Berk metallic high-flow cats broke apart after 13 months of use (N/A)
04-23-2009, 05:54 AM
#41
I've read of failures with most of all the makes. I guess there's a good reason why Nissan choose to go with such large cats and pre-cats (ie to shed heat better).
One thing I've considered for years now is doing the setup I had on my 96 Maxima. The Federal-spec Maximas had two large precats in the y-pipe and then between the y-pipe and midpipe was cat. We'd remove the OEM y-pipe and replace it with an aftermarket y-pipe with no cats, but leave the main cat in place. This setup netted a solid 12whp/15wtq. I don't see why the same setup couldn't be fabbed for the Z/G by simply cutting out a portion of the midpipe, installing a cat, adding few bungs for the 02 sensors, extending the wires, and adding TPs. I would think this would aleviate the cat meltdown problem.
One thing I've considered for years now is doing the setup I had on my 96 Maxima. The Federal-spec Maximas had two large precats in the y-pipe and then between the y-pipe and midpipe was cat. We'd remove the OEM y-pipe and replace it with an aftermarket y-pipe with no cats, but leave the main cat in place. This setup netted a solid 12whp/15wtq. I don't see why the same setup couldn't be fabbed for the Z/G by simply cutting out a portion of the midpipe, installing a cat, adding few bungs for the 02 sensors, extending the wires, and adding TPs. I would think this would aleviate the cat meltdown problem.
i currently run stock cats and the resonator.. I suppose I could switch to test pipes and purchase the cat piece from Motordyne.. Thanks for the input.
04-23-2009, 07:11 PM
#45
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I talk about the sound in the thread I linked to - https://my350z.com/forum/na-builds/4...ml#post7242256
I was surprised -- they actually seem to be quieter than my (blown-out) Berk metallic high-flow cats. From inside the car, they have less of the sound I don't like around 4000 rpms. I'm not sure if it's rasp or not -- it's hard to tell from inside the car, but in any case, I think they actually sound better.
04-23-2009, 08:01 PM
#46
Damn, i just ordered mine about two weeks ago. After reading this i am not quite sure if i made the right choice. I was thinking about UR high flows before i ordered Berk. The major decision breaker was the bracket support that Berk offered...I am going to have to write a full report after i have them installed, follow by a 6 months, then to a 1 year review...
04-24-2009, 10:07 PM
#52
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I swapped my berk cats from my old car to my new car and when I picked the berks up and tilted them side to side I heard something loose inside.. i'm willing to bet its blown then? I have them on my car right now and it doesn't sound like anything is wrong or rattling when the car is under acceleration though..
Last edited by Allen331; 04-24-2009 at 11:53 PM.
04-26-2009, 11:13 AM
#54
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I would want to see Berk stand up for us and talk to Magnaflow on this (if I am not wrong, they were using the Magnaflow core).
To the PO, if you want to start sth:
We can do a mass-post including all people who have problems with their Metallic substrate Berk HFCs.
To the PO, if you want to start sth:
We can do a mass-post including all people who have problems with their Metallic substrate Berk HFCs.
04-26-2009, 01:14 PM
#56
I've had problems with Berk TP's & HFC's but Bryan always made it right. The TP's cracked within 3 months at the flange were it attaches to the Y-pipe. Then my first pair of HFC's cracked where the support bracket is located. It even burnt my O2 sensor and had to replace the O2 sensor. Second pair is still running fine but I know that it's going to give out soon. I just get that feeling... I don't track my car just daily drive it. Bryan told me that it could be that my exhaust flex's too much that cracks the TP's & HFC's... He also mentioned that it could be a bad motor mount. I had Nissan check it out and they told me the mounts are in good condition. So 
04-26-2009, 02:03 PM
#57
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Despite kinetix's bad reputation for crappy products my used kinetix resonated test pipes have been running strong for over 2 years on my car and I dont know how long on the previous owners car. They've never cracked or given me any other issues, hopefully you have the same luck with yours... btw i'm running them with stock headers and a modified (welded) borla td.
I don't understand why so many people have issues with the internals of their hi flow cats. Is there that much stress on the cores? i could understand a crack on the outside, but cores falling apart is unacceptable imo, berk should fix the situation, especially if there's a warranty implied.
04-26-2009, 02:58 PM
#59
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From what I have researched ,Im not going to worry about the Berk HFC's I ordered
seems like Berk is a stand up company that will stand behind there product.
seems like Berk is a stand up company that will stand behind there product.