ERZ/CNT HFC & Invidia Exhaust - Issues?

EngrZ

Long time lurker, first time poster. I have done quite a bit of searching on this but have not really reached a consensus.

So I am thinking about getting the CNT HFC with the Gemini CBE.

I have heard pretty good things about the Invidia Gemini exhaust, except that the tips stick out really far (sound about right?)

However, with the HFC, I have seen mixed reviews, including below (which is like 1 of 3 issues I have easily found for the CNT HFC).
CNT HFC fitment issue

For members that have these, are you happy with them? Is the quality that bad? For example, I would be pretty worried about the cat busting apart in the future....not sure how likely that would be.

Anyone with this combo I would love to hear some feedback.

Thanks!

Sales@AAMComp

pm'd

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EngrZ

Thanks...

Red_Z

I have both sitting in my garage waiting for install sometime this month. I'll report back how it goes.

Chico370Z

thanks, interested in hearing back on this

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04 Nissan Sentra SpecV: Brembos, Nismo Intake/Exhaust/Short Shifter, Eibach Sportlines, ES MMI - SOLD / / / 09 Nissan 370Z Touring: Invidia Gemini Exhaust, ERZ HFC, GTM 25 Row Cooler, Z1 Tubes, and K&N Drop Ins

.c2

Don't do it, it rattles like a b*tch. I have had the Invidia Gemini catback and it was awesome by itself, especially sound wise. But the second I put the test pipes on, right below 2k there would be a very loud and distinct rattle that sounds like solid metal hitting solid metal. I've checked the car on a lift and had someone revving it while I was underneath it, and the clearance is fine (somewhat..). Not close enough to hit anything at all, but rather the rattle was coming from the inside of the catback. Other members with this catback have also had issues when paired with HFC.

You can somewhat hear it in this video here, right below 2k rpm when it's decelerating. My phone doesn't capture it much, but it is MUCH louder in person and very annoying.. I ended up buying a new catback for this reason alone


If you don't plan on getting HFC or test pipes though, the sound, price, and looks of this catback is awesome. Very decent gains as well

Oh and as for the tips, here's how far they stick out

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redline727

Just posted this in another Invidia Gemini thread people mentioning same thing in the other thread.

I had both Invidia test pipes and now their HFC's and I believe that due to you don't use the bracket that bolts the stock cats to the trans. However this past August Invidia redesigned their Y section and removed the flex pipes bc they would eventually start to flex to much and leak. I suffered from this and they replaced my Y section under warranty with the new design free of charge. The new design features slide in flex section with a spring. Ever since that was done no more rattle/vibrate.

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.c2

Yeah my tech also noticed that my Invidia test pipes don't have the support bracket that allows you to bolt it onto the car, and that the rattle is loudest at the Y pipe. Damn I didn't know they would replace it though... Otherwise I probably would have kept my Invidia exhaust. Ugh lol, good to know though.

If you don't mind me asking, did you simply inform Invidia directly of your problem and send in your Y pipe for a free replacement? I bought my exhaust used and the resonators on my Y pipe are scraped from being too low, do you think I would still get a free replacement if I sent mine in haha

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Staples

OP, if you stick with the single rolled titanium tips then you'll be fine. It's the double rolled tips that have the fitment issue because it seems to hit the exhaust piping that comes out from the muffler.

I have the CNT resonated test pipes (has the brackets) and the Invidia Gemini without any issues.


It has the X-PIPE with the flex pipe sections.

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'08 Infiniti G37s - Forced Induction Fed

redline727

That's the best part I didn't have to send anything in. I called them about my flex pipes leaking. (I was just living with the vibration/rattle) Since they have a 1year warranty all I had to do was email them my original purchase receipt then they shipped me both driver and passenger Y section in the new design. Losing the rattle with the new design was a bonus!

However in your case since you got it used and don't have proof of original purchase I don't know how far you would get bc that's the first thing they required of me when making my warranty claim.

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.c2

Ahh. Well I'm not going to bother now since I just bought a new catback a few days ago haha... Thanks for the tip though. I wonder if the newly designed Y pipe can be purchased separately..

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tyler20c

On my Z I ran the Gemini with CNT test pipes and it sounded great and ran great for many miles. On my G37, I am running the CNT HFC and the stock exhaust, and it sounds like crap! Very raspy. Im not sure if their test pipes are better than their cats or what but i'm not happy with the HFC's.

Lezydesign

I just did the Invidia Gemini and CNT HFC set up and i did not expect sooo much rasp and rattle.. Is there something wrong? cz it certainly sounds like it

Heres what my car sounds like right now.

1) rattling... Invidia Gemini w/ Test pipes = rattle - YouTube
2) Rasp 370z Invidia Gemini With CNT HFC - YouTube

juld0zer

i just fitted the new version of the Gemini catback last week.
installation was overall pretty straightforward - 1.5hrs on a hoist all up including removal of existing exhaust.

my package was missing 8 bolts, 8 nuts and 2 gaskets so i am currently using some random spares until they arrive.

i have Berk HFC aswell. my previous exhaust was an Exoticspeed Y and midpipe custom mated to the stock rear muffler. This combo would be raspy when i stomped on it but it was an exotic sort of rasp which i kinda miss.

The new Berk with Invidia combo has no rasp. The HFC hiss is pretty drowned out by the deeper Invidia note. I now get a little pop & crackle between shifts which is awesome!

Fitment-wise, the left tip seems to be angled upwards slightly while the left side is spot on. Seems like the factory put a mandrel bend in the left exiting pipe from the muffler for no reason.

When i first put the HFCs on many months back, i didnt have bolts for the trans brace so i drove a night without the brace and my lord how annoying it was!! vibrations galore, especially on the overrun. the entire car felt like it was vibrating!!

So aside from the missing components and slight fitment issue, the only thing i have to complain about is that this combo is quite a lot louder than i was expecting.