Berk CBE and HFC Install and Review

TongMan · 09-16-2011, 05:59 PM

That's the thing with Berk. They're inconsistent. Some buyers had fitment problems, yet some don't. Even from the same batch. I guess it's a lack of quality control. Can't wait to hear how the OP's install went.

joshs09slvrZ · 09-16-2011, 06:58 PM

Getting ready to go out and install it now. It's about 7pm EST...going to try and finish it tonight with my friend. We'll see how it goes!!

GaleForce · 09-16-2011, 09:30 PM

I heard back from Berk. The *Hiss* is in fact normal. You will get this when using the HFC or Test Pipes. I thought it was normal but thought I would ask just to make sure I didn't do something wrong during the install.

They gave me a couple of tips regarding the small fitment issue I'm having. I am going to take the hanger bracket off, reinstall it in the factory location using the tips Berk gave me and test it for a few kilometres and see if things stay put.

Otherwise the exhaust is kickass!

Mandingo · 09-16-2011, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaleForce

I heard back from Berk. The *Hiss* is in fact normal. You will get this when using the HFC or Test Pipes. I thought it was normal but thought I would ask just to make sure I didn't do something wrong during the install.

They gave me a couple of tips regarding the small fitment issue I'm having. I am going to take the hanger bracket off, reinstall it in the factory location using the tips Berk gave me and test it for a few kilometres and see if things stay put.

Otherwise the exhaust is kickass!

Right, deceleration hiss is normal with this exhaust combo and most others with hfc if I'm not mistaken. What were Berk's tips on your fitment issues?

Nick911sc · 09-16-2011, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mandingo

Right, deceleration hiss is normal with this exhaust combo and most others with hfc if I'm not mistaken. What were Berk's tips on your fitment issues?

Berk stopped using the adjustable tips and went back to welded tips. No more need to cut.

LakeShow · 09-16-2011, 11:18 PM

Hi, I am looking to getting just the Berk exhaust alone. I was wondering if I would have any of these issues. Any information would be great. I am new to the whole exhaust thing

Nick911sc · 09-16-2011, 11:31 PM

With just the exhaust there will be no hiss on deceleration. It is possible there may be a fitment issue(as is the possibility with any exhaust) but I wouldn't worry about it. More than likely it will fit properly and you will be happy as can be

GaleForce · 09-16-2011, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mandingo

Right, deceleration hiss is normal with this exhaust combo and most others with hfc if I'm not mistaken. What were Berk's tips on your fitment issues?

They suggested that I use brake cleaner or windex to clean the rods on the exhaust to prevent them from slipping in the hangers. I'll move my hanger bracket back to the factory location and clean all the exhaust rods then put a few miles on it and see if things stay put.

GaleForce · 09-16-2011, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeShow

Hi, I am looking to getting just the Berk exhaust alone. I was wondering if I would have any of these issues. Any information would be great. I am new to the whole exhaust thing

Just so you know, the *hiss* I hear is perfectly normal and to be expected when using HFC or test pipes. I don't think you'll hear this *hiss* when doing CBE only.

My fitment issue isn't that big of a deal, the fix I did was dead easy. However Berk responded to my email with a suggestion to clean the exhaust rods so they will not slip. I'm going to do this tomorrow, and reinstall the hanger bracket back to the factory location and will report back with my results after I put a few more miles on the car.

I strongly recommend the Berk exhaust. The performance and sound is second to none.

LakeShow · 09-16-2011, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaleForce

Just so you know, the *hiss* I hear is perfectly normal and to be expected when using HFC or test pipes. I don't think you'll hear this *hiss* when doing CBE only.

My fitment issue isn't that big of a deal, the fix I did was dead easy. However Berk responded to my email with a suggestion to clean the exhaust rods so they will not slip. I'm going to do this tomorrow, and reinstall the hanger bracket back to the factory location and will report back with my results after I put a few more miles on the car.

I strongly recommend the Berk exhaust. The performance and sound is second to none.

Yea man that Berk sounds great. Been searching almost every exhaust on YouTube and the Berk gives you that sound like it should have came from the factory and I have heard it gives you the most power increase compared to others. Btw how much was the install?

GaleForce · 09-17-2011, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeShow

Yea man that Berk sounds great. Been searching almost every exhaust on YouTube and the Berk gives you that sound like it should have came from the factory and I have heard it gives you the most power increase compared to others. Btw how much was the install?

Free... did it in my garage.
The CBE is a really easy install. Heck the HFC aren't that bad either, just time.

joshs09slvrZ · 09-17-2011, 07:47 AM

Hey guys.

Well...my friend and I got the entire passenger side installed. We're having major issues with that one bolt on the driver's side. We finally gave it up around 2am. Going to try and see what we can now that we're all rested...Any suggestions for the bolt on the driver's side? We've hit it with PB blaster, gone in from the engine bay, removed the top tube of my CAI. Was thinking trying going in through the wheel well maybe...

GaleForce · 09-17-2011, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshs09slvrZ

Hey guys.

Well...my friend and I got the entire passenger side installed. We're having major issues with that one bolt on the driver's side. We finally gave it up around 2am. Going to try and see what we can now that we're all rested...Any suggestions for the bolt on the driver's side? We've hit it with PB blaster, gone in from the engine bay, removed the top tube of my CAI. Was thinking trying going in through the wheel well maybe...

That sounds like the same one I had trouble with. It was a bugger and took the longest to get. I blasted it with penetrating oil and used 3/8" tools to access it through the engine bay. I also used part of the handle from my floor jack to put on the end of my breaker bar for more leverage.

I'm sure you'll have no problems removing it today with a bit of sleep and fresh eyes.

joshs09slvrZ · 09-17-2011, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaleForce

That sounds like the same one I had trouble with. It was a bugger and took the longest to get. I blasted it with penetrating oil and used 3/8" tools to access it through the engine bay. I also used part of the handle from my floor jack to put on the end of my breaker bar for more leverage.

I'm sure you'll have no problems removing it today with a bit of sleep and fresh eyes.

Son of a B****....this one bolt is kicking my ***. Unfortunately I don't have a 3/8" breaker bar...only a 1/2"...still working on it though. I wish there was a way to just cut it off.

joshs09slvrZ · 09-17-2011, 03:47 PM

Alrighty...here's an update.

I couldn't get the driver's side cat out. I ended having to schedule an appointment with an exhaust shop who is going to do it. I explained to them how much trouble I had and they seem to think they can get it out. So if you're wondering:

Yes - I currently have one HFC on the passenger side and one stock cat on the driver's side. From there I have the X pipe, both Berk exhaust tubes and the Berk muffler. The only thing that isn't Berk is the driver's side cat. Seems silly huh? Believe it or not, it doesn't sound all that bad. I'll just have to drive it around like this until next Saturday....

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09-16-2011, 05:59 PM	#16 (permalink)
TongMan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: NorCal Posts: 1,297 Drives: 2013 Nissan GTR Rep Power: 715	That's the thing with Berk. They're inconsistent. Some buyers had fitment problems, yet some don't. Even from the same batch. I guess it's a lack of quality control. Can't wait to hear how the OP's install went.

09-16-2011, 06:58 PM	#17 (permalink)
joshs09slvrZ Track Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 547 Drives: 09 7AT 370Z Rep Power: 16	Getting ready to go out and install it now. It's about 7pm EST...going to try and finish it tonight with my friend. We'll see how it goes!!

09-16-2011, 09:30 PM	#18 (permalink)
GaleForce A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 21,749 Drives: Varis Arising II Rep Power: 51865	I heard back from Berk. The Hiss is in fact normal. You will get this when using the HFC or Test Pipes. I thought it was normal but thought I would ask just to make sure I didn't do something wrong during the install. They gave me a couple of tips regarding the small fitment issue I'm having. I am going to take the hanger bracket off, reinstall it in the factory location using the tips Berk gave me and test it for a few kilometres and see if things stay put. Otherwise the exhaust is kickass!

09-16-2011, 11:18 PM	#21 (permalink)
LakeShow A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: L.I., NY Posts: 5,307 Drives: Everything Rep Power: 26	Hi, I am looking to getting just the Berk exhaust alone. I was wondering if I would have any of these issues. Any information would be great. I am new to the whole exhaust thing

09-16-2011, 11:31 PM	#22 (permalink)
Nick911sc A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 1,698 Drives: 2010 Nissan GT-R Rep Power: 20	With just the exhaust there will be no hiss on deceleration. It is possible there may be a fitment issue(as is the possibility with any exhaust) but I wouldn't worry about it. More than likely it will fit properly and you will be happy as can be

09-17-2011, 07:47 AM	#27 (permalink)
joshs09slvrZ Track Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 547 Drives: 09 7AT 370Z Rep Power: 16	Hey guys. Well...my friend and I got the entire passenger side installed. We're having major issues with that one bolt on the driver's side. We finally gave it up around 2am. Going to try and see what we can now that we're all rested...Any suggestions for the bolt on the driver's side? We've hit it with PB blaster, gone in from the engine bay, removed the top tube of my CAI. Was thinking trying going in through the wheel well maybe...

09-17-2011, 03:47 PM	#30 (permalink)
joshs09slvrZ Track Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 547 Drives: 09 7AT 370Z Rep Power: 16	Alrighty...here's an update. I couldn't get the driver's side cat out. I ended having to schedule an appointment with an exhaust shop who is going to do it. I explained to them how much trouble I had and they seem to think they can get it out. So if you're wondering: Yes - I currently have one HFC on the passenger side and one stock cat on the driver's side. From there I have the X pipe, both Berk exhaust tubes and the Berk muffler. The only thing that isn't Berk is the driver's side cat. Seems silly huh? Believe it or not, it doesn't sound all that bad. I'll just have to drive it around like this until next Saturday....