My mechanic's thoughts on the Berk CBE & HFC

Shadax · 03-01-2012, 11:58 AM

So I just dropped my car off with my mechanic with whom I've given business for many years. Very professional, very honest guy.

Now, I'm trying to learn as much as I can about my car and at the same time could not hesitate on getting the exhaust done. I wanted some power gain and definitely a nice sound.

I dropped my car off with him along with the Berk Tech CBE exhaust and HF cats. He immediately started to shake his head and attempt to convince me that there won't be much flow over the stock cats. "You'll be back in less than 2 years with a CEL. So don't say I told you so." He even excluded the cats from the work order documentation and said "We'll just say these were already installed if anyone asks, these are likely illegal and you probably got scammed."

He also mentioned the platinum on a factory cat vs. a lower grade metal on aftermarket parts. He's obviously favorable to leaving a car stock.

We put the car up on the left, and he began mentioning that the car has 4 cats...? He was pointing at the piece between the cat and the header -- isn't that still part of the factory cat?

I'm still having him install it after my rebuttal of "Well, I read lots of great reviews about this setup on the community I visit and seen countless videos of the setup with praise."

Did I miss any steps in my research? Are these HFCs not worth it (or scam)?

It was very difficult to argue with a mechanic when I know little about cars in comparison, but I have been so excited about the install I didn't want to box them back up and ship them back.

When I pick my car back up in a few hours, is there anything I can tell him to have as an argument on why it was a good idea? (aside from the obvious fact aftermarket parts are a huge frown on anyone that prefers factory parts and isn't exactly into modifying a $30,000 car under warranty -- I just couldn't deal with how quiet my car is. But now I'm feeling like I'm adding a sweatshop re purposed piece of metal that belongs mickey mouse'd on a beater)

All thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated

Staples · 03-01-2012, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadax

So I just dropped my car off with my mechanic with whom I've given business for many years. Very professional, very honest guy.

Now, I'm trying to learn as much as I can about my car and at the same time could not hesitate on getting the exhaust done. I wanted some power gain and definitely a nice sound.

I dropped my car off with him along with the Berk Tech CBE exhaust and HF cats. He immediately started to shake his head and attempt to convince me that there won't be much flow over the stock cats. "You'll be back in less than 2 years with a CEL. So don't say I told you so." He even excluded the cats from the work order documentation and said "We'll just say these were already installed if anyone asks, these are likely illegal and you probably got scammed."

He also mentioned the platinum on a factory cat vs. a lower grade metal on aftermarket parts. He's obviously favorable to leaving a car stock.

We put the car up on the left, and he began mentioning that the car has 4 cats...? He was pointing at the piece between the cat and the header -- isn't that still part of the factory cat?

I'm still having him install it after my rebuttal of "Well, I read lots of great reviews about this setup on the community I visit and seen countless videos of the setup with praise."

Did I miss any steps in my research? Are these HFCs not worth it (or scam)?

It was very difficult to argue with a mechanic when I know little about cars in comparison, but I have been so excited about the install I didn't want to box them back up and ship them back.

When I pick my car back up in a few hours, is there anything I can tell him to have as an argument on why it was a good idea? (aside from the obvious fact aftermarket parts are a huge frown on anyone that prefers factory parts and isn't exactly into modifying a $30,000 car under warranty -- I just couldn't deal with how quiet my car is. But now I'm feeling like I'm adding a sweatshop re purposed piece of metal that belongs mickey mouse'd on a beater)

All thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated

I'll keep it short and sweet. There are guaranteed gains from switching out the stock cats, whether it be high flow cats or test pipes. There has been on-going research done time and time again ever since the G37 first came out with the VHR motor in '07. I'm not saying your mechanic is wrong, but I would take what he's saying with a grain of salt.

Actually it should be the other way around when you mention about the sweatshop exhaust. The stock exhaust is made of mild steel and has play-doh welds as you can see on the piping for yourself. At least with aftermarket exhaust systems they use anywhere from 409 - 304 stainless steel with better welds. You made a GREAT decision upgrading your exhaust and should be happy with the outcome. Not to mention, it's not a placebo in terms of power gains.

Lastly, if you end up getting a CEL just have your mechanic install some non-foulers and that will completely eliminate the problem.

- Steve

NeverBoneStck · 03-01-2012, 12:25 PM

Time for a new mechanic ....

kkruel55 · 03-01-2012, 12:28 PM

What are non-foulers?

Alchemy · 03-01-2012, 12:29 PM

There is nothing wrong with the purchases you made. Yeah, you may get a CEL but thats part of the game. Once you get intakes, if you do, you are gonna want to have the car tuned. Once its tuned you wont ever get a CEL again. You will see and feel definite gains from the CBE and HFC. DONT LET YOUR MECHANIC SCARE YOU, you will thoroughly enjoy your mods.

m4a1mustang · 03-01-2012, 12:30 PM

I would have left right then and there. Don't let him do anymore work on your car.

GaleForce · 03-01-2012, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

I would have left right then and there. Don't let him do anymore work on your car.

4 cats? Really? Tell your "mechanic" to

Cmike2780 · 03-01-2012, 12:39 PM

An exhaust upgrade has been dyno proven to have results, not to mention a better sound. Heck, even Nissan technically offers an aftermarket exhaust with the Nismo S-Tune. Most high flow cats are technically "off-road" use only, so your mechanic is technically right about the not being legal part. Most don't usually throw a CEL though, unlike some test pipes. You gain horsepower by removing the restriction created by the cats. Unfortunately, it also has the counter-effect of being less emission friendly. I have no idea what he means by 4 cats. Chances are, your car will be fine. An exhaust upgrade is one of the safest mods you could do. The worst thing that could happen is you mess up an 02 sensor, but its unlikely with HFC's.

Staples · 03-01-2012, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkruel55

What are non-foulers?

They're extensions that you put on the 02 sensor that screws into your cat or test pipe. It basically fools the sensor into think you still have a restrictive cat on the car because it pulls the sensor farther from the exhaust gases.

Shadax · 03-01-2012, 01:01 PM

Cool, I appreciate the responses. I feel much more comfortable about it now.

It sucks, because he's a really cool guy. He's done a lot of work to all my cars before with excellent results and with much better customer service than anyone else in this valley. I guess he just wasn't the best choice for this particular upgrade.

With that said, the muffler shops around here are even worse. I mean, the top name that floats around here put the wrong size muffler on my buddy's truck and welded the pipes all uneven, then gave him the run around for a week before fixing it. No way in hell was I gonna let those guys touch my car.

It sucks not having the tools necessary to do it myself or the connections to get it done. I end up stuck having to deal with all these shady mechanics out here, or in today's example, a mechanic I trust who's now going against my decision.

*sigh*

Thanks again

Speedy · 03-01-2012, 01:07 PM

I take it your mechanic is some older guy? Maybe not up with current times?

HFCs will give you power as well as your cat back, so don't fret.

Most of the HFCs I've seen for the Z have "J" pipes installed for the O2 sensors. This pulls them away from the exhaust stream like another poster mentioned. This "should" avoid the CEL, if not you can try some extensions called anti foulers.

With the tuning, the reason you don't see CEL is because the O2 sensors are usually turned off. That's fine from a CEL perspective, but if you have to pass emissions that will show up as a "not ready" sensor and you might fail emissions. Just be aware of that and hope the "J" pipes do their job.

ZMan8 · 03-01-2012, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

I would have left right then and there. Don't let him do anymore work on your car.

...4 hfc???

erkthejerk73 · 03-01-2012, 01:19 PM

maybe 4 cats = 4 O2 sensors?

m4a1mustang · 03-01-2012, 01:34 PM

Maybe there were two actual cats living just south of the manifolds. Ya never know.

ZMan8 · 03-01-2012, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

Maybe there were two actual cats living just south of the manifolds. Ya never know.

03-01-2012, 11:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
Shadax Base Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Camarillo, CA Posts: 64 Drives: 2010 370z 6MT Rep Power: 14	My mechanic's thoughts on the Berk CBE & HFC So I just dropped my car off with my mechanic with whom I've given business for many years. Very professional, very honest guy. Now, I'm trying to learn as much as I can about my car and at the same time could not hesitate on getting the exhaust done. I wanted some power gain and definitely a nice sound. I dropped my car off with him along with the Berk Tech CBE exhaust and HF cats. He immediately started to shake his head and attempt to convince me that there won't be much flow over the stock cats. "You'll be back in less than 2 years with a CEL. So don't say I told you so." He even excluded the cats from the work order documentation and said "We'll just say these were already installed if anyone asks, these are likely illegal and you probably got scammed." He also mentioned the platinum on a factory cat vs. a lower grade metal on aftermarket parts. He's obviously favorable to leaving a car stock. We put the car up on the left, and he began mentioning that the car has 4 cats...? He was pointing at the piece between the cat and the header -- isn't that still part of the factory cat? I'm still having him install it after my rebuttal of "Well, I read lots of great reviews about this setup on the community I visit and seen countless videos of the setup with praise." Did I miss any steps in my research? Are these HFCs not worth it (or scam)? It was very difficult to argue with a mechanic when I know little about cars in comparison, but I have been so excited about the install I didn't want to box them back up and ship them back. When I pick my car back up in a few hours, is there anything I can tell him to have as an argument on why it was a good idea? (aside from the obvious fact aftermarket parts are a huge frown on anyone that prefers factory parts and isn't exactly into modifying a $30,000 car under warranty -- I just couldn't deal with how quiet my car is. But now I'm feeling like I'm adding a sweatshop re purposed piece of metal that belongs mickey mouse'd on a beater) All thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated Last edited by Shadax; 03-01-2012 at 12:06 PM.

03-01-2012, 12:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
NeverBoneStck A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Beaverton, Or Posts: 1,110 Drives: 2008 G37 S Rep Power: 18	Time for a new mechanic .... __________________ Juiced! That is all you need to know !!

03-01-2012, 12:28 PM	#4 (permalink)
kkruel55 Base Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 206 Drives: '10 370Z Black M6 Rep Power: 15	What are non-foulers? __________________ 2010 Magnetic Black Coupe 6 speed-- Powerhouse Amuse//AP Racing//Volk Racing//Stillen//Tein//SPC//Hotchkis//INGS+1//MRWorks//Fast Intentions

03-01-2012, 12:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
Alchemy A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Jersey Age: 45 Posts: 4,855 Drives: to acquire tickets Rep Power: 3524	There is nothing wrong with the purchases you made. Yeah, you may get a CEL but thats part of the game. Once you get intakes, if you do, you are gonna want to have the car tuned. Once its tuned you wont ever get a CEL again. You will see and feel definite gains from the CBE and HFC. DONT LET YOUR MECHANIC SCARE YOU, you will thoroughly enjoy your mods. __________________ Ryan 314WHP \| 260LB-FT \| STILLEN \| KONI \| SWIFT \| STOPTECH \| Z1 \| PROJECT MU \| CNT \| UPREV \| FORGESTAR \| BRIDGESTONE \| PWJDM \| ENEOS \| MOTUL

03-01-2012, 12:30 PM	#6 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6962	I would have left right then and there. Don't let him do anymore work on your car. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

03-01-2012, 12:39 PM	#8 (permalink)
Cmike2780 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Long Island Posts: 5,059 Drives: slowwww Rep Power: 29	An exhaust upgrade has been dyno proven to have results, not to mention a better sound. Heck, even Nissan technically offers an aftermarket exhaust with the Nismo S-Tune. Most high flow cats are technically "off-road" use only, so your mechanic is technically right about the not being legal part. Most don't usually throw a CEL though, unlike some test pipes. You gain horsepower by removing the restriction created by the cats. Unfortunately, it also has the counter-effect of being less emission friendly. I have no idea what he means by 4 cats. Chances are, your car will be fine. An exhaust upgrade is one of the safest mods you could do. The worst thing that could happen is you mess up an 02 sensor, but its unlikely with HFC's. __________________ [09][MB][6-Spd MT][Touring][Stillen Gen III][K&N][Borla CBE][Evo-R] [ArchitTEK Photography]

03-01-2012, 01:01 PM	#10 (permalink)
Shadax Base Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Camarillo, CA Posts: 64 Drives: 2010 370z 6MT Rep Power: 14	Cool, I appreciate the responses. I feel much more comfortable about it now. It sucks, because he's a really cool guy. He's done a lot of work to all my cars before with excellent results and with much better customer service than anyone else in this valley. I guess he just wasn't the best choice for this particular upgrade. With that said, the muffler shops around here are even worse. I mean, the top name that floats around here put the wrong size muffler on my buddy's truck and welded the pipes all uneven, then gave him the run around for a week before fixing it. No way in hell was I gonna let those guys touch my car. It sucks not having the tools necessary to do it myself or the connections to get it done. I end up stuck having to deal with all these shady mechanics out here, or in today's example, a mechanic I trust who's now going against my decision. sigh Thanks again

03-01-2012, 01:07 PM	#11 (permalink)
Speedy Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: TN Posts: 390 Drives: check my signature Rep Power: 13	I take it your mechanic is some older guy? Maybe not up with current times? HFCs will give you power as well as your cat back, so don't fret. Most of the HFCs I've seen for the Z have "J" pipes installed for the O2 sensors. This pulls them away from the exhaust stream like another poster mentioned. This "should" avoid the CEL, if not you can try some extensions called anti foulers. With the tuning, the reason you don't see CEL is because the O2 sensors are usually turned off. That's fine from a CEL perspective, but if you have to pass emissions that will show up as a "not ready" sensor and you might fail emissions. Just be aware of that and hope the "J" pipes do their job. UNKNOWN_370 likes this.

03-01-2012, 01:19 PM	#13 (permalink)
erkthejerk73 Track Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: cincinnati Posts: 927 Drives: 13 F150 FX4 eb Rep Power: 15	maybe 4 cats = 4 O2 sensors?

03-01-2012, 01:34 PM	#14 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6962	Maybe there were two actual cats living just south of the manifolds. Ya never know. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

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