Yes, they didn't last either.

I'm installing my Resonated HFC on Friday. I wanted to use Berk Gaskets and he said using those Gaskets instead of RTV would be fine! In fact, he's having gaskets made up himself. He did mention that you couldn't REUSE those though.

My issue is I only want to install them once. If I have to fool with them on my DD car, then it's not worth it to me, and I won't install them at all.

Maybe I jumped the gun on these without seeing some hard miles with no leaks.

RED RTV sealant works just fine.

I also have a set of Berk gaskets (from their resonated test pipes) that I was given. I'll be using them in conjunction with RTV once my flex sections are replaced next week finally.

I was thinking of doing the same thing..RTV plus Gasket. I'm also planning of replacing the flex sections with beefier ones I just purchased.

Here it is..read *description* portion..interesting.



Anatomy of a Flex Pipe

A flex pipe is made up of a variety of components. These components may vary somewhat from manufacturer to manufacturer, but typically are made up of steel accordion type bellows. These bellows are often covered with a braided steel reinforcement, which prevents the flex from stretching too far and protects it from damage. Some will also contain an inner braided steel covering or a solid, floating insert, which functions to reduce exhaust turbulence. The ends of the flex usually have a solid steel shield, which joins the braided covering and reinforces the connection to the exhaust pipe. In the case of replacement flexes, they may or may not have pipe extensions which allow it to be easily welded or clamped into and existing exhaust system. The flex pipes are rated by diameter and length from end to end, not including pipe extensions. Pipe extensions are approximately 2" long, adding approximately 4" to the total length on the unit.


Differences in Flex Pipes

Flex pipes can be made from a variety of different materials and can also differ in their construction techniques. Some companies use ordinary steel, which can rust and corrode and/or may use aluminized steel (ordinary steel with an aluminum-based coating). These materials typically do not last very long as compared to stainless steel. Additionally, many companies will crimp the fittings together, which allows water to become trapped in the crimped joint, encouraging corrosion. Some flex bellows are formed as a continuous helix, which can create exhaust turbulence and, in general, indicates that poor construction techniques are used. Some companies have a loose braid pattern on the outer and inner coverings, which allows the flex to stretch too far, causing premature failure. There can also be variations in the gauge of materials, as well as the exact type of materials that are used, which has a significant influence on the price and longevity of the joint as a whole.

Bear River Flex Pipes

We do not compromise on our flex pipes, which are made entirely of stainless steel. We use 304 stainless to form the non-helical bellows as well as the braided reinforcements. We use a tightly woven braid pattern for greater strength. Most of our flex joints also have an inner braid and are built from heavy gauge materials to last for as long as possible. We believe that you want the best product for your money and that is why we do not offer second rate products.



http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-1-2-Exhaus...item27c0d53967

Is there any reason no one is using Ultra Copper RTV? It has higher temperature ratings thans Red RTV and designed for exhaust flanges.

That's what I plan on using the next time I pull them off. It's only an extra 100 degrees or so but I'll take it.

I asked Tony about Copper RTV....takes a lot longer to cure.

Yes, I believe I had them on my Berk's HFC and they SUCK :thumbsdown:

After a year they start to burn and when my mechanic took them out he said there's nothing special about them for their price. And rebuilt my pipes to fit the OEM metal round gaskets, which I had ordered before assuming they would fit between the HFC and the pipes to the upper manifold. Still got no problems!

I installed FI resonated-HFC 2 month back , using only RED RTV sealant is not enough , i got leak after one week , so i made gaskets myself and i used Ultra Copper RTV . I don't no why Fast Intention not sending one.

+ the cats core (passenger side) is freely moving inside and making bad rattling/noise , after short time of using , when i contact Fast Intention regarding this issue they said its normal .

I wish i bought ART pipes Instead .

how long has the home made gasket lasted you?

600$ for pipes and leaking gaskets = FAIL.

2 week now .

I am thinking to put the stock cats back , this rattling from the F.I resonated cats makes me crazy .

It is not normal and if it is faulty, I will send you out a new side free of charge. When we spoke last I needed you to troubleshoot and figure out if it was the cat or the resonator. From you last correspondence I now know it is the cat.

The cats are consisted of a 300 cell metallic core with a spun stainless steel case. The case slides over the core and than is necked down on each side to lock the core in place. Sometimes (but very rare) the core might start to move back in forth inside the case. We are talking 1/8"-1/4" TOPS! It can and never will come out of the case! Now the stainless steel expands and contracts with thermal cycles of the car. When it gets hot it expands, when it gets cold it contracts. The metallic core does not expand or contract.

Now as far as the rattling noise you hear, I do not know what that is. You are 15,000 miles away from me and I would need to hear a sound clip to pinpoint it.

I can tell you our cats are extremely high quality. They do not throw a CEL light when installed properly. They make great power and I have customers cars with 75,000+ miles on them.

Now sure can one go bad, it is a possibility. I can count on less than one hand how many have had an issue over the years. For the hundreds if not thousands that we have built and sold, I will take those percentages any day.

I will PM this directly to you as well, so we can get it rectified...

Thank you & Happy Holidays,

Tony

V-bands would definitely help with the leaks.

I see you live in UAE where AVERGE YEAR TEMP is around 95F or so. In fact, from May to Sept, the Ave is 100F. I wonder if that has something to do with your problems? Just a thought.