Ark or CNT?

instroke · 07-14-2014, 01:39 AM

Comments on either - Been reading that the Ark muffler's will not hang down the same amounts. I have also seen this on my other car - Genesis coupe.

But the sound does make up for some of that. It's a pretty pricy exhaust and been also reading dyno numbers are about 10 hp. A little on the low side.

The CNT has a nice design - similar to the HKS but the sound is probally not quite as nice as the ARK - but it doesn't have the ARK price either. Dyno numbers? I haven't read allot about this one, anyone care to comment?

But before everyone recommends the FI kit... I really cannot have drone or a 3 month wait. And that's why I am considering these two.

Zbrah · 07-14-2014, 03:35 AM

Ex gc owner here

I did not have that problem while I had my Grip on so I think it's more of an installation issue rather than design, or it's probably from an older batch, I also read a few suggestions that you can rotate the canisters to align them before tightening the bolts, but from the pictures I've seen, the differences aren't very noticeable unless you are being nitpicking and looking for it. The sound is the best out there for the Z IMO, you already know this. However, if you want to lower your Z in the future, you may have clearance issue due the cans sitting very close to the ground, it's why I now have the Dt-s, it's significantly lower in volume, but still sounds good when it's opened up.

Zoren 370 · 07-14-2014, 06:08 AM

well Zed!

b15 · 07-15-2014, 07:37 PM

If you are buying the Ark new you shouldn't have any fitment issues. The v1 were problematic but has been fixed with v2. I have the grip and am lowered on swifts with no issues. It really doesnt hang any lower than the FI, its just the illusion. I love the sound of mine!

Jayhovah · 07-15-2014, 10:38 PM

OP - I plan on getting the CNT exhaust unless I can pick up one of the pricey exhausts used...

b15 · 07-15-2014, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayhovah

OP - I plan on getting the CNT exhaust unless I can pick up one of the pricey exhausts used...

Not sure how quickly you're looking to purchase, but I bought my Ark new via a forum vendor that was having a sale for a great price. If you're patient a sale is bound to pop up sooner or later. However you cant go wrong with a nice used unit as well.

Zoren 370 · 07-15-2014, 11:52 PM

Im actually scratching my butt while reading this tread maybe my other butt chick is lower than the other? Anyone wants to see the picture too?

Seriously! Sharing Comments either positive or negative are welcome but attacking once opinion or experience in a certain product is uncalled for.
Everybody is entitled to his own opinionî.

Zbrah you might want to bring it back to the shop who installed your Ark it might need to be adjusted as Im running a swift springs and I only scraped my canister twice in 2 years I have it. I believe Its not certainly because of the product but I think its an installation issue considering your car is even stock height. iMO
Peace brah!

axmea? · 07-15-2014, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoren 370

well Zed!

WellZed indeed.

Zoren 370 · 07-16-2014, 12:06 AM

Haha I just actually saw this today while I was checking your photo build thread and saw your tag is wellzed! Galing!

Trips · 07-17-2014, 10:07 AM

Thread has been cleaned of unnecessary comments.

Keep it on Topic

Thanks!

atomic aces · 07-21-2014, 10:04 PM

SPOILER: Long story short, I highly recommend the Ark Grip.

I can't speak on the CNT, but I can say that I love my Grip. I did however get a crazy deal on it, brand new and shipped during Black Friday weekend '13. I had to settle for burnt tips, and was a little concerned with the fitment, but I've actually grown to love the burnt tips, and the fitment is truly as good as it gets.

The fitment can be a bit tricky, but you can get the cans and tips to sit perfect with a little effort. I originally thought the exhaust was hitting the crossmember but it ended up being a broken baffle in the gas tank that I was hearing. Drove me nuts as I literally loosened and tightened the exhaust over and over trying to get the noise to go away every weekend for months. The baffle eventually broke a sensor or switch (can't remember the exact issue, I just know it was under warranty) and my fuel gauge was reading empty on a full tank. The Nissan dealer had to remove and reinstall the exhaust. If they can make it sit perfect, anyone can.

I already had R2C's installed when I got the Ark, so I've actually never heard it solo in person. I can tell you that this setup sounds absolutely amazing and I get compliments on the soundtrack a few times a week.

Oh and I just ordered non-res test pipes through Tony at FI earlier tonight. She already sounds amazing, so I can't even imagine once the new pipes are installed in the middle of this setup.

Asheth · 07-21-2014, 10:13 PM

Ordered ark grip today through Charles at b2design. Just look up m41a mustang you can see excellent fit on his grip. Most of the fitment issues I believe where the v1 grip.

OldFart · 07-21-2014, 10:23 PM

I was going back and forth on exhaust systems when I was looking for one. Sorry, but dropping 1500 - 2000 for an exhaust system to me wasn't happening. You can jump on any of the bandwagons you want, I went with the CNT system and have no complaints at all. Took a week to get it, 45 minutes to install and haven't looked back. Its been on for going on a year and I do get compliments on the sound with it being a "cheap" system compared to the others. I'm not one to lay claims.of horsepower gains or whatever.. I wanted something reasonable and sounded good.

Good luck though with whatever system you choose.

colbysmith · 07-21-2014, 10:32 PM

I had a CNT on my Gen Coupe so I've been thinking about putting a CNT on the Z also but haven't been able to find any reviews

Zoren 370 · 07-21-2014, 10:32 PM

^ Im glad you like the sound of the CNT
Personally never heard of it yet. As long your happy and satisfied with your purchase is all that matters....matter of personal choice.

07-14-2014, 01:39 AM	#1 (permalink)
instroke Premium Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Canada Posts: 147 Drives: 2010 370Z Rep Power: 10	Ark or CNT? Comments on either - Been reading that the Ark muffler's will not hang down the same amounts. I have also seen this on my other car - Genesis coupe. But the sound does make up for some of that. It's a pretty pricy exhaust and been also reading dyno numbers are about 10 hp. A little on the low side. The CNT has a nice design - similar to the HKS but the sound is probally not quite as nice as the ARK - but it doesn't have the ARK price either. Dyno numbers? I haven't read allot about this one, anyone care to comment? But before everyone recommends the FI kit... I really cannot have drone or a 3 month wait. And that's why I am considering these two.

07-14-2014, 03:35 AM	#2 (permalink)
Zbrah A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2013 Location: The370Z.com Posts: 4,956 Drives: 370Z Rep Power: 5451	Ex gc owner here I did not have that problem while I had my Grip on so I think it's more of an installation issue rather than design, or it's probably from an older batch, I also read a few suggestions that you can rotate the canisters to align them before tightening the bolts, but from the pictures I've seen, the differences aren't very noticeable unless you are being nitpicking and looking for it. The sound is the best out there for the Z IMO, you already know this. However, if you want to lower your Z in the future, you may have clearance issue due the cans sitting very close to the ground, it's why I now have the Dt-s, it's significantly lower in volume, but still sounds good when it's opened up. Zoren 370 likes this.

07-14-2014, 06:08 AM	#3 (permalink)
Zoren 370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: FL Posts: 11,018 Drives: 11 Nissan 370 M6 Rep Power: 1913653	well Zed! axmea? likes this.

07-15-2014, 07:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
b15 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 3,229 Drives: 4drz Rep Power: 36571	If you are buying the Ark new you shouldn't have any fitment issues. The v1 were problematic but has been fixed with v2. I have the grip and am lowered on swifts with no issues. It really doesnt hang any lower than the FI, its just the illusion. I love the sound of mine! Zoren 370 likes this.

07-15-2014, 10:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
Jayhovah Premium Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: St. Pete, FL Posts: 3,848 Drives: 520whp Fire Breather Rep Power: 86950	OP - I plan on getting the CNT exhaust unless I can pick up one of the pricey exhausts used... shotgungho likes this. Last edited by Trips; 07-17-2014 at 10:02 AM.

07-15-2014, 11:52 PM	#7 (permalink)
Zoren 370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: FL Posts: 11,018 Drives: 11 Nissan 370 M6 Rep Power: 1913653	Im actually scratching my butt while reading this tread maybe my other butt chick is lower than the other? Anyone wants to see the picture too? Seriously! Sharing Comments either positive or negative are welcome but attacking once opinion or experience in a certain product is uncalled for. Everybody is entitled to his own opinionî. Zbrah you might want to bring it back to the shop who installed your Ark it might need to be adjusted as Im running a swift springs and I only scraped my canister twice in 2 years I have it. I believe Its not certainly because of the product but I think its an installation issue considering your car is even stock height. iMO Peace brah! b15 likes this.

07-16-2014, 12:06 AM	#9 (permalink)
Zoren 370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: FL Posts: 11,018 Drives: 11 Nissan 370 M6 Rep Power: 1913653	Haha I just actually saw this today while I was checking your photo build thread and saw your tag is wellzed! Galing!

07-17-2014, 10:07 AM	#10 (permalink)
Trips Administrator Join Date: May 2009 Location: Disneyland, Ca Posts: 8,728 Drives: 🔰 Rep Power: 10	Thread has been cleaned of unnecessary comments. Keep it on Topic Thanks! b15 likes this. __________________

07-21-2014, 10:04 PM	#11 (permalink)
atomic aces Base Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: GA Posts: 54 Drives: '09 335i E92 6MT Rep Power: 11	SPOILER: Long story short, I highly recommend the Ark Grip. I can't speak on the CNT, but I can say that I love my Grip. I did however get a crazy deal on it, brand new and shipped during Black Friday weekend '13. I had to settle for burnt tips, and was a little concerned with the fitment, but I've actually grown to love the burnt tips, and the fitment is truly as good as it gets. The fitment can be a bit tricky, but you can get the cans and tips to sit perfect with a little effort. I originally thought the exhaust was hitting the crossmember but it ended up being a broken baffle in the gas tank that I was hearing. Drove me nuts as I literally loosened and tightened the exhaust over and over trying to get the noise to go away every weekend for months. The baffle eventually broke a sensor or switch (can't remember the exact issue, I just know it was under warranty) and my fuel gauge was reading empty on a full tank. The Nissan dealer had to remove and reinstall the exhaust. If they can make it sit perfect, anyone can. I already had R2C's installed when I got the Ark, so I've actually never heard it solo in person. I can tell you that this setup sounds absolutely amazing and I get compliments on the soundtrack a few times a week. Oh and I just ordered non-res test pipes through Tony at FI earlier tonight. She already sounds amazing, so I can't even imagine once the new pipes are installed in the middle of this setup. b15 and Zoren 370 like this.

07-21-2014, 10:13 PM	#12 (permalink)
Asheth Track Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Glen Burnie, Maryland Posts: 917 Drives: 09 Blk 6mt Rep Power: 17	Ordered ark grip today through Charles at b2design. Just look up m41a mustang you can see excellent fit on his grip. Most of the fitment issues I believe where the v1 grip. b15 and Zoren 370 like this. __________________ 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.

07-21-2014, 10:23 PM	#13 (permalink)
OldFart Track Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Carlisle, PA Age: 61 Posts: 682 Drives: 2011 Wannabe Nismo Rep Power: 959	I was going back and forth on exhaust systems when I was looking for one. Sorry, but dropping 1500 - 2000 for an exhaust system to me wasn't happening. You can jump on any of the bandwagons you want, I went with the CNT system and have no complaints at all. Took a week to get it, 45 minutes to install and haven't looked back. Its been on for going on a year and I do get compliments on the sound with it being a "cheap" system compared to the others. I'm not one to lay claims.of horsepower gains or whatever.. I wanted something reasonable and sounded good. Good luck though with whatever system you choose. Last edited by OldFart; 07-21-2014 at 10:25 PM.

07-21-2014, 10:32 PM	#14 (permalink)
colbysmith Base Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Fairbanks Alaska Posts: 73 Drives: 14 nissan 370z Rep Power: 10	I had a CNT on my Gen Coupe so I've been thinking about putting a CNT on the Z also but haven't been able to find any reviews

07-21-2014, 10:32 PM	#15 (permalink)
Zoren 370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: FL Posts: 11,018 Drives: 11 Nissan 370 M6 Rep Power: 1913653	^ Im glad you like the sound of the CNT Personally never heard of it yet. As long your happy and satisfied with your purchase is all that matters....matter of personal choice. b15 and atomic aces like this.