Berk CBE and HFC Install and Review

TongMan

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

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

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

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?

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some mods

Nick911sc

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

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

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.

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GaleForce

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.

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Nick911sc

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

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...

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.

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joshs09slvrZ

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.

GaleForce

I realize this is late but, I used a 1/2" breaker bar with half of the handle from my floor jack to help break the bolt loose. The I used a 5" and 10" 1/2" extension then a 1/2"-3/8" adaptor to a 10" 3/8" extension to a 3/8" universal to a 3/8" 14mm socket. I also removed the top tube from my Stillen Gen 3. This was the only way I could get to it.

At least you have 90% of the exhaust on now and can enjoy the awesome Berk sound!

As far as my exhaust goes, I put my car back on the jack stands, loosened off every bolt on the exhaust, and tightened them back up moving from the back of the car to the front. I then removed the rubber hangers and cleaned all the exhaust rods with brake cleaner, then reinstalled the hangers in the factory locations. I was able to get everything fitting good, just need to put a few miles on the car to make sure everything stays put.

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joshs09slvrZ

Yeah...we tried both 1/2" and 3/8" breaker bars and nothing worked. The socket just kept slipping off the bolt and I was afraid we would strip it. Yeah it sucks..but I'll pay the money to get it installed at this point. I'm going to check all the bolts tomorrow and re-tighten everything. I hear a slight rattle at start up...but once the car gets warm...I stop hearing it so I don't know what it could be.

As far as the fitment goes, Berk got it spot on. Everything fits like a glove and the alignment is perfect! I've driven it about 20 miles already and both pipes are still in their hangers with a decent amount that is sticking out the other side of the hanger.

joshs09slvrZ

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....