OK, who on here has purchased a replica or knock-off version of the HKS Hi-power exhaust for either our cars or the 350Z. If you haven't, do you know anyone who has or have heard of thier experiences???? I can't seem to find any real information from people who have any expereince with them on this forum or others I've serached. BTW, the exhausts look exactly the same but the replica is $800.00 cheaper. Hell, they should perform the same being made of the exactly same material, having the same diameters and exact same shape.

https://g35driver.com/forums/intake-exhaust/154595-installed-xo2-exhaust-hks-clone.html

who says they look exactly the same? obvious you haven't looked very closely.

would you mind revealing your sources that say they are being made of exactly the same material? just curious about where you heard that from is all. the tips aren't even titanium. they cheapened out on that, so i'd be willing to bet the internals aren't the same either.

fyi - it's the same exact exhaust. xo2 just added two extension pipes to the z exhaust to make it fit our cars.

not sure why the title of this thread is HKS Hi-Power Exhaust when the thread really has nothing to do with the actual HKS Hi-Power Exhaust.

Not much of a plan man.

Here is the link to the exhaust I was refering to. I had never heard of the xo2and have no idea if this is indeed what you are talking about.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/03-07...spagenameZWDVW

I beleive the HKS is also made from stainless steel and titanium tips? Internal pipe diameter is 60mm or 2.5in right, with 4.5 tips? Other than the extensions, the piping looks very close to the photos of the HKS that I have seen .... granted, I haven't seen one in person. Seems a bit to good to be true, and I know what they say. But hey, I am a man of opportunity and if other people have had good expeinces then I would consider saving myself some money. I may be totally wrong, and I welcome this if that's how it works out. Just want to know what others have actually experienced.

Thanks for the thread link. I will PM that guy.

it's local to me, here in hacienda heights. the xo2 exhaust is made here in the city of industry. i'm willing to bet these two exhausts are the same.

those tips really don't like like they are ti. otherwise they would have burnt better (more blue). the tips pictured are rather dull - leading me to believe they are not actually ti.

any ebay seller that claims ~12hp instant gains, spells "infiniti" wrong, speaks of resonators (that are actually dead chambers), claims 20~25lbs weight reduction (i HIGHLY doubt this), and describes their product as "sexy and shiny" is a bit fishy to me.

Pepepr loves the xo2 exhaust. for the price, you can't beat it - you get what you pay for. if you want HKS for the sound, then get HKS. this knock-off, from what i've heard (i've heard it in person), is deeper than the authentic HKS - which has a higher pitched/almost exotic tone.

also, fyi - some people have had fitment issues. the extension pipes did not fit correctly.

you can always buy the xo2 exhaust from a site sponsor:

https://g35driver.com/forums/exhaust-vendor/153564-xo2-true-dual-exhaust-taking-new-pre-orders.html

[quote=aHero4Eternity]if i were a betting man, i'd bet my wheels that no one will crack open an authentic hks and a replica hks to compare them. [quote]

under 2 grand for your rims....sounds tempting

I noticed that too..... I've learned one thing with cars and that's not to make any rushed decisions. I am planning to install a vortech sc in the future and want to get an exhaust that will give me some (although small) gains while NA, and also be good for FI. I want it to be louder than stock, but not ricer loud.

HKS is definitely one of the louder exhausts. if you plan to go f/i, then i wouldn't cheapen out on the exhaust system as that will play a role in the power that you make with the vortech system. i myself have not done research regarding vortech + HKS, but i know a friend of mine has the combo and is pushing out ~386 to the wheels iirc.

i'm not sure how confident i would be with the xo2 exhaust + vortech, though.

have you looked into fast intentions stainless steel exhaust? rick has a vortech + FI ss intimidator exhaust...he seems to be quite happy.

Don't cheap out man, buy the real thing. When you go FI in the future it will be worth it. Trust me.

VERY happy indeed....along with over 150+ others, btw.

The HKS system, not the knock off, is a very high quality system. If you're looking at that level, the Fast Intentions, HKS and Stillen are what you should be looking at. They all perform within ~5 HP of each other, cost within $100-$200 of each other, but all sound different and would take you car to FI without an issue. I would caution on the HKS and Stillen with HFC's and headers though - they tend to rasp. The Fast Intentions has a system matched set of HFC's - so no rasp.

If the cost of these systems is too much..then just save up - do it RIGHT the first time. Most people buy 2-3 exhaust setups before either finding what they like, or settling on the last one they put on - and THAT's expensive.

Also to note: Fast Intentions is having a REALLY HOT SALE right now in the marketplace...very much worth the look.

Rick

i can't vouch for HKS + HFCs + Headers, but i can vouch for HKS + Fast Intentions HFCs having no rasp.

besides, not many people go with aftermarket headers, anyway.

Another note as well. Fast Intentions also has a Ti tipped version of the Intimidator!!!

I'll check out those exhausts also. Whatever I get I plan on staying with.

Make sure you actually listen to a few in person, if you can. Have soemone take you for a ride, in a well warmed up car...

Rick

Oh don't forget the HKS looks badass. Everytime I'm behind my car I'm like daaayum.