Invidia Gemini CBE/Berk HFC Installed
 

Had a day off from work today, so I thought it would be a good idea to drive out to a trusted install shop in NJ; anything to chip at the break-in miles. :p I still have 1/2 way to go. :rolleyes:

I'll gather some thoughts here, please keep in mind, I am an IT geek but horrible when it comes to self-handiness with car parts; so it will be opinions, impressions, and simply just that.

Luckily, the car is fairly new without rust, so the install went smoothly - roughly 2 hours. First impression of when I drove the Z off the stealership lot was, awh, she's trying to let out some exhaust sounds; and she failed. Driving off with the CBE and HFC both installed, she growls a nice RaWr. :tup: Although, I was not expecting her to be this loud; after all - I did choose the Invidia for discreet sounds, but I guess the HFC is what added the additional dB. My last project DD was an '02 WRX catless with a uppipe/downpipe into an HKS Titanium Turbo Back, so I thought this would be significantly quieter. However, that doesn't appear to be the case, it is loud, but nothing I can't get used to. It's always one thing to be loud like a fart canned ricer, and one thing to be growling and accelerating in equal ferocity like our Zs.

My only concern so far is a rumble I seem to be experiencing on the shifter, when I downshift to 2nd gear. It appears to rattle the shifter quite a bit, not sure if the exhaust amplified engine breaking absorbing back into the shifter or something like that (insert auto nubness as disclaimed in above paragraph), but I will get this looked into when I go back on to pick up the OEM leftover parts.

Props goes to Adam @ AZP Installs for making the wait painless and being most welcoming.

Note: Excuse the bad pics, it was smoggy and showering throughout the day in NJ.

Some pics:

- Last time I see the stock exhausts..
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y22...k/P1000184.jpg

- Alexis can breathe easier now..
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y22...k/P1000191.jpg

- Brand whoring..
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y22...k/P1000190.jpg

- An angle view of how much it protrudes..
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y22...k/P1000188.jpg

Nice. Looks great.

My Invidia Gemini goes on tomorrow, in addition to my K&N intake. Can't wait to hear her purr tomorrow night.