DIY: Berk Technology HFC Install

sunkist350z · 11-22-2015, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zbrah

Yea, if they seize up real good you're going to need a torch handy.

Well, it took me the whole Saturday to install the berks hfc but well worth it. No strip bolts just two pain in the *** demon bolts that gave me a workout. Used a breaker bar for them. Note it is not needed to get an 02 sensor socket wrench I just used a large 22inch wrench and with some pb blaster it was a piece of cake. Sounds great don't miss my 07hr sound with the hks titanium exhaust anymore

killrain · 06-01-2016, 07:13 PM

(honestly, without pics, its still useful)........BUT......

killrain · 06-05-2016, 09:29 AM

As an update: I found another site where OP still has the pics showing. Am I allowed to put the link in here? I hope so. I feel this would be very helpful to have the pics back for those of us that like to DIY.

f1mclarenagr · 06-05-2016, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killrain

As an update: I found another site where OP still has the pics showing. Am I allowed to put the link in here? I hope so. I feel this would be very helpful to have the pics back for those of us that like to DIY.

IMO I would say yes. I used this thread about three years ago when I put my hi flow cats on, now I'm switching to stock and just going off of what I remember. Wouldn't mind seeing the original pics again.

killrain · 06-05-2016, 10:28 AM

Will post pics later instead since I'm not able to post the link

l2iceman · 06-05-2017, 11:31 AM

I've decided to try tackling this on my own. Two questions since pics aren't working and I wasn't able to get a definitive answer on google:
1. The demon bolts are the one top bolt on each cat, correct? For the other two bolts per cat, can someone confirm that I am able to reach them from beneath the car and should be able to break them loose with just my ratchet and socket?

2. Driver side, I was able to break the one by loose, so that's good, took one attempt, yay! The passenger side, I was able to break it loose, but as I used my ratchet to keep loosening it, at one point it stopped, and wouldn't budge. I then put the breaker bar back on, and I believe the bolt may be now be rounded as the socket keeps slipping (it's a 6pt 14mm socket), my only option would be to take it to a shop to get it cut off?

Sent from my SM-N920W8 using Tapatalk

killrain · 06-05-2017, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by l2iceman

I've decided to try tackling this on my own. Two questions since pics aren't working and I wasn't able to get a definitive answer on google:
1. The demon bolts are the one top bolt on each cat, correct? For the other two bolts per cat, can someone confirm that I am able to reach them from beneath the car and should be able to break them loose with just my ratchet and socket?

2. Driver side, I was able to break the one by loose, so that's good, took one attempt, yay! The passenger side, I was able to break it loose, but as I used my ratchet to keep loosening it, at one point it stopped, and wouldn't budge. I then put the breaker bar back on, and I believe the bolt may be now be rounded as the socket keeps slipping (it's a 6pt 14mm socket), my only option would be to take it to a shop to get it cut off?

Sent from my SM-N920W8 using Tapatalk

I have the link to where the pictures are. Can't post link here, but pm me and I'll send it.

l2iceman · 06-05-2017, 12:16 PM

Thanks! Pm sent. I'm going to try the passenger side again, hoping I didn't round the head as it doesn't appear to be.

Sent from my SM-N920W8 using Tapatalk

killrain · 06-05-2017, 12:20 PM

Welcome. Pm'd back.

SkipinJupiter · 06-05-2017, 12:24 PM

Try the Irwin bolt extractors... about $20 at Home Depot and some auto parts stores. They dig into rounded heads.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Jayhovah · 06-05-2017, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkipinJupiter

Try the Irwin bolt extractors... about $20 at Home Depot and some auto parts stores. They dig into rounded heads.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I used this exact set after the drivers side demon bolt rounded. Worked fantastically, and I was able to get enough torque to snap the head of the bolt off.

l2iceman · 06-05-2017, 12:35 PM

Thanks guys! I'll pick up a set if the head is indeed rounded. I'll be taking a look in a few hrs

Sent from my SM-N920W8 using Tapatalk

Jayhovah · 06-05-2017, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by l2iceman

Thanks guys! I'll pick up a set if the head is indeed rounded. I'll be taking a look in a few hrs

Sent from my SM-N920W8 using Tapatalk

Pick one up regardless... They are a great thing to have around the garage if you do your own work. =)

I always manage to need a tool 5 minutes after the store closes.

l2iceman · 06-05-2017, 10:09 PM

**update** so I removed all of the other bolts, and decided to give the passenger side demon bolt another try, because it was halfway out. I didn't use the universal joint up to this point, and that was my mistake lol I put it on, and it came out!

Test pipes are on the floor, O2 spacers installed, friend will be dropping off his O2 socket tmw, local parts store couldn't find any. I'll also be grabbing new bolts and nuts for the install as I got my pipes second hand, so no hardware.

All in all, wasn't bad.

Sent from my SM-N920W8 using Tapatalk

370Chicago · 06-08-2017, 08:22 PM

Just put mine in over the weekend! I've been looking at them/the box for 6 weeks and was a bit nervous about the demon bolts. Finally I said screw it and gave it a try, it really wasn't too bad.

Here are my tips:
1) PB Blast the heck out of everything. I can't say for certain that this helped, but for $4, it certainly didn't hurt.
2) Use the right tools! 1/2" drive where possible and only 6 pt. sockets! Make sure the socket is well seated before trying anything.
3) Remove the air box and tubes. A lot of guys talk about using a universal joint, but that eats up a lot of energy. With the air box and tubes out of the way, you can get a straight shot at the passenger side (use 1/2" parts). Driver's side is a bit more difficult, but doable. I used a 3/8" socket and 3" wobble extension against the bolt (you can't really use 1/2" drive as the steering column is in the way), then converted to 1/2" drive. A 3' breaker bar did the trick.

Took me and my wife (both lawyers...) about 3 hours from start to finish, so if a mechanic quotes you anything near that, don't walk, run!

My take away is that if you plan properly and use the right equipment, there is no need to be worried.

The result has been great. It's probably the largest "gain" from any bolt on I've ever installed. The VQ "hiss" is annoying from 3-2.5K, but it's a fair trade-off.

06-05-2016, 10:28 AM	#185 (permalink)
killrain A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: san antonio tx Posts: 1,433 Drives: 2013 370z sport Rep Power: 349779	Will post pics later instead since I'm not able to post the link Last edited by killrain; 06-05-2016 at 10:54 AM.

06-05-2017, 12:35 PM	#192 (permalink)
l2iceman Base Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 126 Drives: '10 370z Rep Power: 240	Thanks guys! I'll pick up a set if the head is indeed rounded. I'll be taking a look in a few hrs Sent from my SM-N920W8 using Tapatalk SkipinJupiter likes this.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Berk Technology Earth Day HFC Sale!!!	BerkTech	Exhaust/Intake	8	04-16-2012 02:46 PM
Berk Technology Cat-Back Coming Soon!	M.Bonanni	Intake/Exhaust	468	08-14-2009 10:36 PM

06-01-2016, 07:13 PM	#182 (permalink)
killrain A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: san antonio tx Posts: 1,433 Drives: 2013 370z sport Rep Power: 349779	(honestly, without pics, its still useful)........BUT......

06-05-2016, 09:29 AM	#183 (permalink)
killrain A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: san antonio tx Posts: 1,433 Drives: 2013 370z sport Rep Power: 349779	As an update: I found another site where OP still has the pics showing. Am I allowed to put the link in here? I hope so. I feel this would be very helpful to have the pics back for those of us that like to DIY.

06-05-2017, 11:31 AM	#186 (permalink)
l2iceman Base Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 126 Drives: '10 370z Rep Power: 240	I've decided to try tackling this on my own. Two questions since pics aren't working and I wasn't able to get a definitive answer on google: 1. The demon bolts are the one top bolt on each cat, correct? For the other two bolts per cat, can someone confirm that I am able to reach them from beneath the car and should be able to break them loose with just my ratchet and socket? 2. Driver side, I was able to break the one by loose, so that's good, took one attempt, yay! The passenger side, I was able to break it loose, but as I used my ratchet to keep loosening it, at one point it stopped, and wouldn't budge. I then put the breaker bar back on, and I believe the bolt may be now be rounded as the socket keeps slipping (it's a 6pt 14mm socket), my only option would be to take it to a shop to get it cut off? Sent from my SM-N920W8 using Tapatalk

06-05-2017, 12:16 PM	#188 (permalink)
l2iceman Base Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 126 Drives: '10 370z Rep Power: 240	Thanks! Pm sent. I'm going to try the passenger side again, hoping I didn't round the head as it doesn't appear to be. Sent from my SM-N920W8 using Tapatalk

06-05-2017, 12:20 PM	#189 (permalink)
killrain A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: san antonio tx Posts: 1,433 Drives: 2013 370z sport Rep Power: 349779	Welcome. Pm'd back.

06-05-2017, 12:24 PM	#190 (permalink)
SkipinJupiter Base Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Jupiter, Fl Posts: 27 Drives: 10 Nissan 370z RD M6 Rep Power: 12	Try the Irwin bolt extractors... about $20 at Home Depot and some auto parts stores. They dig into rounded heads. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

06-05-2017, 10:09 PM	#194 (permalink)
l2iceman Base Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 126 Drives: '10 370z Rep Power: 240	update so I removed all of the other bolts, and decided to give the passenger side demon bolt another try, because it was halfway out. I didn't use the universal joint up to this point, and that was my mistake lol I put it on, and it came out! Test pipes are on the floor, O2 spacers installed, friend will be dropping off his O2 socket tmw, local parts store couldn't find any. I'll also be grabbing new bolts and nuts for the install as I got my pipes second hand, so no hardware. All in all, wasn't bad. Sent from my SM-N920W8 using Tapatalk

06-08-2017, 08:22 PM	#195 (permalink)
370Chicago Base Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Chicago Posts: 56 Drives: '15 370Z Nismo 6MT Rep Power: 9	Just put mine in over the weekend! I've been looking at them/the box for 6 weeks and was a bit nervous about the demon bolts. Finally I said screw it and gave it a try, it really wasn't too bad. Here are my tips: 1) PB Blast the heck out of everything. I can't say for certain that this helped, but for $4, it certainly didn't hurt. 2) Use the right tools! 1/2" drive where possible and only 6 pt. sockets! Make sure the socket is well seated before trying anything. 3) Remove the air box and tubes. A lot of guys talk about using a universal joint, but that eats up a lot of energy. With the air box and tubes out of the way, you can get a straight shot at the passenger side (use 1/2" parts). Driver's side is a bit more difficult, but doable. I used a 3/8" socket and 3" wobble extension against the bolt (you can't really use 1/2" drive as the steering column is in the way), then converted to 1/2" drive. A 3' breaker bar did the trick. Took me and my wife (both lawyers...) about 3 hours from start to finish, so if a mechanic quotes you anything near that, don't walk, run! My take away is that if you plan properly and use the right equipment, there is no need to be worried. The result has been great. It's probably the largest "gain" from any bolt on I've ever installed. The VQ "hiss" is annoying from 3-2.5K, but it's a fair trade-off.