Hey guys,

Just want some opinions with my new MD exhaust that is on the way. First off I have a non-rev up motor...not sure if that make a difference. I'm don't plan to use test pipes. Mainly because I don't see that there is much gain over HFCs and I have to take an emissons test every year here in the UK. I have some damage to my stock cats so I'd figure just to replace them with HFCs while I'm at it.

Since I'm replacing my stock cats and stock exhaust, I know the sound is going to change. I went with MD since its suppose to be relatively calm until you get on it, have a deeper growl, and does not drone. Just so you guys know, I've never heard a MD exhaust, or any aftermarket exhaust on a G, so all my experience is from youtube and this forum. There are very few G's where I live I where I frequent. When I say few, I mean like less than 10 in the whole country.

What I don't want is something extremely loud and obnoxious. What HFC would be a good combination with my exhaust? I've heard Berks, but isn't there some issues with them that people on this forum are having? Fast Intentions are supposed to be good, but seem a bit expensive. I'm leaning towards the Kinetix since they guarantee no CEL lights and seemed priced reasonably. All Options are still open so feel free to leave your opinions. Thanks.

 

Should be good with pretty much any kind. ART pipes have some serious gain over HFC's but they will still fail emissions. Also, you'll probably want to get a tune with either one, as your AFR will be affected by a more free flowing exhaust and you'll tack on some extra power/tq.

 

If you're not going with ART pipes, which I have myself even though I need to take a smog test next year, get F.I. HFC's.

 

Guess you didn't like the answer I gave you on the PM you sent me. F. I. are still the best HFCs available and what I'm using. My BERK'S failed within a year, less than 5K miles and they failed to warranty them. Love Motordyne products but there ART pipes allow a major stinky exhaust. We don't know about the inspections in the UK, if they're on the same level as our 48 state tests you'll be fine with HFCs. Do they do sniffer tests or is it just visual? Worst case you could swap back your OE cats for the test then switch back to HFCs for a very sweet exhaust sound you're gonna love....I promise!
Gary

 

Thanks for the responses. I did a check on my OEM cats and they seem to be in decent shape. I don't know what the shop was talking about. Found our it was my heat shield around my y-pipe that was rattling. Anyway, I will keep my stock cats just in cast I need them. So, from what you guys are saying......ART Pipes are the way to go as far as tq/power right. The only draw back would be the smell and the possiblilty that it will blacken my bumper over time....that was from some other posts I've read. How much of a gain is there over an HFC with ART pipes?

The advantage of the HFC would be that it should pass emissions tests. I don't know exactly how they do it here in the UK to be honest. I think they hook something up to the exhaust and print a read out. I'm from the US so I just work here and have to abide by their laws while I'm here. I had my vehicle imported and the UK laws are still relatively new to me.

Also, whats so great about the FI HFC? I mean why not the Stillen or Kinetix or another brand?

So a recap:

ART pipes

Positive - Possible gain over HFC's in tq/power

Neg - Will need to change out for emissions testing, smells like gas, could blacken bumper


HFCs

Positive - Gain in tq/power over OEM cats, but not over ART pipes? No need to change cats out since they should pass emissions testing

Neg - Not as much gain compared to ARTs or straight pipes

Last thing, how much louder are ARTs compared to HFCs. I don't want extreme loudness. Do you lose tq at some point if going with the wrong HFC?

Thanks for all the input.