DIY: Berk Technology HFC Install

M.Bonanni · 02-02-2009, 08:24 PM

Hey everyone! Below are DIY install instructions for Berk Technology High Flow Cats for the 370Z. These will also be the same for their Test Pipes.

Estimated Install Time = 2-4 hours
Difficulty = Moderate

Tools Needed:
Floor Jack
Jack Stands (4)
14mm socket
Ratchet
Extensions (Approx. 24" worth)
Breaker Bar
Socket Flex Adapter
14mm, 22mm, 16mm wrenches
Penetrating Oil
Rubber Mallet

Step 1:
Using the floor jack, raise one side of the car off the ground and place jack stands under safe point. Repeat for other side. The car should be supported by the jack stands with all four wheels off the ground. Lift the car high enough to be able to lay underneath it.

Step 2:
Using the 14mm socket and ratchet, remove the two bolts connecting each catalytic converter to the y-pipe.

Step 3:
Using the 14mm socket and ratchet, remove the two bolts connecting the y-pipe to the muffler section. Remove the y-pipe and set aside.

Step 4:
Un-plug the o2 sensor from the harness it is connected to. Using the 22mm wrench, remove the o2 sensors from the catalytic converters and set aside.

Step 5:
Using the 14mm socket and ratchet, remove the four bolts connecting the cross brace to the catalytic converters and transmission. Set the brace and bolts aside.

Step 6:
This is the fun part. Remove the three 14mm bolts connecting the catalytic converter to the exhaust manifolds by any means possible (Photo 6). They are tough to get to and very tight. I suggest using a penetrating oil (Photo 6-0) to help make life a little easier.
For the top two bolts, you will have to use your ratchet, approx. 24” worth of extensions, a universal joint, and a 14mm socket. Connect all of these parts and fish this frankentool down through the engine bay onto the top bolt holding the catalytic converter to the exhaust manifold through the areas circled in photos 6-1 and 6-2. Use a breaker bar to break the bolt loose if you have to (Photo 6-4). On the driver’s side of the car, to get the socket onto the bolt I had to remove the intake hose for more room (Photo 6-2). This only requires the use of a flathead screwdriver to loosen the hose clamps. This was not necessary on the passenger side. Caution: This is extremely tight. I broke multiple ratchets, sockets, and extensions before I finally got it to break loose so don’t do this install unless you have another mode of transportation to get to the auto parts store if you break a tool.

Once all three bolts are out, the catalytic converters can be removed completely (Photo 6-3).

Photo 6:

Photo 6-0:

Photo 6-1:

Photo 6-2:

Photo 6-3:

Photo 6-4:

Step 7:
Reverse steps to install the Berk Technology High Flow Cats using the supplied gaskets and hardware. *Note, the supplied bolts are a 16mm head on the bolt, and a 14mm nut.

Please do this install at your own risk. Double Down Motorsports does not hold any responsibility for problems that may occur due to installing these parts on your vehicle. As always, it is recommended to have a professional install these parts.

BerkTech · 02-03-2009, 02:54 AM

Great write up!

JoeyD · 02-03-2009, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDMotorsports

I broke multiple ratchets, sockets, and extensions before I finally got it to break loose...
Photo 6-4:

What size drive did you use? That looks like 1/4?

M.Bonanni · 02-03-2009, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeyD

What size drive did you use? That looks like 1/4?

The ratchet, and the two big extensions are 3/8. Then I have a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter, 1/2 universal joint, and 1/2 14mm socket. Everything was 3/8 at first but I broke the 3/8 universal joint in half so had to switch that section to 1/2.

RCZ · 02-03-2009, 12:54 PM

I think I'm going to give my mechanic an opportunity to install these

bboypuertoroc · 02-03-2009, 01:35 PM

This is quite awesome DDM. It's about time vendors start sharing their knowledge like this.

NIZMOZ · 02-03-2009, 02:47 PM

Great how-to. I would like to mention there is no reason to remove the YPIPE. You just unbolt the stock cats from it and you can easily remove them.

M.Bonanni · 02-03-2009, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NIZMOZ

Great how-to. I would like to mention there is no reason to remove the YPIPE. You just unbolt the stock cats from it and you can easily remove them.

Thats what I thought going into it too, but since the stock cats use a stud instead of a bolt, once you take the nuts off the studs are still there holding the cat in place. There isn't enough play in the exhaust system to move the y-pipe and muffler back far enough to free the cats. I tried a crow bar and everything.

TerribleONE · 02-03-2009, 03:26 PM

same situation with the G37^

BerkTech · 02-03-2009, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCZ

I think I'm going to give my mechanic an opportunity to install these

Just make sure to let him know - NO AIR TOOLS.

If an impact gun is used on the evil bolt it can break the front O2 sensor.

pikespeakz · 02-03-2009, 03:45 PM

I installed Berk High flows on my 350Z over the weekend and had never done a cat install/removal. Took me 2 hours and cruised right through with no issues. My father in law has a car lift at his house though so I had great access from underneath. The Berk cats are by far my favorite breathing mod so far. It pulls harder through the whole power band now. I recommend these cats to anyone with a Z. Also no CEL issue. Thanks Berk.

NIZMOZ · 02-03-2009, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDMotorsports

Thats what I thought going into it too, but since the stock cats use a stud instead of a bolt, once you take the nuts off the studs are still there holding the cat in place. There isn't enough play in the exhaust system to move the y-pipe and muffler back far enough to free the cats. I tried a crow bar and everything.

Strange. Mine had enough play to move them back.

NIZMOZ · 02-03-2009, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BerkTech

Just make sure to let him know - NO AIR TOOLS.

If an impact gun is used on the evil bolt it can break the front O2 sensor.

We kinda had no choice other than to use the big impact. But the O2 wasn't effected.

M.Bonanni · 02-03-2009, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NIZMOZ

Strange. Mine had enough play to move them back.

The exhaust for the 350Z is a bit different than the 370Z and G37. I didn't have the problem either on my 350Z.

DIGItonium · 02-23-2009, 08:31 PM

Do any of you guys have issues with the gaskets? The ones I have are a bit warped, so I may opt for "better" ones (if available).

Thanks Mike and Berk! Your products arrive quicker than my 370Z... pending March/April delivery.

02-02-2009, 08:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
M.Bonanni The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 2,575 Drives: Fast Rep Power: 1321	DIY: Berk Technology HFC Install Hey everyone! Below are DIY install instructions for Berk Technology High Flow Cats for the 370Z. These will also be the same for their Test Pipes. Estimated Install Time = 2-4 hours Difficulty = Moderate Tools Needed: Floor Jack Jack Stands (4) 14mm socket Ratchet Extensions (Approx. 24" worth) Breaker Bar Socket Flex Adapter 14mm, 22mm, 16mm wrenches Penetrating Oil Rubber Mallet Step 1: Using the floor jack, raise one side of the car off the ground and place jack stands under safe point. Repeat for other side. The car should be supported by the jack stands with all four wheels off the ground. Lift the car high enough to be able to lay underneath it. Step 2: Using the 14mm socket and ratchet, remove the two bolts connecting each catalytic converter to the y-pipe. Step 3: Using the 14mm socket and ratchet, remove the two bolts connecting the y-pipe to the muffler section. Remove the y-pipe and set aside. Step 4: Un-plug the o2 sensor from the harness it is connected to. Using the 22mm wrench, remove the o2 sensors from the catalytic converters and set aside. Step 5: Using the 14mm socket and ratchet, remove the four bolts connecting the cross brace to the catalytic converters and transmission. Set the brace and bolts aside. Step 6: This is the fun part. Remove the three 14mm bolts connecting the catalytic converter to the exhaust manifolds by any means possible (Photo 6). They are tough to get to and very tight. I suggest using a penetrating oil (Photo 6-0) to help make life a little easier. For the top two bolts, you will have to use your ratchet, approx. 24” worth of extensions, a universal joint, and a 14mm socket. Connect all of these parts and fish this frankentool down through the engine bay onto the top bolt holding the catalytic converter to the exhaust manifold through the areas circled in photos 6-1 and 6-2. Use a breaker bar to break the bolt loose if you have to (Photo 6-4). On the driver’s side of the car, to get the socket onto the bolt I had to remove the intake hose for more room (Photo 6-2). This only requires the use of a flathead screwdriver to loosen the hose clamps. This was not necessary on the passenger side. Caution: This is extremely tight. I broke multiple ratchets, sockets, and extensions before I finally got it to break loose so don’t do this install unless you have another mode of transportation to get to the auto parts store if you break a tool. Once all three bolts are out, the catalytic converters can be removed completely (Photo 6-3). Photo 6: Photo 6-0: Photo 6-1: Photo 6-2: Photo 6-3: Photo 6-4: Step 7: Reverse steps to install the Berk Technology High Flow Cats using the supplied gaskets and hardware. Note, the supplied bolts are a 16mm head on the bolt, and a 14mm nut. Please do this install at your own risk. Double Down Motorsports does not hold any responsibility for problems that may occur due to installing these parts on your vehicle. As always, it is recommended to have a professional install these parts. jaytirbhaw, 370zBLAST and aszyd like this. __________________ MikeBonanni.com* Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MikeBonanni Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MBonanni36 Function > Form Last edited by M.Bonanni; 08-26-2010 at 11:39 AM.

02-03-2009, 02:54 AM	#2 (permalink)
BerkTech The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Irvine CA Posts: 279 Drives: Lots.... Rep Power: 272	Great write up! __________________ While the others type fast... Berk Technology goes fast.... See you at the track! OUR NEW PHONE NUMBER: (714) 546-BERK READ THE BERK BLOG HERE

02-03-2009, 01:35 PM	#6 (permalink)
bboypuertoroc Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Get out my way pimpin, HI Posts: 419 Drives: '06 Evo IX GSR Rep Power: 389	This is quite awesome DDM. It's about time vendors start sharing their knowledge like this. __________________ Evo IX GSR - FPBlack, 30psi... 10's on pump? Let's find out...

02-03-2009, 02:47 PM	#7 (permalink)
NIZMOZ Track Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 634 Drives: 07 NISMO 350Z SA M6 Rep Power: 491	Great how-to. I would like to mention there is no reason to remove the YPIPE. You just unbolt the stock cats from it and you can easily remove them. __________________ SOLD: 2007 NISMO 350Z #0044 Silver Alloy New DD: 2010 Titan Pro4X CC

02-23-2009, 08:31 PM	#15 (permalink)
DIGItonium A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 3,800 Drives: 09 Z34-TT 6MT Rep Power: 42	Do any of you guys have issues with the gaskets? The ones I have are a bit warped, so I may opt for "better" ones (if available). Thanks Mike and Berk! Your products arrive quicker than my 370Z... pending March/April delivery. __________________

02-03-2009, 12:54 PM	#5 (permalink)
RCZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami Posts: 6,403 Drives: '09 370Z Rep Power: 1119	I think I'm going to give my mechanic an opportunity to install these

02-03-2009, 03:26 PM	#9 (permalink)
TerribleONE A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 10,203 Drives: WOT Rep Power: 5850	same situation with the G37^

02-03-2009, 03:45 PM	#11 (permalink)
pikespeakz Base Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cali Posts: 12 Drives: 2003 PPW Touring 6MT Rep Power: 0	I installed Berk High flows on my 350Z over the weekend and had never done a cat install/removal. Took me 2 hours and cruised right through with no issues. My father in law has a car lift at his house though so I had great access from underneath. The Berk cats are by far my favorite breathing mod so far. It pulls harder through the whole power band now. I recommend these cats to anyone with a Z. Also no CEL issue. Thanks Berk.

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