Berk High Flow Cat Install/Review.
 

So after a few months of researching and looking for clips on the Berk HFC, i finally decided to pull the trigger and pick a set up for myself. I called and spoke to Rob and Laura who are both very friendly and had my HFC's ordered and out for shipping the same day. Order placed on August 23rd received on the 26th, pretty fast, thanks guys!

So this is how the packaged arrived, no weird holes or questioning on if the package got damaged.

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went to see my mechanic Brandon at Axiom Motorsports located in Lakewood, WA. For you local 370z owners looking for a shop, go here!

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about 2 hours later, installed and pics taken to show quality of Berk HFC's and how well they mate together.

http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/32bf534f.jpg
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finally done and back on the ground.
http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/a...3/61cda010.jpg

Installation:
Overrall the installation went pretty smooth considering the "evil bolts" while Brandon was loosening them they had snapped, one on both sides, no problem though as they are replaced by new ones provided with the BERK HFC. One thing im glad of, is even though many of you are mechanically inclined, i am not. I for one am glad that i went to a mechanic to get them installed because if you don't have all the tools required, (which I don't) you don't want to stop half way, because of a broken ratchet etc.

Impressions:
When the car was first turned on after the install, you immediately hear the deeper tone upon start up, it last for a few seconds, then as it gets warmer, you don't really hear anything. At idle it sounds pretty much stock. When you rev it though you do hear the deeper tone between the 2-3k on the rpms like others have mentioned it's about 3 times deeper than stock. At idle, when you press the gas and let off, you will hear the infamous hiss, i believe this is normal for our cars, but honestly i love it! it sounds pretty cool. While driving, you hear a different tone after the 3.5k mark on the RPMs, (i am shifting under 4k because i am still adhering to the proper break in procedure) it does not sound the same as the 350z "growl" it's a little bit deeper. On one shift i changed gears at about 4.2 and WOW, i can imagine how great this would sound when i am able to push it a little more. As others have posted the gains with this single mod is pretty darn good, i cannot comment on power increase as my main focus was increasing the volume on the stock exhaust.

Overall i am happy with how this mod has increased the sound of the 370z's stock exhaust. It is very quiet while keeping within the daily drivability range. But after you pass the 3.5k mark on the RPM's you will hear the z come to life.

There are some negative aspects though, i do find myself shifting in the higher RPM range just so i can hear th HFC's bring life to my stock exhaust therefore decreasing my gas mileage and increasing the pressure on my right foot which could possibly cause a strain in my ankle.

thanks for reading!

next mod: BERK CBE!

Nice review. +1

If you like the sound now, just wait til you pair it with the CBE. :tup:

If you aren't planning on going with a full cat-back exhaust, I highly recommend getting an aftermarket Y pipe. I got a Tanabe Y pipe because the OEM piece is the most restrictive part of the exhaust after the stock cat. I agree with your review though, this is an awesome first mod and really opens the exhaust up after 4k rpm.

This picture shows just how bad the stock y pipe is, FYI the diameter of the Berk HFC is the same as the Tanabe Y pipe for optimal flow:

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/u..._0003_1087.jpg

Thanks guys, you know I was really looking into that tanabe y pipe as well! But I'm gonna save the funds for the Berks CBE. Any vid of that combo together?

thanks!

No problem, you are very welcome. I love this combination but if you are planning on going with a full cat-back exhaust eventually, I would save your money on the Y pipe.

Can you break 300whp with just the Berk HFC and a catback exhaust?

You can most likely get close to 300whp, but intakes are required to definitely get past 300whp. Although, I put down 310 whp with a tune, HFCs, G3 intakes and a Tanabe Y pipe so it might be possible given a dyno that doesn't read low or high.

I have the k&n drop ins. Don't know if that will push me past 300whp. I really hope it does.

Do you have any issues with the HFC's sitting lower? Also I heard there were check engine light issues, not sure though.

I'd definitely like to do this to my Nismo. It's too quiet. Would this void my warranty though? I mean. Would the dealership be able to tell if my exhaust was modified if I took it for a routine oil change and maintenance? I know intakes in general won't void the warranty if the dealer installs those.

Technically, any modification can be used as an reason for a dealer to deny your warranty. The only thing that can be a safe guard is if you have them install the parts and have them expressly note that it will not void your warranty. Or you can find a mod friendly dealer, your local area forum can probably recommend these if you are interested.

warranty question
 

I am looking at installing these on my 2013 370 nismo. when you installed did the hfc's void any warranty?

Your answer is in the post directly above yours. Nothing "voids your warranty". A warranty claim can be denied if the dealer can show the modification directly resulted in the failure.