Berk Vs F.I cat back system question?

KEVTEX · 03-25-2010, 11:03 PM

The drone at cruising speed was enough to reject the FI exhaust. The big gain in whp from the Berk cbe and hfc's along with great sound made the choice easy for me. If you want loud and don't mind the drone then go for the FI cbe as they also look nicer.

Matt · 03-26-2010, 06:39 AM

I've heard both F.I. AND Berk in person, albeit the Berk CBE was paired with HFCs.

First of all, they both sound awesome and I promise, unless you're extremely nitpicky or over-sensitive, neither will disappoint you or leave you with buyer's remorse.

Fast Intentions exhaust makes your car sound like a totally different car. When my friend was coming from a few blocks away, I could have sworn it was some Euro import, $90k+ car. It wasn't as deep as I like, but definitely aggressive and head-turning. Exotic is certainly the word that is used most often, and it fits well, I promise.

Berk exhaust (again, I've only heard it paired with HFCs, which is probably an unfair comparison with F.I., admittingly) has a roar that, in my opinion, fits the car perfectly. It's a very deep growl, and possibly a little less volume than the F.I. CBE alone. Very aggressive, and the roar doesn't change from 3k->7k, you just feel it deeper in the pit of your stomach as you get higher in the RPMs!

They both are relatively quiet at lower RPMs, with the Berk being the more subtle of the two below 2k RPMs. Neither have any drone above 3k. I'm not going to comment about the drone of the FI below 2k, because I've only been in a 7AT, which has a lower shift point than what most MT drivers will choose. Now that the group buys are over, they are relatively close in price.

F.I. is a lot "prettier" of an exhaust system. The welds are impeccable and the rear view of the install is breath-taking. BERK CBE definitely has a stock look to it, and while the welds are strong and the fitment is right, it doesn't have the "wow" factor when you take it out of the box. Mind you, once it goes on your car, no one sees most of what I've mentioned anyways.

Another factor to keep in mind is your future plans with HFCs/LTHs. While both, assumingly, are compatible in any configuration, getting the full system of either may result in a more complete sound and/or performance. Then again, as I'm not an expert, it may not matter at all!!!

370Zsteve · 03-27-2010, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KEVTEX

The drone at cruising speed was enough to reject the FI exhaust. The big gain in whp from the Berk cbe and hfc's along with great sound made the choice easy for me. If you want loud and don't mind the drone then go for the FI cbe as they also look nicer.

Is there data to support this? I have not seen any data regarding gains from the Berk CBE. Anyone?

Zsteve · 03-28-2010, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370Zsteve

Is there data to support this? I have not seen any data regarding gains from the Berk CBE. Anyone?

This is true. I think some people get caught up in the info put out by the companies who can tweak the numbers in their favor. Most of the aftermarket CBEs out right now make about the same gains +/- a couple of HP. A more straight CBE will probably make a couple more than one that has 45 and up degree turns. The straighter one will have more drone than the one with bends as the bends help negate frews. So gains should not really be the determining factor in picking your CBE, it should be looks and sound. And both of those a very different for each person. Thats why its good there are several companies out there that make CBEs and HFC, which are around the same gain too and CAIs which are around the same gains too.

F.I. Inc. · 03-27-2010, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KEVTEX

The drone at cruising speed was enough to reject the FI exhaust. the big gain in whp from the Berk cbe and hfc's along with great sound made the choice easy for me. If you want loud and don't mind the drone then go for the FI cbe as they also look nicer.

First and foremost, our system doesn't DRONE at cruising speeds. I have sold almost 130 units in 8 months and I can count on less than one hand how many of my customers comment about drone. Yes, it can be a bit much for some and on the flip side some call me and tell me it is too quiet. On the 7AT we do get some drone while accelerating up to speed through the gears. In my opinion it is not an issue and we have many options. This is what makes life great, options to choose from so everyone is not stuck with the same thing!

Thanks, Tony

KEVTEX · 03-27-2010, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F.I. Inc.

First and foremost, our system doesn't DRONE at cruising speeds.

Thanks, Tony

Tony, here are some quotes from your customers and lastly from you on the subject of drone with FI exhaust.

“The only drone sound I heard is when your at the 2.5 to 3k rpm range”
“I have drone around the 2-3K rpm range.”
“Tony , I have the FI cbe with 18'' res and carbon and really like the looks quality and sound (except the 2000-2300 drone) “
“The only issue I notice so far is the drone at 2k while cruising…”
“the drone around 2-3k RPM is my biggest issue”
“want to calm the drone down some while at 2K”

“Now me personally I do not feel that the drone at 2000-2400 RPM's is obtrusive.”
F.I.Inc (Tony )

2000-2400rpm=61-74mph=legal cruising speed

dszombiex · 03-28-2010, 01:31 PM

I love my FI exhaust and HFC. The quality of materials and workmanship is superb. It has a very aggressive look. This appeals to me but others may want a more stock look.

As far as sound goes, well, I got FI because thats what sounded the best to me. It isn't going to necessarily sound the best to everyone. I'll tell you one thing though: I've been complimented on the street by guys driving camaros, mustangs, and other muscle cars about how good the exhaust sounds. They usually hate how imports sound. I get many compliments on the street. Tony just matched the exhaust to the personality of the car very well.

The exhaust does not produce any noticeable drone unless there is a significant amount of engine load (going uphill).

The Berk CBE is nice, but it doesn't appeal to me due to my personal taste. If someone else likes it thats great. I'm glad we have several options at our disposal.

Edit: Due to Coilovers and crazy low profile tires my clearance on the exhaust is 2 3/4 inches :O

tommyguns · 03-28-2010, 08:34 PM

Tony keep one thing in mind here while you converse with the Berk guy's, there the same guys that are blaming UPS for the way there system fits. Saying that UPS bent hangers on all the systems that were shipped and that they bent the same hanger on the same side on every system, without damaging anything else, according to them it was the forks on the hilo that did it but yet it didn't touch or damage anything else. Add to that, a guy weighing over 200lbs couldn't bend it back, so it was hit just enough to bend a stiff bracket but nothing else. Then on page 3 they finally fess up and admit that it's Berks build and there taking care of the problem and they fit good now. I'm surprised they didn't blame UPS for shipping 2 left side pipes.

Do my berks cbe tips look uneven?
You have to read this, it's just too funny. Keep up the great work and by the way, my system has no drone and sounds awesome and was told this by many people even my wife, who knows sh%t about cars. Quotes from 5 guys out of a hundred saying that they have drone tends to make me think that just maybe they don't know what drone really sounds like.
Now just stay tuned, here comes the bashing these guys are real sensitive when it comes to there exhaust

Zsteve · 03-28-2010, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommyguns

Tony keep one thing in mind here while you converse with the Berk guy's, there the same guys that are blaming UPS for the way there system fits. Saying that UPS bent hangers on all the systems that were shipped and that they bent the same hanger on the same side on every system, without damaging anything else, according to them it was the forks on the hilo that did it but yet it didn't touch or damage anything else. Add to that, a guy weighing over 200lbs couldn't bend it back, so it was hit just enough to bend a stiff bracket but nothing else. Then on page 3 they finally fess up and admit that it's Berks build and there taking care of the problem and they fit good now. I'm surprised they didn't blame UPS for shipping 2 left side pipes.

Do my berks cbe tips look uneven?
You have to read this, it's just too funny. Keep up the great work and by the way, my system has no drone and sounds awesome and was told this by many people even my wife, who knows sh%t about cars. Quotes from 5 guys out of a hundred saying that they have drone tends to make me think that just maybe they don't know what drone really sounds like.
Now just stay tuned, here comes the bashing these guys are real sensitive when it comes to there exhaust

Actually Im thinking you dont know what drone is, trust me there is drone at the 2-3K range when just cruising or going up an incline. Other than that they system is great. Any straight CBE is going to have drone, maybe you just like the sounds of drone, who knows, its all subjective. I think it might be worse in the ATs as it will cruise at the drone rpm while in the "D" mode. I get compliments on my FI CBE all the time too and not just young guys. It really is a great sounding system, Im 99% satisfied with it and wouldnt trade for any of the others out there.

Matt · 03-28-2010, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommyguns

Tony keep one thing in mind here while you converse with the Berk guy's, there the same guys that are blaming UPS for the way there system fits. Saying that UPS bent hangers on all the systems that were shipped and that they bent the same hanger on the same side on every system, without damaging anything else, according to them it was the forks on the hilo that did it but yet it didn't touch or damage anything else. Add to that, a guy weighing over 200lbs couldn't bend it back, so it was hit just enough to bend a stiff bracket but nothing else. Then on page 3 they finally fess up and admit that it's Berks build and there taking care of the problem and they fit good now. I'm surprised they didn't blame UPS for shipping 2 left side pipes.

Do my berks cbe tips look uneven?
You have to read this, it's just too funny. Keep up the great work and by the way, my system has no drone and sounds awesome and was told this by many people even my wife, who knows sh%t about cars. Quotes from 5 guys out of a hundred saying that they have drone tends to make me think that just maybe they don't know what drone really sounds like.
Now just stay tuned, here comes the bashing these guys are real sensitive when it comes to there exhaust

If your goal was to start a flame war, it's not going to happen...sadly.

Both Berk and FI have had their issues with UPS, so shipping and handling is a valid complaint as to why systems are damaged or missing.

I wouldn't call Berk owners the ones being "sensitive". I don't see Berk in this thread trying to put down F.I.'s exhaust, do you?

In addition, F.I. is the only system, on this site, that has been sold by a member because of the "tone" (whether it was too loud, or too much drone, I can't remember).

Both are great exhausts. Both are going to have "drone" according to what the driver chooses to hear. Both have had issues with UPS that appear to NOT be the norm.

And to be clear, I'm not a F.I. hater or Berk lover. I'm fell in love with F.I. when I heard Zsteve's car and wanted to cancel my GB purchase with Berk and switch to F.I., but ultimately chose against it. Hell, I'm still thinking about getting in on some F.I. LTHs and selling my Berk HFCs!

F.I. Inc. · 03-28-2010, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

Hell, I'm still thinking about getting in on some F.I. LTHs and selling my Berk HFCs!

Matt,

When you are ready for the headers, do not hesitate to call me directly...

Thanks, Tony

03-26-2010, 06:39 AM	#2 (permalink)
Matt A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Augusta, GA Age: 42 Posts: 1,680 Drives: 2010 Avalanche LT Rep Power: 19	I've heard both F.I. AND Berk in person, albeit the Berk CBE was paired with HFCs. First of all, they both sound awesome and I promise, unless you're extremely nitpicky or over-sensitive, neither will disappoint you or leave you with buyer's remorse. Fast Intentions exhaust makes your car sound like a totally different car. When my friend was coming from a few blocks away, I could have sworn it was some Euro import, $90k+ car. It wasn't as deep as I like, but definitely aggressive and head-turning. Exotic is certainly the word that is used most often, and it fits well, I promise. Berk exhaust (again, I've only heard it paired with HFCs, which is probably an unfair comparison with F.I., admittingly) has a roar that, in my opinion, fits the car perfectly. It's a very deep growl, and possibly a little less volume than the F.I. CBE alone. Very aggressive, and the roar doesn't change from 3k->7k, you just feel it deeper in the pit of your stomach as you get higher in the RPMs! They both are relatively quiet at lower RPMs, with the Berk being the more subtle of the two below 2k RPMs. Neither have any drone above 3k. I'm not going to comment about the drone of the FI below 2k, because I've only been in a 7AT, which has a lower shift point than what most MT drivers will choose. Now that the group buys are over, they are relatively close in price. F.I. is a lot "prettier" of an exhaust system. The welds are impeccable and the rear view of the install is breath-taking. BERK CBE definitely has a stock look to it, and while the welds are strong and the fitment is right, it doesn't have the "wow" factor when you take it out of the box. Mind you, once it goes on your car, no one sees most of what I've mentioned anyways. Another factor to keep in mind is your future plans with HFCs/LTHs. While both, assumingly, are compatible in any configuration, getting the full system of either may result in a more complete sound and/or performance. Then again, as I'm not an expert, it may not matter at all!!! __________________ "Any man who can drive a 370z while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the Z the attention it deserves." Albert Einstein....modified.

03-28-2010, 01:31 PM	#7 (permalink)
dszombiex Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 230 Drives: 09 370z MB 7AT Rep Power: 374	I love my FI exhaust and HFC. The quality of materials and workmanship is superb. It has a very aggressive look. This appeals to me but others may want a more stock look. As far as sound goes, well, I got FI because thats what sounded the best to me. It isn't going to necessarily sound the best to everyone. I'll tell you one thing though: I've been complimented on the street by guys driving camaros, mustangs, and other muscle cars about how good the exhaust sounds. They usually hate how imports sound. I get many compliments on the street. Tony just matched the exhaust to the personality of the car very well. The exhaust does not produce any noticeable drone unless there is a significant amount of engine load (going uphill). The Berk CBE is nice, but it doesn't appeal to me due to my personal taste. If someone else likes it thats great. I'm glad we have several options at our disposal. Edit: Due to Coilovers and crazy low profile tires my clearance on the exhaust is 2 3/4 inches :O __________________

03-28-2010, 08:34 PM	#8 (permalink)
tommyguns Track Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: New York Age: 65 Posts: 914 Drives: 370Z/Sport/Black/MT Rep Power: 17	Tony keep one thing in mind here while you converse with the Berk guy's, there the same guys that are blaming UPS for the way there system fits. Saying that UPS bent hangers on all the systems that were shipped and that they bent the same hanger on the same side on every system, without damaging anything else, according to them it was the forks on the hilo that did it but yet it didn't touch or damage anything else. Add to that, a guy weighing over 200lbs couldn't bend it back, so it was hit just enough to bend a stiff bracket but nothing else. Then on page 3 they finally fess up and admit that it's Berks build and there taking care of the problem and they fit good now. I'm surprised they didn't blame UPS for shipping 2 left side pipes. Do my berks cbe tips look uneven? You have to read this, it's just too funny. Keep up the great work and by the way, my system has no drone and sounds awesome and was told this by many people even my wife, who knows sh%t about cars. Quotes from 5 guys out of a hundred saying that they have drone tends to make me think that just maybe they don't know what drone really sounds like. Now just stay tuned, here comes the bashing these guys are real sensitive when it comes to there exhaust __________________ 09 Sport / MB / 6sd / Nismo"R" Intake / Eibach Pro Kit / Z1 25 row cooler / JWT LW FW / New Short Block 3/11/11 /H&R 15fr 20rr/DBA 4000/FI CB with 12"res./Morel/JL/"Division"mod/SPC/EcuTek/M370/ZEX C SHOT/ART's/NRG

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03-25-2010, 11:03 PM	#1 (permalink)
KEVTEX Base Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Montgomery, TX Posts: 119 Drives: 2010 370Z 7at sp pg Rep Power: 16	The drone at cruising speed was enough to reject the FI exhaust. The big gain in whp from the Berk cbe and hfc's along with great sound made the choice easy for me. If you want loud and don't mind the drone then go for the FI cbe as they also look nicer.