Looks like its time for a new exhaust. :)

Is this exhaust gonna be lowered car friendly?

yes.

UPDATE: I spoke with my fabricator about the time to complete the first production run and he estimates we can have the first production run completed by the end of January.

The work has already started.

We will also try to get at least one done ahead of time so I can post clean pictures for you.

:tup:

Definitely need some drive-by videos. I think I was expecting something completely different this whole time. Listened to these several times on my Macbook Pro and also with high end on-ear headphones. Sadly, my current setup sounds way too close to consider the change for now.

I guess I was hoping for less of the raw metallic sound and more of an exotic throat throughout the entire powerband. I'd like the high frequencies to be muted more somehow. It's unfortunately still got that noticeable "ting" to it, which at this point I'm assuming cannot be masked. It must just be a rasp associated with our engines that cannot be shaken.

Fingers crossed for the tamed down version, and also for some dyno results. I'm personally willing to sacrifice a little HP and TQ for perfect tone. After all this time, I really want a reason to purchase this when it becomes available for the G37. Props to Tony for all of the work he has put into this though. If nothing else, I'm sure the quality will be unmatched and this will put down unmatched numbers on the dyno.

anybody have the ART pipes with topspeed exhaust/ypipe?

Would love to hear it before i pay for the pipes ;)

Just ordered my ART pipes. First mod on the Z I'm worried about how the red RTV is going to hold up instead of gaskets. Anyone have any experience with this?

You can order those (upstream 3 hole) high temp gaskets from BERK Tech direct. I'm doing this with my FI Resonated HFC...they also use RED RTV instead of gaskets.

those are Graphite. That's the gasket the Tony said will go bad..

Are any of the guys using Berk Pipes having issues with these gaskets?

Yes, they didn't last either.

I'm installing my Resonated HFC on Friday. I wanted to use Berk Gaskets and he said using those Gaskets instead of RTV would be fine! In fact, he's having gaskets made up himself. He did mention that you couldn't REUSE those though.

My issue is I only want to install them once. If I have to fool with them on my DD car, then it's not worth it to me, and I won't install them at all.

Maybe I jumped the gun on these without seeing some hard miles with no leaks.

RED RTV sealant works just fine.

I also have a set of Berk gaskets (from their resonated test pipes) that I was given. I'll be using them in conjunction with RTV once my flex sections are replaced next week finally.

I was thinking of doing the same thing..RTV plus Gasket. I'm also planning of replacing the flex sections with beefier ones I just purchased.

Here it is..read *description* portion..interesting.



Anatomy of a Flex Pipe

A flex pipe is made up of a variety of components. These components may vary somewhat from manufacturer to manufacturer, but typically are made up of steel accordion type bellows. These bellows are often covered with a braided steel reinforcement, which prevents the flex from stretching too far and protects it from damage. Some will also contain an inner braided steel covering or a solid, floating insert, which functions to reduce exhaust turbulence. The ends of the flex usually have a solid steel shield, which joins the braided covering and reinforces the connection to the exhaust pipe. In the case of replacement flexes, they may or may not have pipe extensions which allow it to be easily welded or clamped into and existing exhaust system. The flex pipes are rated by diameter and length from end to end, not including pipe extensions. Pipe extensions are approximately 2" long, adding approximately 4" to the total length on the unit.


Differences in Flex Pipes

Flex pipes can be made from a variety of different materials and can also differ in their construction techniques. Some companies use ordinary steel, which can rust and corrode and/or may use aluminized steel (ordinary steel with an aluminum-based coating). These materials typically do not last very long as compared to stainless steel. Additionally, many companies will crimp the fittings together, which allows water to become trapped in the crimped joint, encouraging corrosion. Some flex bellows are formed as a continuous helix, which can create exhaust turbulence and, in general, indicates that poor construction techniques are used. Some companies have a loose braid pattern on the outer and inner coverings, which allows the flex to stretch too far, causing premature failure. There can also be variations in the gauge of materials, as well as the exact type of materials that are used, which has a significant influence on the price and longevity of the joint as a whole.

Bear River Flex Pipes

We do not compromise on our flex pipes, which are made entirely of stainless steel. We use 304 stainless to form the non-helical bellows as well as the braided reinforcements. We use a tightly woven braid pattern for greater strength. Most of our flex joints also have an inner braid and are built from heavy gauge materials to last for as long as possible. We believe that you want the best product for your money and that is why we do not offer second rate products.



http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-1-2-Exhaus...item27c0d53967

Is there any reason no one is using Ultra Copper RTV? It has higher temperature ratings thans Red RTV and designed for exhaust flanges.

That's what I plan on using the next time I pull them off. It's only an extra 100 degrees or so but I'll take it.

I asked Tony about Copper RTV....takes a lot longer to cure.

Yes, I believe I had them on my Berk's HFC and they SUCK :thumbsdown:

After a year they start to burn and when my mechanic took them out he said there's nothing special about them for their price. And rebuilt my pipes to fit the OEM metal round gaskets, which I had ordered before assuming they would fit between the HFC and the pipes to the upper manifold. Still got no problems!

I installed FI resonated-HFC 2 month back , using only RED RTV sealant is not enough , i got leak after one week , so i made gaskets myself and i used Ultra Copper RTV . I don't no why Fast Intention not sending one.

+ the cats core (passenger side) is freely moving inside and making bad rattling/noise , after short time of using , when i contact Fast Intention regarding this issue they said its normal .

I wish i bought ART pipes Instead .

how long has the home made gasket lasted you?

600$ for pipes and leaking gaskets = FAIL.

2 week now .

I am thinking to put the stock cats back , this rattling from the F.I resonated cats makes me crazy .

It is not normal and if it is faulty, I will send you out a new side free of charge. When we spoke last I needed you to troubleshoot and figure out if it was the cat or the resonator. From you last correspondence I now know it is the cat.

The cats are consisted of a 300 cell metallic core with a spun stainless steel case. The case slides over the core and than is necked down on each side to lock the core in place. Sometimes (but very rare) the core might start to move back in forth inside the case. We are talking 1/8"-1/4" TOPS! It can and never will come out of the case! Now the stainless steel expands and contracts with thermal cycles of the car. When it gets hot it expands, when it gets cold it contracts. The metallic core does not expand or contract.

Now as far as the rattling noise you hear, I do not know what that is. You are 15,000 miles away from me and I would need to hear a sound clip to pinpoint it.

I can tell you our cats are extremely high quality. They do not throw a CEL light when installed properly. They make great power and I have customers cars with 75,000+ miles on them.

Now sure can one go bad, it is a possibility. I can count on less than one hand how many have had an issue over the years. For the hundreds if not thousands that we have built and sold, I will take those percentages any day.

I will PM this directly to you as well, so we can get it rectified...

Thank you & Happy Holidays,

Tony

V-bands would definitely help with the leaks.

I see you live in UAE where AVERGE YEAR TEMP is around 95F or so. In fact, from May to Sept, the Ave is 100F. I wonder if that has something to do with your problems? Just a thought.

You will get my PM with sound clip soon .

Installation done on 01/10/2011 , averge temp was 98F (37C) . I dont think its because temp , maybe from production.

What does UAE's weather have to do with the heat produced from engine??:confused::confused:

Well, this problem isn't very common at all and that factor seems to be something to consider. Consistant high ambient temps do stress the car in general..especially one that's high performance and driven hard. Hope you get the problrm resolved though.

If you don't think an AVERAGE yearly temp of close to 100*F doesn't stresss the motor and everything else, I suggest you do some research. Much harder to keep engine temps (exhaust system as well) within optimal ranges.

^ :shakes head::shakes head:

Can you elaborate on these stresses, please? I'm also interested in a link to the research you mentioned.

Installed the version 3 pipes today. Went pretty well, broke an extension and a socket. Installed with no gasket only RTV per Tony.

The brace didn't line up with the new tabs on the pipes, so I had to grind on the bracket. So the fit isn't perfect. The fit to the manifold and exhaust is good.

Didn't start it up yet. Waiting on the rtv to dry.

Just got done taking the car for a test drive. The car almost sounded stock below 3k. Got a little louder above 3k to redline, but still very quiet. I'm happy with the sound. Didn't notice much performance increase, but I only went around the block, was able to redline though. There is a little hiss when letting off the throttle, but that doesn't bother me at all. With the windows up the car sounds stock. No rattles and no weird noise. No fumes unless at a light, but very faint and not intrusive. All and all I'm happy with the pipes. I'm going to dyno on the 7th. Hope to break 300whp!

New year, new update on exhaust?

The facebook page has video's of the exhaust mounted and car driving, but no pics or write up that I've seen?

Kool. Will check it out.

Man I want to jump on the presale but cant commit without seeing the final design.

Yes, pictures and details will be posted before production is completed at the end of the month.

Which side did you have trouble with the tab, one side or both? The hole in the tab can be made a little larger in diameter to accommodate more car to car variability.
Would that have done it for you?

Thank you,
Tony