CNT HFC fitment issue

Chi_g35 · 06-12-2012, 05:35 PM

I recently purchased a set of brand new CNT ERZ HFC's from another forum member here. Everything was still new in the original box with the gaskets,bolts and extended bungs. I dropped my car off at the shop yesterday to have everything installed and get a call today that the HFC's gaskets are leaking. They weren't sure what the issue was but there was a definite leak in the system and they would remove them and update me. Upon inspection they noticed the flange was not straight on either side and that is what was causing the leaks. Rather than wait for them to be shipped back to CNT my shop to the initiative to grind down the flange until they were straight and reinstalled them.

They txt me pics along the way to keep me up to date on the process. I didn't even have to ask them, they did all of this on their own.

Now this brings me to the reason for my thread. In the midst of this I reached out to CNT to make them aware of then issue and was completely surprised by their piss poor customer service. I explained the issue to the guy who answered the line and his reply to that as, "thanks for bringing that to our attention but we have never had any type of issues with our HFC's and we have plenty in stock", " why are you calling, are you looking for something or just making us aware"'. I was kinda pissed at his tone, almost as if he thought he was talking to some kid. I told him I wasn't looking for anything but explained that they had offered me a previous sponsorship and was concerned that these parts didn't fit properly and reference previous issues discussed on the forum. He proceeds to try and tell me " so your purchased these from someone else, well how do you know they were ours. You've never seen CNT racing HFC's so you have no idea how they look".

Wtf.... Either he thinks I'm stupid or has no idea how much detailed information you can find online. Considering all the pictures from previous installs, pics on their site. Oh and I had a previous sponsorship from GT Haus Meisterschaft and discussed HFC options, I know exactly what the hell I'm looking at.

Had I not just paid to have these parts installed & my shop went above and beyond fixing CNT's mistake, I would be selling this garbage and going with FI.

Buyer Beware!!! CNT is not the company I would spend my money with, go fast intentions or berk.

MattP725 · 06-12-2012, 06:20 PM

My HFCs went in fine along w/ my catback... catback took a bit of muscle to align one flange but the rest was cake.

Not saying that they are all that easy though. Sorry you had a bad experience.

modme · 06-12-2012, 06:32 PM

I bought a set of these before to try them out. I noticed the uneven flange and didnt even bother to install it. I knew it was going to leak, so I returned them right away.

MattP725 · 06-12-2012, 06:48 PM

Can you elaborate on what you consider "uneven"?

I see that it looks like the bolt hole has a gap on the ruler but wouldn't the gasket cover any potential leaks there? There is even surface area all around the inner diameter of the flange prior to where the bolt hole is on the outside.

Just curious.

modme · 06-12-2012, 06:58 PM

Mine was worse than the OP's. When I placed the flange on a flat surface, I can rock it back and forth like a rocking chair.

The flange must be flat period. Any unevenness will cause a leak. When the bolt hole area has a gap, torquing the bolt would cause another area to raise up.

The gasket is only for microscopic imperfections that cannot be felt or seen. A gasket wont be able to seal a big gap like that.

Red_Z · 06-12-2012, 07:44 PM

hum....good to know. I was thinking about getting a pairs

Chi_g35 · 06-12-2012, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modme

I bought a set of these before to try them out. I noticed the uneven flange and didnt even bother to install it. I knew it was going to leak, so I returned them right away.

I didnt even think to look for that. I inspected the welds and bungs but I see that wasnt enough.

Chi_g35 · 06-12-2012, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modme

Mine was worse than the OP's. When I placed the flange on a flat surface, I can rock it back and forth like a rocking chair.

The flange must be flat period. Any unevenness will cause a leak. When the bolt hole area has a gap, torquing the bolt would cause another area to raise up.

The gasket is only for microscopic imperfections that cannot be felt or seen. A gasket wont be able to seal a big gap like that.

Got a call from the shop before they closed up, still havent evened out the flanges. They are having to do more grinding than originally expected. This is ridiculous for a brand new part.

harman.khinda · 06-12-2012, 11:34 PM

Sorry man

. I had issues with their CBE but the flanges should be straight since I don't have any exhaust leaks. I would try and getting in contact with CNT maybe through PM, hopefully somebody more helpful and caring will answer.

Z-Girl 12 · 06-14-2012, 08:55 PM

Berk HFCs for me, definitely not going with sucky customer service! Thanks for the heads up.

Chi_g35 · 06-15-2012, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z-Girl 12

Berk HFCs for me, definitely not going with sucky customer service! Thanks for the heads up.

Ark has some new HFC's out too... Just saw them and they look sick!

ERZperformance · 06-15-2012, 03:44 PM

This is in respond to the comment by Chi_g35.
We had been selling the same exact HFC for the 350z/G35 or 370z/G37 for the past few years. Never had we been informed about any issue with exhaust leaks. The person contacted us and have question about the HFC not being completely flat and was told by the body shop if this was installed, guarantee there will be an exhaust leak. We simply ask the customer to go ahead and install the product and if there is any exhaust leak, we will warranty the product. Then we were told that he actually didn't purchase the product directly with us. He bought if off a hand of someone else which is still not an issue, as long as obtain a copy of the original invoice or some provide us some sort of prove of purchase, we can still warranty the product.
Base on the picture, the gap is located at the edge of the flange which is where the bolt is located at. First of all, this is something you will find with not just CNT racing products, even with major brand (which I don't want to name) exhaust system or downpipes or HFC. The reason is cause by the heat while welding the flange onto the piping. Just imagine what will happen if you fire up a grill and once it get hot enough. You'll put a long but thin piece of metal on top of the grill. What will happen? Both end of the metal will start bending upward. So it is common to have a non-perfect flange around the bolt area. Just like member MattP725, as long as the inner area where the piping is flat which in this case it is, once the gasket is included and bolt on tightly. It will seal up the so call "gap". What do you think the purpose of gasket is for? Is to seal up any possible uneven surface for common flanges. As long as you are not talking about a quarter of the inch of gap, then you'll be alright.
Bottom line, we have extreme confidents with any products that we put out in the market and will give warranty to any product if the warranty apply. All we had been doing for the past 10 years is to offer consumer with great product at a very affordable price. We take great pride in providing good customer services. We are not going to say what was said during the conversation. We can type all we want but no one really know when was said in between during that conversation exact the customer and our company. Our products speak for themselves.

Chi_g35 · 06-15-2012, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERZperformance

This is in respond to the comment by Chi_g35.
We had been selling the same exact HFC for the 350z/G35 or 370z/G37 for the past few years. Never had we been informed about any issue with exhaust leaks. The person contacted us and have question about the HFC not being completely flat and was told by the body shop if this was installed, guarantee there will be an exhaust leak. We simply ask the customer to go ahead and install the product and if there is any exhaust leak, we will warranty the product. Then we were told that he actually didn't purchase the product directly with us. He bought if off a hand of someone else which is still not an issue, as long as obtain a copy of the original invoice or some provide us some sort of prove of purchase, we can still warranty the product.
Base on the picture, the gap is located at the edge of the flange which is where the bolt is located at. First of all, this is something you will find with not just CNT racing products, even with major brand (which I don't want to name) exhaust system or downpipes or HFC. The reason is cause by the heat while welding the flange onto the piping. Just imagine what will happen if you fire up a grill and once it get hot enough. You'll put a long but thin piece of metal on top of the grill. What will happen? Both end of the metal will start bending upward. So it is common to have a non-perfect flange around the bolt area. Just like member MattP725, as long as the inner area where the piping is flat which in this case it is, once the gasket is included and bolt on tightly. It will seal up the so call "gap". What do you think the purpose of gasket is for? Is to seal up any possible uneven surface for common flanges. As long as you are not talking about a quarter of the inch of gap, then you'll be alright.
Bottom line, we have extreme confidents with any products that we put out in the market and will give warranty to any product if the warranty apply. All we had been doing for the past 10 years is to offer consumer with great product at a very affordable price. We take great pride in providing good customer services. We are not going to say what was said during the conversation. We can type all we want but no one really know when was said in between during that conversation exact the customer and our company. Our products speak for themselves.

As I stated to you when I called and in the PM i just sent you. MAN UP!!! I cant stand a man or a company that cant tell the truth & you are blatantly lying! I didnt contact you expecting anything, well maybe to speak to someone who was 1/2 way intelligent & ethical. Your still avoiding the issue, a picture is worth 1000 words & have 3. Ive proved my point... Can you say the same!

Here is your PM to me & my reply!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERZperformance

We had responded to your post. We understand your frustration but you really doesn't have to worry about any leak. If there is, we warranty the product. Over the phone we did ask what are you seeking for and you didn't respond. What more do you want in customer service? What you did is not only giving false information, but you simply hurting people out there who at some pointed wanted to purchase a good quality yet but affordable product. But now may had change their mind because of your falsely accusation. You never even attempted to install the product and already claim to be defective?
I wish you will let me know where else you'll be posting your comments on and we will give us a chance to respond the same way so we can defend our products.

First of all be mindful of who your speaking too! I am not some little kid or some noob on these forums, had your company stood by your product you would have asked direct questions, been apologetic. I was extremely offended at your attempt to deflect responsibility just as you are doing now. The pictures speak for themselves you can clearly see that the flange is not level. Did you address that fact no.... You attempted to insinuate that I dont know what you products look like. How the hell do you know I havent seen your products in person? No where in the entire conversation did you take the initiative to resolve my concern. I expected a more intelligent response, not " oh so what are you looking for ". Had you bothered to listen to me when I called or even read the thread. ALL OF THIS CAME OUT WHEN BOTH CATS HAD A LEAK! WHICH MEANS I PAID TO HAVE THEM INSTALLED. AND PAID TO HAVE THEM REMOVED, GRIND DOWN, SANDED AND REINSTALLED. You could have easily offered me another set for exchange, maybe even investigate my concern. Or how about an apology and that that you stand by your product. Even your message to me now continues your piss poor customer service. THIS IS EXACTLY WHY THE FORUMS EXIST! POSITIVE & NEGATIVE FEEDBACK THAT HAS A LASTING EFFECT. NEXT TIME A CUSTOMER CALLS ESPECIALLY ONE YOU OFFERED A SPONSORSHIP TO BEFORE, I WOULD ADVISE YOU HANDLE IT BETTER. OH AND MAYBE A LITTLE DAMAGE CONTROL SINCE THIS THREAD HAS 180+ VIEWS SO FAR.

FEEL FREE TO COME FIND ME ON THE MYG37 FORUMS I POSTED THE SAME THREAD THERE JUST LIKE I TOLD YOU ON THE PHONE I WOULD. DID YOU THINK I WAS JOKING....

ERZperformance · 06-15-2012, 06:00 PM

I think everyone here can read that in all of our post or respond to your inquiry, we had never use any word or sentence to attack your knowledge. Vice versa, you had nothing but offensive words to say about us.

ERZperformance · 06-15-2012, 06:02 PM

I think everyone here can read that in all of our post or respond to your inquiry, we had never use any word or sentence to attack your knowledge. Vice versa, you had nothing but offensive words to say about us.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chi_g35

As I stated to you when I called and in the PM i just sent you. MAN UP!!! I cant stand a man or a company that cant tell the truth & you are blatantly lying! I didnt contact you expecting anything, well maybe to speak to someone who was 1/2 way intelligent & ethical. Your still avoiding the issue, a picture is worth 1000 words & have 3. Ive proved my point... Can you say the same!

Here is your PM to me & my reply!

First of all be mindful of who your speaking too! I am not some little kid or some noob on these forums, had your company stood by your product you would have asked direct questions, been apologetic. I was extremely offended at your attempt to deflect responsibility just as you are doing now. The pictures speak for themselves you can clearly see that the flange is not level. Did you address that fact no.... You attempted to insinuate that I dont know what you products look like. How the hell do you know I havent seen your products in person? No where in the entire conversation did you take the initiative to resolve my concern. I expected a more intelligent response, not " oh so what are you looking for ". Had you bothered to listen to me when I called or even read the thread. ALL OF THIS CAME OUT WHEN BOTH CATS HAD A LEAK! WHICH MEANS I PAID TO HAVE THEM INSTALLED. AND PAID TO HAVE THEM REMOVED, GRIND DOWN, SANDED AND REINSTALLED. You could have easily offered me another set for exchange, maybe even investigate my concern. Or how about an apology and that that you stand by your product. Even your message to me now continues your piss poor customer service. THIS IS EXACTLY WHY THE FORUMS EXIST! POSITIVE & NEGATIVE FEEDBACK THAT HAS A LASTING EFFECT. NEXT TIME A CUSTOMER CALLS ESPECIALLY ONE YOU OFFERED A SPONSORSHIP TO BEFORE, I WOULD ADVISE YOU HANDLE IT BETTER. OH AND MAYBE A LITTLE DAMAGE CONTROL SINCE THIS THREAD HAS 180+ VIEWS SO FAR.

FEEL FREE TO COME FIND ME ON THE MYG37 FORUMS I POSTED THE SAME THREAD THERE JUST LIKE I TOLD YOU ON THE PHONE I WOULD. DID YOU THINK I WAS JOKING....

06-12-2012, 06:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
modme Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: NY Posts: 345 Drives: G37 Rep Power: 16	I bought a set of these before to try them out. I noticed the uneven flange and didnt even bother to install it. I knew it was going to leak, so I returned them right away. __________________ GTM Twin Turbo Stage 2\|GTR Turbo/Engine Gauges\|KW V3 Coilovers\|HKS Exhaust\|Oil Cooler\| Vossen CV1

06-12-2012, 06:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
modme Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: NY Posts: 345 Drives: G37 Rep Power: 16	Mine was worse than the OP's. When I placed the flange on a flat surface, I can rock it back and forth like a rocking chair. The flange must be flat period. Any unevenness will cause a leak. When the bolt hole area has a gap, torquing the bolt would cause another area to raise up. The gasket is only for microscopic imperfections that cannot be felt or seen. A gasket wont be able to seal a big gap like that. __________________ GTM Twin Turbo Stage 2\|GTR Turbo/Engine Gauges\|KW V3 Coilovers\|HKS Exhaust\|Oil Cooler\| Vossen CV1

06-12-2012, 11:34 PM	#9 (permalink)
harman.khinda Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Red Bluff, CA Posts: 378 Drives: 10 Nissan 370 PG 7AT Rep Power: 6723	Sorry man . I had issues with their CBE but the flanges should be straight since I don't have any exhaust leaks. I would try and getting in contact with CNT maybe through PM, hopefully somebody more helpful and caring will answer. Last edited by harman.khinda; 06-12-2012 at 11:48 PM.

06-14-2012, 08:55 PM	#10 (permalink)
Z-Girl 12 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Florida Posts: 4,105 Drives: Spirited Rep Power: 11716	Berk HFCs for me, definitely not going with sucky customer service! Thanks for the heads up. __________________ 2012 Z-SOLD 2014 Nismo #565 Fast Intentions CBE/HFC/Swift/SPC/RJM/H&R-15/20mm/Z1 CAI/Headers/Intake Manifold w/Uprev Tune 328.31whp/263.64tq

06-15-2012, 03:44 PM	#12 (permalink)
ERZperformance A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hayward Posts: 3,015 Drives: Nissan GTR Rep Power: 21	This is in respond to the comment by Chi_g35. We had been selling the same exact HFC for the 350z/G35 or 370z/G37 for the past few years. Never had we been informed about any issue with exhaust leaks. The person contacted us and have question about the HFC not being completely flat and was told by the body shop if this was installed, guarantee there will be an exhaust leak. We simply ask the customer to go ahead and install the product and if there is any exhaust leak, we will warranty the product. Then we were told that he actually didn't purchase the product directly with us. He bought if off a hand of someone else which is still not an issue, as long as obtain a copy of the original invoice or some provide us some sort of prove of purchase, we can still warranty the product. Base on the picture, the gap is located at the edge of the flange which is where the bolt is located at. First of all, this is something you will find with not just CNT racing products, even with major brand (which I don't want to name) exhaust system or downpipes or HFC. The reason is cause by the heat while welding the flange onto the piping. Just imagine what will happen if you fire up a grill and once it get hot enough. You'll put a long but thin piece of metal on top of the grill. What will happen? Both end of the metal will start bending upward. So it is common to have a non-perfect flange around the bolt area. Just like member MattP725, as long as the inner area where the piping is flat which in this case it is, once the gasket is included and bolt on tightly. It will seal up the so call "gap". What do you think the purpose of gasket is for? Is to seal up any possible uneven surface for common flanges. As long as you are not talking about a quarter of the inch of gap, then you'll be alright. Bottom line, we have extreme confidents with any products that we put out in the market and will give warranty to any product if the warranty apply. All we had been doing for the past 10 years is to offer consumer with great product at a very affordable price. We take great pride in providing good customer services. We are not going to say what was said during the conversation. We can type all we want but no one really know when was said in between during that conversation exact the customer and our company. Our products speak for themselves. __________________ http://www.cntracing.com http://www.ERZperformance.com 800-363-8599

06-12-2012, 06:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
MattP725 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2011 Location: Toms River, NJ Posts: 1,904 Drives: 2010 40th Rep Power: 16	My HFCs went in fine along w/ my catback... catback took a bit of muscle to align one flange but the rest was cake. Not saying that they are all that easy though. Sorry you had a bad experience.

06-12-2012, 06:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
MattP725 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2011 Location: Toms River, NJ Posts: 1,904 Drives: 2010 40th Rep Power: 16	Can you elaborate on what you consider "uneven"? I see that it looks like the bolt hole has a gap on the ruler but wouldn't the gasket cover any potential leaks there? There is even surface area all around the inner diameter of the flange prior to where the bolt hole is on the outside. Just curious.

06-12-2012, 07:44 PM	#6 (permalink)
Red_Z Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: California Posts: 332 Drives: A red Z Rep Power: 14	hum....good to know. I was thinking about getting a pairs

06-15-2012, 06:00 PM	#14 (permalink)
ERZperformance A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hayward Posts: 3,015 Drives: Nissan GTR Rep Power: 21	I think everyone here can read that in all of our post or respond to your inquiry, we had never use any word or sentence to attack your knowledge. Vice versa, you had nothing but offensive words to say about us. __________________ http://www.cntracing.com http://www.ERZperformance.com 800-363-8599

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