Just got my CNT catback installed last night! So far I am really liking it!
Purchase experience: Bought from forum vendor ERZperformance... showed up a my door exactly one week after I sent payment! Shipped out the same day I think.
Packaging: Everything came in one big box. Box was beaten up a little but patched with cardboard and taped over so I am pretty sure the damage happened before it was shipped to me. There was a *slight* ding on one of the resonators but everything else was good - no big deal. Everything came in bubble wrap bags, but it wasn't the best packed thing I have ever gotten. Some of the flanges were poking out of the bags I am little surprised it didn't get scratched up but it all came out shiny!
Install: Installation was a breeze. Taking off the factory catback, however, was not. I just moved and am still having a lot of "where is my.... oh crap I don't have it anymore" moments and despite my efforts to have everything I needed prior to getting the car up, I forgot WD40/Liquid Wrench. The factory exhaust was so rusty all the nuts fought us and I shears off one of the studs connecting the OEM axle-back. I know some folks have done this install on their own but I had a friend with me and I can't imagine doing in the install without a spare pair of hands.
Quality: Looks top notch to me! Nice welds, everything fits. What else can you ask for?
Look: I love the way it looks! I chose the CNT over the Garageline because I prefer the look of the HKS style... and I sprung for the Ti-look tips (LOVE THEM). I didn't consider the Top-Speed Pro-N because the tips aren't rolled on the edges... unrolled edges just look unfinished to me.
Sound: PERFECT FOR ME! No drone while cruise or idle, wakes up when you push on the gas. Pretty quiet overall (preferred), as I am stock everywhere else.
Performance: I've only had the car for a few weeks... so the butt-dyno isn't really calibrated. I don't really feel much difference but as I said, I don't really have a proper basis for comparison.
Price: What can you say? It's roughly 1/3 the price of the FI and ships same-day. Worth taking the chance on and if I had to do it again, I would make the same decision!
Any Problems?: Kit only came with two hex screw/nuts for the adjustable tips even though each one has two adjustment slots.. After driving for a few hours they both rattled off and all I was left with was one of the nuts sitting in the exhaust tip (lucky I didn't lose the tips!). I've since replaced them with stainless hex screws/nuts/lock washers from home depot but they aren't shiny polished like the provided ones... =( Hey ERZ, if you're listening how about hooking a fella' up with some more shiny tip mounting hardware?
Sorry no vids guys, the only cam I have is my S4.
