Biochem7

iTrader: (8)

My setup before the cats went in:

MD 5/16 spacer
TurboXS catback
UTEC

Install: Honestly the install was not as bad as I thought it would be. With a breaker bar, some extensions, good wrenches, and creativity one could easily loosen all the bolts in no time. The major problem I had was to remove the actual catalytic converter from the manifold and Y-pipe. I ended up unbolting the Y-pipe from the B-pipe and then sliding the cats out. The cat/manifold gaskets were in excellent condition so I re-used them. I went to Pep boys and got some metal-rubber gaskets for the Y-pipe/cat connection. The Berk cats fit with no problem and everything lined up perfectly.

Driving impressions: On first startup, me and my wife immediately noticed the increase in sound. Much deeper and mean sounding The car pulls like a banshee and is so smooth to redline. I honestly was not expecting a noticeable gain from these cats. In fact, the gains I felt were similar to the gains I felt with the 5/16" spacer.

I have the UTEC installed and will try running the base map to see if I can get a little more power, but I am not getting tuned until the Vortech is on. As for CEL, 60 miles and no problems so far.

For $315 shipped, these cats were well worth it!

Beeker

iTrader: (5)

I assume you installed the ceramic cats?

I want to order a set of these but I am trying to decide between the ceramic and the metallic.

I have a Borla TD now and I like the way it sounds. I could stand it being a bit louder but I don't want it to be too loud.

Biochem7

iTrader: (8)

I installed the ceramic ones. I tried searching for proof that metallic cats really put out more power than the ceramic versions. If you're looking for maximum power, get test pipes. With the Borla, it shouldn't be too loud.

Beeker

iTrader: (5)

I am not getting test pipes. I don't want to deal with the smell, cel, rasp, etc. If I get anything it will be high flow cats.

I've done a ton of reading and I've read that metallic cats are suppose to be more reliable. Whether that is true or not I don't know. I also read that metallic cats should flow better which should help to increase power. I'm sure it makes a very small difference on a N/A car but the metallics "should" give more power. My question is how much louder will they be compared to the ceramic.

jonnylaw

iTrader: (3)

Aftermarket mettalic cores last longer than ceramic core.

Beeker

iTrader: (5)

I've read that before. Aren't the stock cats ceramic? They seem to last for a very long time. I think ceramic are fine for N/A. Metallic will hold up better with the heat of a turbo charged car but I don't think they are necessary on a N/A.

Does that sound right? I am about to order a set and I don't want to kick myself down the road if the ceramic cats fail. It is $100.00 more for the metallics. I need to decide what to get before they aren't on sale anymore....

jonnylaw

iTrader: (3)

that's why I said AFTERMARKET mettallic. The oem is ceramic and will outlast both aftermarket cores. Aftermarket mettalic cores outlast aftermarket ceramic cores but not oem. Mettalic cores also sound a bit different than ceramics. I am n/a and chose mettalic ones.

Mazinger Z

iTrader: (49)

Hey, I was thinking about Berk too. Kudos for being one of the first ones I had a question about the smell. Did you notice any increase in exhaust odor after the install?

Also, if you had a sound clip it would be awesome.

Biochem7

iTrader: (8)

The stock cats are ceramic. Beeker if you are really concerned I say just get the metal cats. The piping diameter is the same on both versions just the catalytic material is different. BTW, I chose NOT to get the cat section polished and they look great, I think all polished is overkill.

Bugsbbunny, after I initially installed I smelled burnt rubber from many WOT adventures and the smell of new gaskets. I did NOT smell any "fuel" smell.

I'll try to make a clip and post here. My turboXS just sounds angry now

Mazinger Z

iTrader: (49)

^Niice, can't wait man.

ZLadie2000

iTrader: (12)

sound clip? I'm thinking about the Berk metallic HFCs and Turbo XS exhaust for my HR. Concerned about the ID of the cats though...they are stock inner diameter right? Wondering if I should go with 2.5in hfcs paired with a turbo xs exhaust because the turbo xs y pipe inlet is 2.5 inch I believe, and I'd like to have optimal flow...and maximized gains.. Have to get to 300rwhp before my Revup buddy. lol

Biochem7

iTrader: (8)

yeah, I have been busy with school. The ID of the Berk cats is larger than stock and very similar to the TurboXS y-pipe.

For the price, the Berk cats were an excellent choice. If you already have the TurboXS exhaust, the tone is exactly the same only 2X as loud at WOT. The Berk cats also seem to be doing great with my Vortech setup.

gothchick

iTrader: (12)

OP, what front end do you have?... I see catfish everytime I see that front end. Hmmm, makes me kind of hungry too. :-)

meaj82

iTrader: (31)

I believe thats the veilside ver2 front

Biochem7

iTrader: (8)

Veilside 2. I think a lot of things when I see some of the body kits people put on their cars

derek173

iTrader: (3)

so the metallic maybe put out more horsepower then ceramic but they definiately last longer right?

Are the metallics much louder? How long can you expect aftermarket HFCs to last?

scmtkings4

iTrader: (4)

ok we're talking about metallic and ceramic HFC and how much longer the metallics will last as compared to the ceramics. My question is, how long are the HFCs supposed to last? Approximately how many miles? (If reg driving)

BADASSTT

Longer than the stock cats. Maybe they would outlast the car.