High Flow Cats

Togo · 09-06-2009, 08:43 AM

In CA it's a toss up whether or not you want to get them. HFC are illegal there as well as Test Pipes so you're technically screwed either way if a cop looks and is capable of seeing them. This car is pretty low and it would be fairly difficult to get a good view under there, I would think, but I wouldn't rule it out. Granted this is also assuming that the cop can tell the difference between stock and aftermarket but the lack of heat shields is usually a dead give away.

Now with a HFC you may actually pass a smog sniff check but not the visual, which as I understand it, some places often just skip. With the TP you will NOT pass a sniffer and certainly not pass a visual. There are obviously other methods of getting past smog checks but that may or may not be something you are interested in doing.

As far as gains go, Test Pipes net more power but not a whole lot more. Dynos have shown TPs to gain between 1-4 more HP than what a HFC will gain for you.

If you want TPs look at the Fast Intentions (F.I.) or the GTM ones. They offer extended O2 sensors so CEL shouldn't be a problem with them. They also offer them resonated so that you don't get a raspy sound in your exhaust.

Minicobra1 · 09-06-2009, 09:41 AM

So far, over 5K miles on my Berks with no CEL's

steven88 · 09-06-2009, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Togo

In CA it's a toss up whether or not you want to get them. HFC are illegal there as well as Test Pipes so you're technically screwed either way if a cop looks and is capable of seeing them. This car is pretty low and it would be fairly difficult to get a good view under there, I would think, but I wouldn't rule it out. Granted this is also assuming that the cop can tell the difference between stock and aftermarket but the lack of heat shields is usually a dead give away.

Now with a HFC you may actually pass a smog sniff check but not the visual, which as I understand it, some places often just skip. With the TP you will NOT pass a sniffer and certainly not pass a visual. There are obviously other methods of getting past smog checks but that may or may not be something you are interested in doing.

As far as gains go, Test Pipes net more power but not a whole lot more. Dynos have shown TPs to gain between 1-4 more HP than what a HFC will gain for you.

If you want TPs look at the Fast Intentions (F.I.) or the GTM ones. They offer extended O2 sensors so CEL shouldn't be a problem with them. They also offer them resonated so that you don't get a raspy sound in your exhaust.

yeah i heard both are illegal in cali...theres a new law that passed saying anything other than OEM cats are illegal...this was passed back in jan 09

anyway, the car sits low as it is...is this my only chance of defense against a cop looking for cats on my car? is there a suspension member or brace blocking the view of HFC?

Minicobra1 · 09-08-2009, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steven88

yeah i heard both are illegal in cali...theres a new law that passed saying anything other than OEM cats are illegal...this was passed back in jan 09

anyway, the car sits low as it is...is this my only chance of defense against a cop looking for cats on my car? is there a suspension member or brace blocking the view of HFC?

You sure are worried about a visual inspection, do you get pulled over alot?
The Berks already have the extenders built in.

Togo · 09-08-2009, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minicobra1

You sure are worried about a visual inspection, do you get pulled over alot?
The Berks already have the extenders built in.

^+1

The F.I. HFCs have O2 extenders as well, fyi.

BerkTech · 09-09-2009, 04:49 PM

Here's a quick comparison chart.

Whatever feature you could possibly want in an HFC, Berk has it.

Togo · 09-10-2009, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BerkTech

Here's a quick comparison chart.

Whatever feature you could possibly want in an HFC, Berk has it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BerkTech

The O2 extensions help with keeping the CEL light off on the HFC applications but have been met with only limited success in the test pipe application on the 370Z. However it does work well on the older 03-06 350Z's. The HR motors have much tighter control over the emissions system with an entirely new monitoring algorithm that's much harder to crack with mechanical fixes. Darn cars are getting smarter and smarter. If OBD III, aka "Big Brother", ever comes to fruition we are all in for a world of hurt....

We've had the extended O2 bungs on our HFC's and test pipes since 2005, long before it became "standard" for everyone else.

Well there you go. I don't think anyone could have explained all the Pros and Cons any better than that.

09-06-2009, 09:41 AM	#2 (permalink)
Minicobra1 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Orange County, CA. Posts: 1,205 Drives: 370Z Tour, Spt, 6mt Rep Power: 645	So far, over 5K miles on my Berks with no CEL's __________________ 370z Tour\| Spt Pack\|Navi\|BERK CBE\|Berk HFC's\| Eibach Springs\| Hotchkis Sway Bars\|SPC Camber Arms\|15mm Ichiba Wheel Spacers\| 19"Factory Nismo Wheels-Matt Black\|Stop Tech Rotors\|TWM Shifter\|3M Tint\|Black Fangs\|Black Rear Valance\|JDM Fog Light\| MY BAND-www.myspace.com/petroleum

09-09-2009, 04:49 PM	#6 (permalink)
BerkTech The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Irvine CA Posts: 279 Drives: Lots.... Rep Power: 273	Here's a quick comparison chart. Whatever feature you could possibly want in an HFC, Berk has it. __________________ While the others type fast... Berk Technology goes fast.... See you at the track! OUR NEW PHONE NUMBER: (714) 546-BERK READ THE BERK BLOG HERE

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Berks vs AAM High flow cats?	zulus370Z	Intake/Exhaust	28	12-09-2015 12:45 AM
AAM Competition High Flow Cats	Rob@Altered	Group Buys	3	12-03-2009 02:04 PM
looking to buy Berk High Flow Cats	zulus370Z	Parts for sale (Private Classifieds)	0	08-22-2009 08:45 PM

09-06-2009, 08:43 AM	#1 (permalink)
Togo A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: E. Northport, NY Posts: 7,597 Drives: Stuff Rep Power: 657	In CA it's a toss up whether or not you want to get them. HFC are illegal there as well as Test Pipes so you're technically screwed either way if a cop looks and is capable of seeing them. This car is pretty low and it would be fairly difficult to get a good view under there, I would think, but I wouldn't rule it out. Granted this is also assuming that the cop can tell the difference between stock and aftermarket but the lack of heat shields is usually a dead give away. Now with a HFC you may actually pass a smog sniff check but not the visual, which as I understand it, some places often just skip. With the TP you will NOT pass a sniffer and certainly not pass a visual. There are obviously other methods of getting past smog checks but that may or may not be something you are interested in doing. As far as gains go, Test Pipes net more power but not a whole lot more. Dynos have shown TPs to gain between 1-4 more HP than what a HFC will gain for you. If you want TPs look at the Fast Intentions (F.I.) or the GTM ones. They offer extended O2 sensors so CEL shouldn't be a problem with them. They also offer them resonated so that you don't get a raspy sound in your exhaust.