I am going to be ordering some Berk HFC's for my Z but I dont know which model to order. What is the diff between the metallic and the ceramic cats other then the ceramic cats being about $65 cheaper? I dont track my Z or drag race it, its just for DD so I dont think I will be putting lots of stress on them. Also, I have read that ceramic cats flow better and that metallic cats take longer to warm up is this true?? Which model should I get?? Thanks

 

Bryan@BERK ftw!

Get the ceramics, unless you feel like spending an extra $70..

 

I've heard the ceramics may crack easier? But if anyone has them please chime in.

 

The ceramics are fine for NA street driving. You may gain a couple more horsepower with the metallics but they will also be a bit louder. The metallics take a little while to heat up to proper operating temp. It is possible during that warm up period that you may get a CEL. The metallics main advantage is for FI applications. They can withstand the heat of FI better than ceramics.

 

How much louder are the metallics over the ceramics? The reason that I want to put HFC's of my Z is that I just put Borla TD on it and I like the sound but it needs to be a little louder, but I dont want to get a CEL either. What should I do??? I need to figure this out because I will be ordering at the end of the week. Thanks again

 

^^not loud enough

 

Gee thanks, That was sure lots of help

 

just put the metallics on w/ my NISMO headers. I don't have anything to compare it to but they are the sex. Just loud enough for me w/ my other mods. No cel/no worries.

 

I am not sure how much louder the metallics are. It shouldn't be too much louder than the ceramics. I believe the ceramics are about 400 cell and the metallics are about 200 cell.

I have Berk ceramic cats and a Borla TD. I also have Strup headers. The cats definately increased the sound of the exhaust a lot. It isn't too loud but it much louder than the stock cats. They evened out the sound of the intake and the exhaust. I have a Popcharger and plenum spacer which both increase the sound of the intake. With the stock cats the intake was louder than the exhaust. Now they are about even. The exhaust is maybe a bit louder. At least that is the way it sounds from the drivers seat.

There is a lot more drone if the motor is under load below 2000 rpms. I almost never drive it that way but sometimes I get lazy on slow back roads and just put it in a high gear and leave it there. If the rpms drop to like 1200 and I try to accelerate without down shifting the exhaust is much louder than with the stock cats. Very deep and boomy. This is not a big deal but it is noticeable. Keep the rpms above 2000 while under load and it isn't a problem.

Highway cruising doesn't sound any different than the stock cats. There is no drone whatsoever above 2000 rpms. It is louder when you accelerate but it sounds great.

In my opinion the Borla TD and Berk ceramic cats are a great combo. I really like the way it sounds. It makes the Borla sound a lot more exotic without being obnoxiously loud. In fact my Z now sounds almost identical to my friends NSX that has Comptech headers, high flow cats, and exhaust.

Now my only problem is the cat brace doesn't line up with the brackets on the cats. I haven't decided how I am going to fix this yet. Either modify the brace or the brackets on the cats. I've tried calling Berk a few times but I can never get a tech on the phone. I am sure I will get some recommendations from them eventually.

 

Good post^, I have the berk ceramics with the HKS TD Ti and it sounds incredible.

 

I'm ordering berk hfc ceramic tonight! Thanks for this thread. I was also debating whether to get ceramic or metallic

 

^^
That's funny. I'm ordering my Berk 07 Metallics tonight also.

 

make that three...if berk will chime in and give some recs to those of us who are daily drivers who never track. (hint hint to any vendors with some info)

 

I was told that for DD the ceramic is good. BTW, I ordered mine about a week ago

 

told by?

 

WHere did everyone find the best prices?

I will prolly jump on some.....

Just can't decide between metallic or ceram. I don't want my TurboXS to sound raspy.

 

Few months ago I got a price from Paul at art for $410 + shipping. I just sent him a pm and he told me $425 + shipping. I thought prices would drop.

EDIT: I think I might order mine. Still thinking about it.

 

Berk. Also told that the metallic cats take longer to warm up so it is possible if you dont let your motor warm up enough before you stomp on it that you could get a CEL. Not that a CEL hurts anything but still. As far as sound Berk said that you would have to have 2 cars side by side to hear that the metallics are a little louder then ceramics. Also if you have a car that needs more flow like super charged the metallics would be better by a bit. I dont track and the ceramics are about $70 less then the metallics, so I got the ceramics. I got mine from Greg at ART for $288 plus shipping https://01885bc.netsolstores.com/ind...OD&ProdID=1954 Best price I could find!!! BTW, mine is a 06

 

thanks....where in il?

 

Zion, about 60 miles north of Chicago