That's the fiberglass going through break in. Give it about 1500 miles for break in.

Then again the HKS system is 600 or 700 more with no real power gains to speak of. Nice system don't get me wrong, but 700 is almost a house payment for some people

The more I think about it I'm going to let these pipes do the break in thing before I hack my exhaust. But if it sells thats a different story!

As I had mentioned in my PM, put your foot down and drive the car hard for a little while. Heat those suckers up it'll all go away.

Eh, closer $300-$400 more actually if you shop around and power is pretty much the same. Its costs a little more but I think the quality is a little higher then similar models. Its also JASMA certified (japan cert. for aftermarket exhaust for Db). The extra $$ is also likely due to the fact that HKS uses real titanium tips that are also adjustable. To me the extra money is worth it not to have to deal with a less then desirable sound with HFC/TP's on an ark. The HKS also is the nicest sitting straight thur exhaust that I've seen with no clearence issues like some have experienced with other models. Just saying that power isn't the only thing to consider when purchasing an exhaust. CNT's exhaust would be a more cost effective alturntive since its design is modeled after the HKS. It's so close you can even swap out the titanium HKS tips for the rolled CNT tips. I've heard the art pipes on an HKS and its pure mechanical music. I'll be looking to dump my berk HFC's for a set of art pipes here pretty soon.. :tup:

Power isn't everything no. I realize that an exhaust is something we must deal with everyday, so it's better to make a wise choice. I think the HKS sounds fine... I personally feel the F.I. and the ARK both sound better... but that's to me and not everyone will feel the same way. The whole JDM thing is WAYYYY overrated and i've never understood it. If a car came with JDM parts on it, people would find something else to replace it. JDM means one thing and that is overpriced.

I'm not trying to knock on your exhaust, that's just my opinion. My Fiancee' had an HKS on her old Evo and she loved the sound it had... I had a Megan that I paid 600.00, but I loved the sound of it (on my Evo IX)... to loud for the Z's though.

you said that a month ago, slowpoke :P

Agreed, exhaust are a completely subjective choice but I didn't buy it because it came from japan. IMO the extra $$ was for better design and quality in several different respects in comparision to ark's product, but I do agree that parts from japan are more expensive. I don't think that JDM means as much to people as it used too and perhaps even less to alot people on this forum, myself included. Personally I would have liked to have bought something made here in the US, F.I was a serious consideration for me but it comes with more drone and a 6 month wait. I bought HKS because of its design, sound, fit, and finish. Ark is a cheaper altunitive if it suits your taste and you don't plan on HFC/TP's. HKS is just a better quality peice then the ark IMO. I'll be giving serious consideration to the Motordyne's exhaust when it comes out in which case the HKS will be out.

I'm experiencing basically the same thing on my polished set of ART's. Keep me posted on your issue. I've got about 450 miles into my install and I've been experiencing a rattling/jingling sound which has progressively gotten worse since about 150-200 miles. At first it was only noticeable from the 1750-2750 rpms range, now it's noticeable from 1750-5000 rpms. It's noticeable at a good distance from my car at this point, and a little embarrassing. Sounds like bad bearings on an alternator or something like that coming from inside my pipes.

Tony says it should go away, but in the meantime, it's bugging the hell out of me. Fingers crossed because I really don't want to have to swap these back out.

Actually two things that keep me away from this set , rattling and SMELL .

the rattling will go away. didnt take 1500 miles for me. most like around 700 for myself. but that was quite a few heat cycles

Yea my rattle went away too. Prolly took 300 miles? Something around that.

Take it out on the highway and drive her hard. That's when the rattle really quieted down.

Thanks guys. Awesome to know that I'm not the only one. I trust Tony entirely, and definitely know that everything will be ok, but it's a little annoying when you pull up at a stop light and your car sounds like your exhaust is slowly working it's way off the car.

looks like i'll have to do some spirited driving this weekend. :driving: I'll let you know how it goes.

It sounds like grinding right! Lol it first sounded like metal being dragged now it kinda sounds like grinding. Im at the same mileage as you now (About 500, I got it on friday, yes I know I drive A LOT). So Ill keep you posted when it dies down. Quick tip the rattle does not appear if you downshift when coming to a stop lol.

I just got done driving from FL to NY yesterday, yes I'm in NY at a hotel. Drove the Z straight thru. The ART pipes got slightly deeper as anticipated. Currently have 2200 miles on the ART pipes. Holding up good so far! :tup: