Berk CBE and HFC Install and Review

joshs09slvrZ

So...today has started out great. FedEx knocks on my door with a present.

Hmmm...wonder what's in the boxes...




I will be installing this weekend and will update this thread with pictures, videos and reviews.

Nick911sc

Congratulations! You're going to love it!

TongMan

Let us know if you are getting any rattling or clanking from your exhaust with the Berk HFC.

GaleForce

I've installed mine Monday night. Everything looked good, took if for a 100km round trip drive in the highway on Tuesday and a short drive around town the next day (yesterday) when I got the car home I had a look under the car to make sure everything was ok. I didn't notice any problems while driving, this was just precautionary.

What I noticed,

1. The rear left (drivers side) exhaust hanger for the mufflers was starting to come out of the ruber. I adjusted it and will keep an eye on it.

2. the section of pipe after the Y-pipe and before the mufflers. Right side (passenger side) of the car the hanger was barely in the rubber. I thought I could just re-seat the rubber but there isn't enough of the hanger going through. So I removed the rubber mount and moved it over (towards the centre of the car) approximately 1 inch. I have lots of the hanger inserted into the rubber now.

3. I notice a slight *rasp* when letting off the throttle from low to mid speed think city driving. I don't notice this noise during a down shift or during acceleration. I'm assuming this is a normal noise. It doesn't bother me, just looking for verification. I'm not sure if it could be an exhaust leak? I do know it's not caused by contact from braces, car, etc.

Here are some pics to illustrate point #2,


IMG 0999 by J M Gale, on Flickr


IMG_3559 by J M Gale, on Flickr


IMG_3557 by J M Gale, on Flickr

My *fix*


IMG_3562 by J M Gale, on Flickr

Overall, the quality of the welds are top notch, the performance improvements and sound are to die for. The small issues should not stop anyone from buying this exhaust, I am still satisfied with my purchase. Having built custom cars for years, I know poop happens and this is a really small issue.

I emailed Berk yesterday and am waiting to hear back from them regarding my small issues.

joshs09slvrZ

Can you fix your pictures? Some of them aren't showing up...

Also, how was it getting the cats off? Or did you only install exhaust?

azn370z

The rasp you're hearing is probably the hiss sound. Every cbe has the hiss on decceleration.

__________________
2010 k23
H&R sport springs / Spc rear camber arms / SSR SP1 / Berk cbe / Varis cf lip / Nismo S-Tune side skirts

Justin1686

the hiss probably isnt a bad thing. this is in my opinion the best combo for the car. for the member that asked about rattling, if yours has a rattle, there is a piece of metal that hangs from the bottom of the car, and sometimes hits the exhaust on the right side, just bend it away from the exhaust, and it will go away. happened to me.

__________________
2009 Touring & Sport Package || Platinum Graphite || 40% 3M Tint || Xpel Clear Bra || Berk CBE || Berk HFC || Stillen Sway Bar || H&R Spacers || Swift Springs || SPC Rear Camber Kit || Thanks to Savage Autosports, VTR, PM, and R.A.D.

TongMan

I'm not surprised. The Berk HFC/Test pipes and the catback are known for fitment issues.

joshs09slvrZ

The fitment issues were supposed to be fixed...or at least the alignment issues have been resolved. I'll see tomorrow when I install.

azn370z

The only issue I'm aware of is that the tips are sometimes not straight because of bent hangers. I haven't heard of problems with the hangers not staying in place.

__________________
2010 k23
H&R sport springs / Spc rear camber arms / SSR SP1 / Berk cbe / Varis cf lip / Nismo S-Tune side skirts

GaleForce

The pics should be fixed.

The passenger side cat was easy. I did this side first. The Driver side cat sucked butt. My 1/2" extensions wouldn't fit because of the steering rod so I used a 3/8" socket, universal, extension with a 3/8-1/2" adaptor. I broke off one stud on the driver side. No biggie. Even with that trouble, the cats were easy compared to the two nuts at the tail end of the y-pipe. Those were a bugger!

GaleForce

Yes, it must be the hiss. I didn't think it was a big deal, and it doesn't bother me, just thought I would put it out there to see what others would say. I'm comfortable knowing it isn't something I did or didn't do while installing the exhaust.

I agree! I watched a few you-tube videos, and the CBE by itself sounded good, but then I saw a few videos with the CBE and HFC and was like I just had to have this set-up! I'm very happy with it!

joshs09slvrZ

Thanks for the info! Today is the big day. Gotta get through a normal day of work first though lol.

GaleForce

Awesome! You'll have it finished in time for some weekend cruising!

P.S. Remember to soak the heck out of the demon bolts with penetrating oil!

Nick911sc

My catback(which is from the same batch as these guys) had 0 fitment issues. Like a glove