BERK Catback Exhaust System installs/reviews

mults · 04-16-2012, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dembflyr

There are three on each cat. Two bolts and a stud. The one that gives most trouble is the top one that is accessible from above. PB Blaster is the preferred loosening agent. But you still may have trouble. Just douse all three once a day for a few days.

My passenger side came out without a problem. Not so much for the driver side.
Here is my thread about it:Why is it always the LAST *@#$& BOLT!?!

And here are a few more from the search function: Nissan 370Z Forum - Search Results

Thanks Dembflyr, that's exactly the information I was looking for. I guess that I'll have to pack the rotary tool into the "bag of tricks" on Friday when I attempt the install. I think tonight I will spray the bolts with PB Blaster and then light a candle for good luck.

jgaddi · 06-11-2012, 01:36 PM

Anyone lowered on a Berk CBE? If so, how many inches front/rear, and any problems with it bottoming out / scraping speedbumps?

There's a section of piping before that seems to sit so low on this thing..

tiger123 · 03-04-2013, 11:30 PM

I just ordered my Berk CBE. Should be here on Friday March 8, 2013. Really excited and can't wait to receive it. I did not go with the HFC's as I live in a really quiet neighborhood. I also want to see what it's like w/o the HFC's first. All the videos and sound clips about this exhaust look and sound fantastic. This is why I went with the Berk. I spent the last three/four weeks researching all CBE's for the Z. I had it narrowed down to the Tanabe and Berk and eventually decided on the Berk.

I see from reading this tread early on Berk had some fitment issues with some Z's. I would assume Berk has worked this issue out by now. Now that it has been a few years since they originally came out, I was wondering if anyone has installed this system recently and what their thoughts/comments are. My daughters boyfriend is a mechanic and will be installing the Berk CBE this coming weekend, Saturday March 9, 2013.

Can't wait!!

advan37 · 03-05-2013, 06:53 AM

^^
I don't think there is fitment issue anymore , now all tips are adjustble (mine is).
I tried invidia HFC then switch to FI R-HFC and now running stock cats which I think is the best with Berk CBE . Now I'm thinking to try the ART test pipe and see.
Anyway Great choice.

mults · 03-05-2013, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiger123

I just ordered my Berk CBE. Should be here on Friday March 8, 2013. Really excited and can't wait to receive it. I did not go with the HFC's as I live in a really quiet neighborhood. I also want to see what it's like w/o the HFC's first. All the videos and sound clips about this exhaust look and sound fantastic. This is why I went with the Berk. I spent the last three/four weeks researching all CBE's for the Z. I had it narrowed down to the Tanabe and Berk and eventually decided on the Berk.

I see from reading this tread early on Berk had some fitment issues with some Z's. I would assume Berk has worked this issue out by now. Now that it has been a few years since they originally came out, I was wondering if anyone has installed this system recently and what their thoughts/comments are. My daughters boyfriend is a mechanic and will be installing the Berk CBE this coming weekend, Saturday March 9, 2013.

Can't wait!!

I have the CBE and the HFC's that I installed last May. I did the CBE first, and then a few months later, I got the HFC's. To me, just the CBE alone was nice and mellow, but I wanted something that sounded more aggressive. That is exactly what I got after installing the HFC's. In total, it probably took me 3 hours to install both systems, but this was using a friends drive-on lift. The fit and finish was beautiful, and really compliments the look of the Z. The only issue was with the "demon bolts" on the exhaust manifolds. If you don't know about these bolts, I suggest you search and be prepared for the worst. Mine were not too bad, but it did take some work to get them off.

Once you are done, I guarantee that you are going to love the sound of the Berks. I know I do, and the stares that I get when I take off is priceless.

Good luck with the install.

Joepro · 03-05-2013, 09:34 AM

I still think this exhaust is quiet even with with my test pipes, however once you open it up it growls beautifully! I have an older model with the oval tips, I would like to cut them off and get the round tips, the oval ones make it look too stock. I do not regret this exhaust one bit(got it used for a great price), once I get new tips it will be perfect! I have even had guys at work comment that my car that my car does not sound "ricey" it growls like a v8 haha.

tiger123 · 03-05-2013, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mults

I have the CBE and the HFC's that I installed last May. I did the CBE first, and then a few months later, I got the HFC's. To me, just the CBE alone was nice and mellow, but I wanted something that sounded more aggressive. That is exactly what I got after installing the HFC's. In total, it probably took me 3 hours to install both systems, but this was using a friends drive-on lift. The fit and finish was beautiful, and really compliments the look of the Z. The only issue was with the "demon bolts" on the exhaust manifolds. If you don't know about these bolts, I suggest you search and be prepared for the worst. Mine were not too bad, but it did take some work to get them off.

Once you are done, I guarantee that you are going to love the sound of the Berks. I know I do, and the stares that I get when I take off is priceless.

Good luck with the install.

Thanks. I am really keeping my fingers crossed we do not run into too much trouble regarding the dreaded "demon bolts".

Are you able to cut these off if need be? I could always get new gaskets and hardware I would assume?

tiger123 · 03-05-2013, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joepro

I still think this exhaust is quiet even with with my test pipes, however once you open it up it growls beautifully! I have an older model with the oval tips, I would like to cut them off and get the round tips, the oval ones make it look too stock. I do not regret this exhaust one bit(got it used for a great price), once I get new tips it will be perfect! I have even had guys at work comment that my car that my car does not sound "ricey" it growls like a v8 haha.

I didn't realize that Berk changed the shape of their tips. Do you know what year they made the switch from Oval to Round? Was this the same year they went with adjustable tips as well?

Joepro · 03-05-2013, 08:17 PM

No Idea, they still have a picture of both on their site.

370Z Dual 2.5" Exhaust - Nissan 370Z/Infiniti G37 - Berk Technology

check the pictures, far left is what I have, far right is what I want.

tiger123 · 03-07-2013, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joepro

No Idea, they still have a picture of both on their site.

370Z Dual 2.5" Exhaust - Nissan 370Z/Infiniti G37 - Berk Technology

check the pictures, far left is what I have, far right is what I want.

Yea, I doubled checked and I will be receiving the system with the Round Tips as pictured on the right. I am glad they changed to Round. I'm just a little concerned about them sticking out too far..........??

doda74 · 03-08-2013, 04:19 AM

I got mine around this time last year when the oval tips were the standard and the round tips were only special order and extended out more to look better with the Nismo rear bumper. I had to pay an extra $100 to special order the Nismo version with round tips and very happy with it.

tnoble123 · 03-12-2013, 10:12 PM

I looked online at videos before making my decision on what CBE to go with. This is my first mod. I liked the sound of the Berk exhaust because although it sounds 38589397% better, it isn't over the top loud and obnoxious like some others and almost looks stock, too. Smooth and subtle. I didn't do the install myself. I had it shipped to a muffler shop near my house. It took the guy about 1 hr to put on. It sounds WAY better than the stock exhaust did. I love it!

Sunday I took it for a 3 hour drive out to the countryside. My fuel economy has increased from 23.2 avg to 23.9 per the computer. I'm thinking it's a little high because of the highway driving I did a couple of days ago, but I've put on over 100 miles in the city since and it hasn't come down yet. Maybe the computer made some adjustments and although I'm back to city driving it's still that efficient? I don't know, I'll have to give a few more days. But if it's more efficient then I'm going to speculate that I've more power too...

Sport-370Z · 03-14-2013, 07:20 PM

I installed the Berk CBE system last summer on my 370Z. I have the round slash cut tips. They do stik out further than I anticipated. Too bad they are not adjustable because I would like to push them in about 1/2 inch. The left side sticks out about 1/8 more than the right. Overall, the sound and quality are excellent. You will like the exhaust note over stock.

tiger123 · 03-17-2013, 01:25 AM

Received the Berk CBE last Saturday March 9th. I had them sitting in my living room. Every time I would go up the stairs I would see them, sitting there in their boxes. It drove me nuts.

My daughters boyfriend is a mechanic. He attempted to install the new Berk system from the ground with the car up on jack stands. He called a friend of his who owns a full body auto repair. He specializes is BMW's and Honda's. Well he has 5 lifts in his shop. He made a phone call and off we went to his shop. This shop was immaculate. 5 bays and the place was just perfect. I mean you could eat off the floors in this place. Everything was in its place where it should be.

Anyway, this was after hours so we were the only one's in the shop. I had to sit in the waiting area and was not allowed in the shop area due to liability issues.

When they were finished, they called me in the shop to hit the start button for the first time. First impression was, WOW

I am very pleased with the sound and performance of this exhaust. This is what the Z, IMHO should sound like. Deep and throaty with no drone. When stepping on it, it makes such a beautiful tone. The sound is really something to behold in person. Upon WOT, it just sings.....nice, very nice indeed.

Throttle response has improved, in addition to what feels like low, mid and high range improvement as well. The butt dyno don't lie.

Berk has done an awesome job. Love the Round Tips........I was told the Berk lined up just perfectly without any modification required. Using the lift, from strip down to new install, took all of 1.5 hours.

Now, I think it's time to upgrade to Berk HFC's. The guy who owns the shop said I could come back anytime to install them.

Very, very satisfied indeed.

68cam454 · 03-17-2013, 06:59 PM

Got my Berk CBE to go with my Berk HFC's from FBNissan last Wednesday and installed it yesterday.

I just backed the Z onto my race ramps and went for it. I didn't jack the front up at all and access was better than I expected. It took a few hours with plenty of breaks.

Very nice quality materials and welds and the install was a piece of cake......except....the left (drivers side) tip hung down about 3/8" lower than the right and it also stuck out 1/2" more than the right. I loosened everything up and jacked up the left side of the muffler slightly and tightened everything down again. The tips are now at the exact same height which I'm very happy about but the left side still protrudes 1/2" further than the right.

I don't see a way to correct this since it's set by the length of the pipework so I will be calling Berk in the morning to see if they have any ideas.

BTW...This exhaust paired up with the Berk HFC's sounds absolutely amazing. I was worried about it being too loud during cold start and pissing of my neighbors (they already hate my big block 68 camaro with dual 3") but its not that loud at all until you get on it. This is exactly what I was looking for and it should have had this tone from the factory.

03-05-2013, 09:34 AM	#216 (permalink)
Joepro A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Athens ohio Posts: 1,213 Drives: Company car Rep Power: 34	I still think this exhaust is quiet even with with my test pipes, however once you open it up it growls beautifully! I have an older model with the oval tips, I would like to cut them off and get the round tips, the oval ones make it look too stock. I do not regret this exhaust one bit(got it used for a great price), once I get new tips it will be perfect! I have even had guys at work comment that my car that my car does not sound "ricey" it growls like a v8 haha. __________________ Swift\|Koni\|SPC\| FI CBE\|Z1\|Stillen\|Sbend\|Zspeed\|R/T Tuned\|523 whp\|458 tq\|10.5 psi\|SOLD Joepro's Journal\|Joepro's Boosted Performance Build \|Pittsburgh-Western-Pa-Ohio-Wv-Group

03-05-2013, 08:17 PM	#219 (permalink)
Joepro A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Athens ohio Posts: 1,213 Drives: Company car Rep Power: 34	No Idea, they still have a picture of both on their site. 370Z Dual 2.5" Exhaust - Nissan 370Z/Infiniti G37 - Berk Technology check the pictures, far left is what I have, far right is what I want. __________________ Swift\|Koni\|SPC\| FI CBE\|Z1\|Stillen\|Sbend\|Zspeed\|R/T Tuned\|523 whp\|458 tq\|10.5 psi\|SOLD Joepro's Journal\|Joepro's Boosted Performance Build \|Pittsburgh-Western-Pa-Ohio-Wv-Group

03-08-2013, 04:19 AM	#221 (permalink)
doda74 Base Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 72 Drives: 09 Nismo PW #308 SC Rep Power: 15	I got mine around this time last year when the oval tips were the standard and the round tips were only special order and extended out more to look better with the Nismo rear bumper. I had to pay an extra $100 to special order the Nismo version with round tips and very happy with it. __________________ GTM Stage 1 SC \| GTM Test Pipes \| Berk CBE \| Swift Spec-R \| Eibach Sways \| SPL Rear Traction and Camber Links \| ACT HD 6-Puck Clutch \| Fidanza 15lb Flywheel \| ZSpeed HD CSC \|RJM AFP Clutch Pedal \| Volk CE28N \| Nismo GT Ti Knob http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAd6s_W6ojE

03-12-2013, 10:12 PM	#222 (permalink)
tnoble123 Base Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Dallas Posts: 6 Drives: 2011 370z Auto Rep Power: 12	Got mine installed Saturday I looked online at videos before making my decision on what CBE to go with. This is my first mod. I liked the sound of the Berk exhaust because although it sounds 38589397% better, it isn't over the top loud and obnoxious like some others and almost looks stock, too. Smooth and subtle. I didn't do the install myself. I had it shipped to a muffler shop near my house. It took the guy about 1 hr to put on. It sounds WAY better than the stock exhaust did. I love it! Sunday I took it for a 3 hour drive out to the countryside. My fuel economy has increased from 23.2 avg to 23.9 per the computer. I'm thinking it's a little high because of the highway driving I did a couple of days ago, but I've put on over 100 miles in the city since and it hasn't come down yet. Maybe the computer made some adjustments and although I'm back to city driving it's still that efficient? I don't know, I'll have to give a few more days. But if it's more efficient then I'm going to speculate that I've more power too...

03-17-2013, 01:25 AM	#224 (permalink)
tiger123 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Chicago Posts: 367 Drives: 09 AT Tour/Sport/Nav Rep Power: 13	Finally Installed My Berk CBE Received the Berk CBE last Saturday March 9th. I had them sitting in my living room. Every time I would go up the stairs I would see them, sitting there in their boxes. It drove me nuts. My daughters boyfriend is a mechanic. He attempted to install the new Berk system from the ground with the car up on jack stands. He called a friend of his who owns a full body auto repair. He specializes is BMW's and Honda's. Well he has 5 lifts in his shop. He made a phone call and off we went to his shop. This shop was immaculate. 5 bays and the place was just perfect. I mean you could eat off the floors in this place. Everything was in its place where it should be. Anyway, this was after hours so we were the only one's in the shop. I had to sit in the waiting area and was not allowed in the shop area due to liability issues. When they were finished, they called me in the shop to hit the start button for the first time. First impression was, WOW I am very pleased with the sound and performance of this exhaust. This is what the Z, IMHO should sound like. Deep and throaty with no drone. When stepping on it, it makes such a beautiful tone. The sound is really something to behold in person. Upon WOT, it just sings.....nice, very nice indeed. Throttle response has improved, in addition to what feels like low, mid and high range improvement as well. The butt dyno don't lie. Berk has done an awesome job. Love the Round Tips........I was told the Berk lined up just perfectly without any modification required. Using the lift, from strip down to new install, took all of 1.5 hours. Now, I think it's time to upgrade to Berk HFC's. The guy who owns the shop said I could come back anytime to install them. Very, very satisfied indeed.

06-11-2012, 01:36 PM	#212 (permalink)
jgaddi Base Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: West LA, CA Posts: 34 Drives: '10 370Z MB 7AT Rep Power: 14	Anyone lowered on a Berk CBE? If so, how many inches front/rear, and any problems with it bottoming out / scraping speedbumps? There's a section of piping before that seems to sit so low on this thing..

03-04-2013, 11:30 PM	#213 (permalink)
tiger123 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Chicago Posts: 367 Drives: 09 AT Tour/Sport/Nav Rep Power: 13	I just ordered my Berk CBE. Should be here on Friday March 8, 2013. Really excited and can't wait to receive it. I did not go with the HFC's as I live in a really quiet neighborhood. I also want to see what it's like w/o the HFC's first. All the videos and sound clips about this exhaust look and sound fantastic. This is why I went with the Berk. I spent the last three/four weeks researching all CBE's for the Z. I had it narrowed down to the Tanabe and Berk and eventually decided on the Berk. I see from reading this tread early on Berk had some fitment issues with some Z's. I would assume Berk has worked this issue out by now. Now that it has been a few years since they originally came out, I was wondering if anyone has installed this system recently and what their thoughts/comments are. My daughters boyfriend is a mechanic and will be installing the Berk CBE this coming weekend, Saturday March 9, 2013. Can't wait!!

03-05-2013, 06:53 AM	#214 (permalink)
advan37 Base Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: UAE Posts: 63 Drives: 08 G37 Rep Power: 14	^^ I don't think there is fitment issue anymore , now all tips are adjustble (mine is). I tried invidia HFC then switch to FI R-HFC and now running stock cats which I think is the best with Berk CBE . Now I'm thinking to try the ART test pipe and see. Anyway Great choice.

03-14-2013, 07:20 PM	#223 (permalink)
Sport-370Z Base Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Louisiana Posts: 15 Drives: SRT8 & Avalanche Rep Power: 14	I installed the Berk CBE system last summer on my 370Z. I have the round slash cut tips. They do stik out further than I anticipated. Too bad they are not adjustable because I would like to push them in about 1/2 inch. The left side sticks out about 1/8 more than the right. Overall, the sound and quality are excellent. You will like the exhaust note over stock.

03-17-2013, 06:59 PM	#225 (permalink)
68cam454 Base Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 90 Drives: GM Nismo/68 454 Cam Rep Power: 14	Got my Berk CBE to go with my Berk HFC's from FBNissan last Wednesday and installed it yesterday. I just backed the Z onto my race ramps and went for it. I didn't jack the front up at all and access was better than I expected. It took a few hours with plenty of breaks. Very nice quality materials and welds and the install was a piece of cake......except....the left (drivers side) tip hung down about 3/8" lower than the right and it also stuck out 1/2" more than the right. I loosened everything up and jacked up the left side of the muffler slightly and tightened everything down again. The tips are now at the exact same height which I'm very happy about but the left side still protrudes 1/2" further than the right. I don't see a way to correct this since it's set by the length of the pipework so I will be calling Berk in the morning to see if they have any ideas. BTW...This exhaust paired up with the Berk HFC's sounds absolutely amazing. I was worried about it being too loud during cold start and pissing of my neighbors (they already hate my big block 68 camaro with dual 3") but its not that loud at all until you get on it. This is exactly what I was looking for and it should have had this tone from the factory. Haboob likes this.

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