2003 G35 Coupe - thinking of adding the Berk Resonated Test Pipe - w/ CEL fix with stock exhaust setup

Reasoning: 1) Cheap, can always come back and update at a later date 2) CEL possibility of no code 90% per website 3) Aggressive tone and some small "seat of my pants" improvement" 4) Drone is not an issue - car is not a daily and only a weekend toy

Change my mind - or give my your experience, yes I have searched... Just wanting some opinions. FLAME SUIT ON!

 

Hard to pick a "bad" test pipe, so even if Berk's have some bad reputation with HFC (mine broke within two months), they should be good. Resonated test pipes with stock exhaust should sound fine IMO, my HFC/stock setup sounded fantastic (and I honestly kind of miss it. Dead silent on the highway, plenty of aggression when on it).

 

If drone isn't something that bothers you test pipes might work for you! Need to say, "I'm not a fan of anything Berks" but how bad could they screw up simple pipes? I too bought their HFC's ($400=) mine only lasted a year!
Gary

 

Had the HFC on my old sedan without any issues - but understand your point. Ordered them, so will install in next two weeks and get some feedback.

 

So just to update - the BERKS resonated test pipes came in... Got to say they are pretty nice for $250 or so bucks. Welds look good and it came with bolts/gaskets for the install. I spoke with my shop - going to be another week or so until the NISSAN guy is back to work on the coupe. I am going to take a few vids to see if I can capture the sound difference or even performance for that matter -?? From just an initial review - they look to be as good as some of the previous CATS or EXHAUST pcs I have purchased in the past. I have Godspeed, HKS Rep. & even a BORLA... LOL

Anyways - I also bought a motordyne 5/16th, but want to install and review them separately. Just want to see what type of gain if any, she will make with the bolt ons.

Thanks - Andy

 

Honestly I would just install them at the same time, the gains aren't that much if you only install a mod that can push more air out but cannot draw more air in.

 

Well, it's not like it's a "while you're in there" job so you really need to do one first anyways. I'm interested in the results.

 

If you're looking for a "seat of the pants" feel after the mods are installed don't expect much. It's super frustrating modding the DE motor because the gains/money spent are disappointing at best.

 

Agree - I seem to remember a bit of change after installing in my sedan, but they were HFC Vs. resonated test pipes. I think I will do one at a time and do a bit of a before and after vid of it - even with all the youtube guys, I often find myself asking about specific items that are not addressed in the video. I am not planning on going full exhaust - as the wifey likes to drive it occasionally and her and the kid are not to keen on a loud exhaust.

I am thinking I can do this myself - other than those "demon" bolts up top - seems to be a simple mod. Will attempt to get it done this Saturday and get you some footage before and after.

 

So I thought I would leave some feedback for some poor bastard to search for and read late at night....

Berk resonated TP's with CEL fix are just that - no CEL and sound a bit deeper than stock. Honestly, I was surprised at the lack of noise - was really expecting a loud exhaust. Based on reviews, they were going to rasp and stink up my car - but after 100 miles on them yesterday, I really didn't experience either.

Rasp is there around 2.3 to 3k RPM - but I also had an ISR y pipe installed, so I think it may have mimized what others are talking about. I never had any smell in the cabin - I could smell in my garage after driving, but nothing terrible. It smelled like new exhaust or cats - you motorheads know what smell I am talking about.

For performance, low end it felt like I lost some torque, but after 3.5k she really takes off - I am really happy with the results. The exhaust has a bit of growl but nothing major - no smells or CEL's. Bit of power on the top end and a happy customer.

Will follow up in a few months and give more details. Install at local shop was about $180 and 2 hours labor. No issues at all - bought parts through Concept Z.

 

If it smells in the cabin then it's either an exhaust leak or the wind is blowing the wrong way at a stoplight.

I love the smell of a no-cat gasoline motor, diesel on the other hand...

 

This^

Amuses me people install ART pipes then bitch about the smell....

 

Fully agree - soon as I pulled in the garage - I was like Ahhhhhh that new exhaust smell! I have an appointment at Z1 in July for a tune and short throw shifter install. Going with the B&M version, no flames, no launch - just a tune. I can control my launches without any electronics!!