not expensive at all. I'd rather buy 06/07 headers instead of a full race exhaust that i'm never going to use and save me over $700. So I still don't get where its more simple and more costly....
 

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Where is this more cost effective? I bought 06/07 headers and put them on the bike. It only cost me $75 shipped off the internet. It was quick and easy and not expensive at all. I'd rather buy 06/07 headers instead of a full race exhaust that i'm never going to use and save me over $700. So I still don't get where its more simple and more costly....
I am sure the cat hack is what the op is getting at. Cost nothing to cut it off and maybe 20.00 to have a mid pipe fabricated. Not to mention the 06-07 slip on is usually 100-250 more than the 08 slip on because of the added mid pipe. So yes the hack is cheaper. Easier because you dont touch the header and can do it all on the bike.
 

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Discussion Starter · #9 · (Edited)
Where is this more cost effective? I bought 06/07 headers and put them on the bike. It only cost me $75 shipped off the internet. It was quick and easy and not expensive at all. I'd rather buy 06/07 headers instead of a full race exhaust that i'm never going to use and save me over $700. So I still don't get where its more simple and more costly....

In order to do number 4 you not only have to locate/purchase an 06/07 header and collector but you also have to buy the slip on. Once you have paid for all these items and associated shipping it is going to be more expensive than if you simply go with optons 1 or 2 where all you have to buy is the slip on or option 3 where there is a small amount of welding to do by a muffler shop. This isn't even taking into consideration that option 4 is much more labor intensive for basically no advantage over option 2 or 3.

IMO it is kinda crazy to swap the entire exhaust out with an earlier model just to put a slip on on when there are much cheaper and easier methods to get the same result.

.
 

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see I've got mine on and it was not that hard to do it's for the lazy people who don't want to do all the labor to swap the headers. Plus I've heard that the 06/07 headed have a little bit bigger diameter than the 08's either way it's your opinion. I just rather put on different headers that way if I go back to stock them I can just put the whole thing back on
 

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That is my bike in option #3, and I HIGHLY SUGGEST to get a custom map done witha pcIII. I also removed my set valve as well. I put a full exhaust system map on my PCIII and there is a big of a lagg getting out of first gear... I am going to get a custom map and dynoed this week... hopefully it fixes the problem as the shop told me that it would def. fix the lag... Anyone have suggestions as to why i have the lagg? Im guessing the custom map will fix it... I'll let you guys know how it feels after the custom map...

Other than the lagg the bike IS 100X louder than before and along with the PCIII it rides wayyy better and can feel the dif. in power... I also somewhat de-stickered my bike... what do you think? take em' all of or leave it the way it is??

:cheers
 

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I put a full exhaust system map on my PCIII and there is a big of a lagg getting out of first gear... I am going to get a custom map and dynoed this week...

:cheers
Removing the cat and adding a slip will NOT MAKE YOUR EXHAUST A FULL SYSTEM and able to use the factory tested maps by the selected manufacturers. Those down loadable maps were tested with the manufacturers headers not the stock hack jobs. The silencers are different from a slip on and a FS also. Different flow between the two set-ups. A good custom tune will fix that lag and broaden your powerband
 

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Removing the cat and adding a slip will NOT MAKE YOUR EXHAUST A FULL SYSTEM and able to use the factory tested maps by the selected manufacturers. Those down loadable maps were tested with the manufacturers headers not the stock hack jobs. The silencers are different from a slip on and a FS also. Different flow between the two set-ups. A good custom tune will fix that lag and broaden your powerband
Yah i Totally understand that its NOT A FULL SYSTEM, most of the shops just told me that if im going to use a downloadable map to use a full system map, because it better than the slip on map. i'm glad to hear that the custom map will fix the lag. Thanks
 

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Removing the cat and adding a slip will NOT MAKE YOUR EXHAUST A FULL SYSTEM and able to use the factory tested maps by the selected manufacturers. Those down loadable maps were tested with the manufacturers headers not the stock hack jobs. The silencers are different from a slip on and a FS also. Different flow between the two set-ups. A good custom tune will fix that lag and broaden your powerband
Even with the downloaded maps they do say "slip-on" map they do have the options to download a slip-on only map which means stock headers or a full system download map.
 
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