Fast Intentions Cat-Back & HF Cats Review

drisko · 08-18-2009, 08:13 PM

I got my Fast Intentions exhaust and F.I. high-flow cats installed last Friday, and all I can say is....WOW....this car sounds so amazing now! No more muffled Nissan exhaust, just a pure exotic performance sound. Since I was getting the F.I. high-flow cats, I opted for the 18" resonators on the exhaust. I also got the carbon fiber mufflers, which I think look absolutely awesome on the 370Z. Overall, I give this exhaust a 9.5/10. Here is how I broke it down:

Performance: 10/10. My butt dyno confirmed the advertised gains of about 20whp. There was a noticeable gain in acceleration, especially at the top end. What's more, throttle response seems to have increased as well. For example, in first gear at about 3000 RPMs, if I slam on the gas it will immediately start accelerating (no lag) and spin the tires. Before these modifications, it was very rare I could get this to happen; I would have to be partially turning or the pavement would have to be slick. Of course, the HF cats also affect the performance, but I believe the exhaust is probably mostly responsible for the gains.

Looks: 10/10. Originally, I wanted burnt titanium tips, but these carbon fiber mufflers look much better and are much more original IMO. I love the mesh on the inside of the exhaust tips as well. Also, this is one of the only exhausts I've seen that DOESN'T have the muffler's pointing sideways. In addition to giving a more aggressive appearance, I have a feeling it might help to produce more power gains as well.

Sound: 9/10. Driving around town, this exhaust (with HF cats) gives off a deep, exotic tone that will definitely turn heads. The Rev Match throttle blip also sounds amazingly cool now. However, at cruising speed (on the highway) there is unfortunately some drone. It is not too much, and it is most noticeable between 2.5K and 3K RPMs. After I did some research on this subject, it seems this is almost unavoidable with this VQ37VHR engine on the 370Z and the G37. These engines also emit as soft "hissing" noise when you back off the throttle at low RPMs. I noticed this with my stock exhaust, and it is now a bit louder, but I actually think it sounds cool. Overall, the exhaust and HF cats have made my 370 quite a bit louder than stock, especially under high engine load (like when you are in 6th gear at a low rpm and floor it). I might have sensitive ears though, because I also consider my stock tires to be pretty loud at times. Also, PLEASE KEEP IN MIND I have the Fast Intentions high-flow cats and Carbon Fiber mufflers as well, so it is possible the non-CF Fast Intentions exhaust without HF cats may not be loud at all (although Tony said he thought the CF mufflers did not sound louder than the normal version when he drove my car).

Fitment: 10/10. Tony did the install and everything fit PERFECTLY. He did a very meticulous job and I was overall very impressed with the quality of the Fast Intentions products. No leaks or weird sounds coming from the HF cats or exhaust. Also, I have not had ANY problems with the bottom tips of the mufflers scraping on anything (as Tony said, when you go over a bump, the bottom of the mufflers will clear the bump before your tires go all the way down, so there should be no scraping at all).

^Sorry for the not-so-good pics. I just took them quickly because I wanted to get this review posted as soon as possible.

nogoodname · 08-18-2009, 08:14 PM

looks great!! any vids of it

F.I. Inc. · 08-18-2009, 08:21 PM

Nice detailed review, another satisfied customer always makes the job worth it. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask...

Thank you, Tony

AH370Z · 08-18-2009, 08:41 PM

Quote:

However, at cruising speed (on the highway) there is unfortunately some drone. It is not too much, and it is most noticeable between 2.5K and 3K RPMs.

Tony, do you think this i due to the HFC. I'm not looking at getting the HFC and still going with the 18" resonators, As I want it quiet in the cabin

Thanks

Sardis · 08-18-2009, 08:46 PM

Stunning. Looks clean and OEM.

Congrats

F.I. Inc. · 08-18-2009, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AH370Z

Tony, do you think this i due to the HFC. I'm not looking at getting the HFC and still going with the 18" resonators, As I want it quiet in the cabin

Thanks

Yes, the HFC's will always attribute to more cabin noise. If you go with the 18" resonators and keep the stock cats it will be what YOU are looking for!

kevr6 · 08-18-2009, 08:53 PM

What is your current ride height?? Is that stock or lowered?
Thanks

B1nks · 08-18-2009, 09:18 PM

looks stock height

FuszNissan · 08-18-2009, 11:00 PM

Man I can't wait to hear them.

Asheth · 08-18-2009, 11:05 PM

That is a excellent review definitely to the point!! I am going to probably go with stock cats and the CF muffler on one hand I want as much HP as possible since I'm in Germany I will be seeing alot of Caymans and 135's.

Question
Is that advertised 20whp increase just for the exhaust or the combination of HFC's and Exhaust?

I know this exhaust frees up more restriction than the other aftermarket exhausts so the HFC gain is minimal.

snotrocket · 08-18-2009, 11:10 PM

great review. i think this will be the setup i want. you get a rep for your z's color!

kekermahoney · 08-18-2009, 11:33 PM

what is the difference between the 12" and 18" resonators? noise? HP?

MrBMW · 08-18-2009, 11:45 PM

Thanks so much for that review also. It just makes waiting that much harder aarrgghh. Also thank you on those pics, it's great to see the CF's on a car. Mainly so i can get an idea of what they will really look like on mine when it arrives.

MrBMW · 08-19-2009, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kekermahoney

what is the difference between the 12" and 18" resonators? noise? HP?

Tony and others have stated before that it's just for Sound/Volume purposes.

TipsZ · 08-19-2009, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F.I. Inc.

Yes, the HFC's will always attribute to more cabin noise. If you go with the 18" resonators and keep the stock cats it will be what YOU are looking for!

How much does the Stock Cats restrict the HP and Torque, say compared to HFC's? I would prefer a little bit more exotic sound than stock, but not riced out or too much drone in the cabin.

08-18-2009, 08:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
drisko Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Age: 43 Posts: 160 Drives: 09 370Z PW Tour S 6M Rep Power: 16	Fast Intentions Cat-Back & HF Cats Review I got my Fast Intentions exhaust and F.I. high-flow cats installed last Friday, and all I can say is....WOW....this car sounds so amazing now! No more muffled Nissan exhaust, just a pure exotic performance sound. Since I was getting the F.I. high-flow cats, I opted for the 18" resonators on the exhaust. I also got the carbon fiber mufflers, which I think look absolutely awesome on the 370Z. Overall, I give this exhaust a 9.5/10. Here is how I broke it down: Performance: 10/10. My butt dyno confirmed the advertised gains of about 20whp. There was a noticeable gain in acceleration, especially at the top end. What's more, throttle response seems to have increased as well. For example, in first gear at about 3000 RPMs, if I slam on the gas it will immediately start accelerating (no lag) and spin the tires. Before these modifications, it was very rare I could get this to happen; I would have to be partially turning or the pavement would have to be slick. Of course, the HF cats also affect the performance, but I believe the exhaust is probably mostly responsible for the gains. Looks: 10/10. Originally, I wanted burnt titanium tips, but these carbon fiber mufflers look much better and are much more original IMO. I love the mesh on the inside of the exhaust tips as well. Also, this is one of the only exhausts I've seen that DOESN'T have the muffler's pointing sideways. In addition to giving a more aggressive appearance, I have a feeling it might help to produce more power gains as well. Sound: 9/10. Driving around town, this exhaust (with HF cats) gives off a deep, exotic tone that will definitely turn heads. The Rev Match throttle blip also sounds amazingly cool now. However, at cruising speed (on the highway) there is unfortunately some drone. It is not too much, and it is most noticeable between 2.5K and 3K RPMs. After I did some research on this subject, it seems this is almost unavoidable with this VQ37VHR engine on the 370Z and the G37. These engines also emit as soft "hissing" noise when you back off the throttle at low RPMs. I noticed this with my stock exhaust, and it is now a bit louder, but I actually think it sounds cool. Overall, the exhaust and HF cats have made my 370 quite a bit louder than stock, especially under high engine load (like when you are in 6th gear at a low rpm and floor it). I might have sensitive ears though, because I also consider my stock tires to be pretty loud at times. Also, PLEASE KEEP IN MIND I have the Fast Intentions high-flow cats and Carbon Fiber mufflers as well, so it is possible the non-CF Fast Intentions exhaust without HF cats may not be loud at all (although Tony said he thought the CF mufflers did not sound louder than the normal version when he drove my car). Fitment: 10/10. Tony did the install and everything fit PERFECTLY. He did a very meticulous job and I was overall very impressed with the quality of the Fast Intentions products. No leaks or weird sounds coming from the HF cats or exhaust. Also, I have not had ANY problems with the bottom tips of the mufflers scraping on anything (as Tony said, when you go over a bump, the bottom of the mufflers will clear the bump before your tires go all the way down, so there should be no scraping at all). ^Sorry for the not-so-good pics. I just took them quickly because I wanted to get this review posted as soon as possible. Last edited by drisko; 08-18-2009 at 08:31 PM.

08-18-2009, 08:21 PM	#3 (permalink)
F.I. Inc. The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 2,989 Drives: 2010 GT-R/2007 F-250 Rep Power: 685	Nice detailed review, another satisfied customer always makes the job worth it. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask... Thank you, Tony __________________ *Follow us on Facebook: Fast Intentions Inc.* Phone: (805) 522-FAST (3278) Email: tony@fastintentions.com www.fastintentions.com "FUELED BY PASSION"

08-18-2009, 08:46 PM	#5 (permalink)
Sardis Base Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: CA Posts: 72 Drives: EX Z Owner Rep Power: 16	Stunning. Looks clean and OEM. Congrats __________________ "Because in a split second, it's gone." - Ayrton Senna

08-18-2009, 08:53 PM	#7 (permalink)
kevr6 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: N.W. Atlanta Posts: 1,515 Drives: '09 Graphite 370Z 6M Rep Power: 666	What is your current ride height?? Is that stock or lowered? Thanks __________________ *Beware...* Daily Sliding In My ZLED!

08-18-2009, 11:00 PM	#9 (permalink)
FuszNissan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: St. Louis Posts: 14,275 Drives: Pure Sex Rep Power: 541	Man I can't wait to hear them. __________________ Mods: Too Many to list! LouFuszNissan ZDAYZ 2012

08-18-2009, 08:14 PM	#2 (permalink)
nogoodname Lifetime Premium Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Montreal Posts: 22,357 Drives: E46 M3 Rep Power: 1764	looks great!! any vids of it

08-18-2009, 09:18 PM	#8 (permalink)
B1nks Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Houston,Tx Posts: 721 Drives: 2009 370Z Base 6MT Rep Power: 507	looks stock height

08-18-2009, 11:05 PM	#10 (permalink)
Asheth Track Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Glen Burnie, Maryland Posts: 917 Drives: 09 Blk 6mt Rep Power: 17	That is a excellent review definitely to the point!! I am going to probably go with stock cats and the CF muffler on one hand I want as much HP as possible since I'm in Germany I will be seeing alot of Caymans and 135's. Question Is that advertised 20whp increase just for the exhaust or the combination of HFC's and Exhaust? I know this exhaust frees up more restriction than the other aftermarket exhausts so the HFC gain is minimal. __________________ 180 customs Headlights - Yantech Backup Camera - Projekt 1 - Stillen Gen 3- EVO-R V2 Foglight, EVO-R CF Diffuser, Carbon Fiber Element Steering wheel - Fast Intentions TDX/RHFC's - RJM A.F.P. - Z1 Oil Cooler - 2015 Nismo Conversion.

08-18-2009, 11:10 PM	#11 (permalink)
snotrocket Base Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: louisiana Posts: 99 Drives: 09 370z Rep Power: 16	great review. i think this will be the setup i want. you get a rep for your z's color!

08-18-2009, 11:33 PM	#12 (permalink)
kekermahoney Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 57 Drives: 370z sport 6spd Rep Power: 15	what is the difference between the 12" and 18" resonators? noise? HP?

08-18-2009, 11:45 PM	#13 (permalink)
MrBMW Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Age: 47 Posts: 384 Drives: YELLOW 370Z 6MT NAV Rep Power: 15	Thanks so much for that review also. It just makes waiting that much harder aarrgghh. Also thank you on those pics, it's great to see the CF's on a car. Mainly so i can get an idea of what they will really look like on mine when it arrives. __________________ My New Car Album. Stillen Gen III Intake Installed, F.I. RTP's Cat Back INSTALLED

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