Replica HKS Review
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 477
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
I found the same exhaust for $270 shipped on eBay. Tried to make it work with the Magnaflow x-pipe, ended up taking it off. High flow cats + y-pipe drones way less and probably makes more power since stock cats and y-pipe are especially restrictive.
Once again goodluck! And very rarely are there authentic JDM parts from Japan on ebay.
Honestly, my 1st exhaust was a Blitz NUR Touring with a Top Speed y-pipe. That was around $1500. Sounded great but the power just wasn't there. I decided I wanted true duals but didn't care to spend that money again. I sold the old setup for around $800 and bought the CX Racing version of the HKS.
As stated above, you have to make sure the exhaust clears both the diff. and the sway bar in the rear but that was it on fitment aside from 1 of the hangers needing a chop/weld to line things up better. No major issues, considering I had spent less than $500 to the door.
I did hate the smooth, baritone noise that it made and it started ringing a little at times, so I opted for the magnaflow X-pipe muffler in lieu of the H-pipe (which has a VERY SMALL crossover section) and the sound is nice again. That brings the cost to around $600. BUT the tips look like CRAP. I polished the blue (paint?) off of them but the cut isn't clean, so they are jagged and just all around ugly. That's also something I have corrected. Topspeed Pro-1 sells real 4.5" titanium tips for about $135 shipped for the pair. I haven't had time to jack the rear up to drill holes in the bottom of the tips to install them yet but they did slip right on. The CX Racing tips have 2 holes, 1 left and 1 right. The TS Pro-1 tips have 1 hole in the bottom.
So for a little less than $800, you can have a very nice exhaust that looks, sounds, and fits great. I've also had mine for around 2-3 years now, so it's also reliable. A lot of skeptics will tell you that it can't be real 304 stainless for the price. The exhaust shop I go to told me that it was a steal because it was hard to cut and he knew that it was 304 stainless, b/c he works with it each week.
The HKS has been cut into and the H-pipe protruded to block exhaust flow. So even the HKS has its flaws. I'd hate to pay $1500 for it and have to cut/weld on it. I felt no regret in modifying a $500 exhaust.
So +1 to ebay exhaust.
As stated above, you have to make sure the exhaust clears both the diff. and the sway bar in the rear but that was it on fitment aside from 1 of the hangers needing a chop/weld to line things up better. No major issues, considering I had spent less than $500 to the door.
I did hate the smooth, baritone noise that it made and it started ringing a little at times, so I opted for the magnaflow X-pipe muffler in lieu of the H-pipe (which has a VERY SMALL crossover section) and the sound is nice again. That brings the cost to around $600. BUT the tips look like CRAP. I polished the blue (paint?) off of them but the cut isn't clean, so they are jagged and just all around ugly. That's also something I have corrected. Topspeed Pro-1 sells real 4.5" titanium tips for about $135 shipped for the pair. I haven't had time to jack the rear up to drill holes in the bottom of the tips to install them yet but they did slip right on. The CX Racing tips have 2 holes, 1 left and 1 right. The TS Pro-1 tips have 1 hole in the bottom.
So for a little less than $800, you can have a very nice exhaust that looks, sounds, and fits great. I've also had mine for around 2-3 years now, so it's also reliable. A lot of skeptics will tell you that it can't be real 304 stainless for the price. The exhaust shop I go to told me that it was a steal because it was hard to cut and he knew that it was 304 stainless, b/c he works with it each week.
The HKS has been cut into and the H-pipe protruded to block exhaust flow. So even the HKS has its flaws. I'd hate to pay $1500 for it and have to cut/weld on it. I felt no regret in modifying a $500 exhaust.
So +1 to ebay exhaust.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 199
Likes: 1
From: Huntington Beach
Honestly, my 1st exhaust was a Blitz NUR Touring with a Top Speed y-pipe. That was around $1500. Sounded great but the power just wasn't there. I decided I wanted true duals but didn't care to spend that money again. I sold the old setup for around $800 and bought the CX Racing version of the HKS.
As stated above, you have to make sure the exhaust clears both the diff. and the sway bar in the rear but that was it on fitment aside from 1 of the hangers needing a chop/weld to line things up better. No major issues, considering I had spent less than $500 to the door.
I did hate the smooth, baritone noise that it made and it started ringing a little at times, so I opted for the magnaflow X-pipe muffler in lieu of the H-pipe (which has a VERY SMALL crossover section) and the sound is nice again. That brings the cost to around $600. BUT the tips look like CRAP. I polished the blue (paint?) off of them but the cut isn't clean, so they are jagged and just all around ugly. That's also something I have corrected. Topspeed Pro-1 sells real 4.5" titanium tips for about $135 shipped for the pair. I haven't had time to jack the rear up to drill holes in the bottom of the tips to install them yet but they did slip right on. The CX Racing tips have 2 holes, 1 left and 1 right. The TS Pro-1 tips have 1 hole in the bottom.
So for a little less than $800, you can have a very nice exhaust that looks, sounds, and fits great. I've also had mine for around 2-3 years now, so it's also reliable. A lot of skeptics will tell you that it can't be real 304 stainless for the price. The exhaust shop I go to told me that it was a steal because it was hard to cut and he knew that it was 304 stainless, b/c he works with it each week.
The HKS has been cut into and the H-pipe protruded to block exhaust flow. So even the HKS has its flaws. I'd hate to pay $1500 for it and have to cut/weld on it. I felt no regret in modifying a $500 exhaust.
So +1 to ebay exhaust.
As stated above, you have to make sure the exhaust clears both the diff. and the sway bar in the rear but that was it on fitment aside from 1 of the hangers needing a chop/weld to line things up better. No major issues, considering I had spent less than $500 to the door.
I did hate the smooth, baritone noise that it made and it started ringing a little at times, so I opted for the magnaflow X-pipe muffler in lieu of the H-pipe (which has a VERY SMALL crossover section) and the sound is nice again. That brings the cost to around $600. BUT the tips look like CRAP. I polished the blue (paint?) off of them but the cut isn't clean, so they are jagged and just all around ugly. That's also something I have corrected. Topspeed Pro-1 sells real 4.5" titanium tips for about $135 shipped for the pair. I haven't had time to jack the rear up to drill holes in the bottom of the tips to install them yet but they did slip right on. The CX Racing tips have 2 holes, 1 left and 1 right. The TS Pro-1 tips have 1 hole in the bottom.
So for a little less than $800, you can have a very nice exhaust that looks, sounds, and fits great. I've also had mine for around 2-3 years now, so it's also reliable. A lot of skeptics will tell you that it can't be real 304 stainless for the price. The exhaust shop I go to told me that it was a steal because it was hard to cut and he knew that it was 304 stainless, b/c he works with it each week.
The HKS has been cut into and the H-pipe protruded to block exhaust flow. So even the HKS has its flaws. I'd hate to pay $1500 for it and have to cut/weld on it. I felt no regret in modifying a $500 exhaust.
So +1 to ebay exhaust.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 199
Likes: 1
From: Huntington Beach
The only exhaust I would pay over $1000 for is Motordyne.
I have the HKS replica with the magnaflow x-pipe and ART pipes and content with it. Got it for under $300 shipped to my door and has held up fine.
I have the HKS replica with the magnaflow x-pipe and ART pipes and content with it. Got it for under $300 shipped to my door and has held up fine.
I bought my Fujitsubo Legalis R on eBay brand new for an excellent price $650 shipped to my door. Although I suppose it's junk now because I bought it on eBay. 
OP... thanks for your reviews and adding to the community. Most things on eBay are junk but every now and again you can get some "decent" stuff.
One more thing. I agree the Z shouldn't have fake stuff but you gotta realize not everyone makes a lot of money and they work with what they have. It's like when I rented a house a few years ago, the landlord allowed me to paint inside and he took what I spent off the rent because I was doing improvements and I hated the drab yellow wall paint throughout the entire house. I went to Lowes and wanted Valspar paint but only had so much money to work with. I took color samples from Lowe's, went to Walmart and had them mix Color Place paint. It worked very well and the house looked great when I was done... So sometimes you have to work with what you have and sometimes it turns out great.
OP... thanks for your reviews and adding to the community. Most things on eBay are junk but every now and again you can get some "decent" stuff.
One more thing. I agree the Z shouldn't have fake stuff but you gotta realize not everyone makes a lot of money and they work with what they have. It's like when I rented a house a few years ago, the landlord allowed me to paint inside and he took what I spent off the rent because I was doing improvements and I hated the drab yellow wall paint throughout the entire house. I went to Lowes and wanted Valspar paint but only had so much money to work with. I took color samples from Lowe's, went to Walmart and had them mix Color Place paint. It worked very well and the house looked great when I was done... So sometimes you have to work with what you have and sometimes it turns out great.
Last edited by STL 350Z; Aug 22, 2012 at 12:12 PM.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 199
Likes: 1
From: Huntington Beach
I bought my Fujitsubo Legalis R on eBay brand new for an excellent price $650 shipped to my door. Although I suppose it's junk now because I bought it on eBay.
OP... thanks for your reviews and adding to the community. Most things on eBay are junk but every now and again you can get some "decent" stuff.
One more thing. I agree the Z shouldn't have fake stuff but you gotta realize not everyone makes a lot of money and they work with what they have. It's like when I rented a house a few years ago, the landlord allowed me to paint inside and he took what I spent off the rent because I was doing improvements and I hated the drab yellow wall paint throughout the entire house. I went to Lowes and wanted Valspar paint but only had so much money to work with. I took color samples from Lowe's, went to Walmart and had them mix Color Place paint. It worked very well and the house looked great when I was done... So sometimes you have to work with what you have and sometimes it turns out great.
OP... thanks for your reviews and adding to the community. Most things on eBay are junk but every now and again you can get some "decent" stuff.
One more thing. I agree the Z shouldn't have fake stuff but you gotta realize not everyone makes a lot of money and they work with what they have. It's like when I rented a house a few years ago, the landlord allowed me to paint inside and he took what I spent off the rent because I was doing improvements and I hated the drab yellow wall paint throughout the entire house. I went to Lowes and wanted Valspar paint but only had so much money to work with. I took color samples from Lowe's, went to Walmart and had them mix Color Place paint. It worked very well and the house looked great when I was done... So sometimes you have to work with what you have and sometimes it turns out great.
Thanks bro *tears up*
Most rep exhausts do not fit perfect. You will most likely have to go to a exhaust shop so they can cut and weld your exhaust to get it to fit better. Too soon the blue tips will fade and turn brownish. The exhaust drones at cruising speeds and is highly noticeable in the cabin. Exhaust is too heavy & your muffler hangers might tear soon.
I only say this because i made the mistake of buying this exhaust when first purchased my Z a few years back and it all happened to me. As soon as i saved up enough I immediately threw it away and went with the real HKS system.
Although it looks and sounds nice I can't consider it an upgrade from stock exhaust unless all you wanted was sound. Its better to save those 400-600$ or whatever you spent on the fake and in a few months when you have another few hundred to go with trustworthy and proven brands.
Just my .02 cents for anyone interested in getting this.
Fake stuff don't belong on Zs.
I only say this because i made the mistake of buying this exhaust when first purchased my Z a few years back and it all happened to me. As soon as i saved up enough I immediately threw it away and went with the real HKS system.
Although it looks and sounds nice I can't consider it an upgrade from stock exhaust unless all you wanted was sound. Its better to save those 400-600$ or whatever you spent on the fake and in a few months when you have another few hundred to go with trustworthy and proven brands.
Just my .02 cents for anyone interested in getting this.
Fake stuff don't belong on Zs.
I bought my Z with the 304 Stainless HKS Rep on and have had no problems. The sound is great, little to absolutely no drone. I drive on the freeway everyday ~25mi. The exhaust is also ligther than the stock. It fits great, I have taken it off twice, once to add Stillen Headers and the next to add MD ART Pipes. The exhaust has now been on for 5 years with no cracks or leaks. I would never buy a knock-off, but this exhaust I dont think I will ever change out.
My only complaint, yes the tips fade to a brownish color. For $350 instead of over $1500, I think it is well worth the money.
I have to disagree with about everything stated above.
I bought my Z with the 304 Stainless HKS Rep on and have had no problems. The sound is great, little to absolutely no drone. I drive on the freeway everyday ~25mi. The exhaust is also ligther than the stock. It fits great, I have taken it off twice, once to add Stillen Headers and the next to add MD ART Pipes. The exhaust has now been on for 5 years with no cracks or leaks. I would never buy a knock-off, but this exhaust I dont think I will ever change out.
My only complaint, yes the tips fade to a brownish color. For $350 instead of over $1500, I think it is well worth the money.
I bought my Z with the 304 Stainless HKS Rep on and have had no problems. The sound is great, little to absolutely no drone. I drive on the freeway everyday ~25mi. The exhaust is also ligther than the stock. It fits great, I have taken it off twice, once to add Stillen Headers and the next to add MD ART Pipes. The exhaust has now been on for 5 years with no cracks or leaks. I would never buy a knock-off, but this exhaust I dont think I will ever change out.
My only complaint, yes the tips fade to a brownish color. For $350 instead of over $1500, I think it is well worth the money.
well consider yourself lucky for getting a good fake.... Would you put an eBay exhaust on a GTR? NO. not saying a 350z is a GTR, but its a well performing sports car and it doesn't deserve these crap Chinese fake material parts a bunch of Z owners keep using. It's just saddening to see all these people ruining the Z name by "ricing" out their Z with cheap & fake parts.. If you cant afford quality parts why buy a quality car? But its your car so your free to do whatever you want with it. I'm just here stating my personal opinions
Like I said, I wouldnt have bought it, I agree the car deserves better but the car came with it. If you read my other post you would see that I added quality parts to my exhaust, MotorDyne and Stillen... Im just stating my expirience with the replica and I feel the one that I have is obviously made with pretty good quality.
Last edited by tbruner; Aug 23, 2012 at 08:12 AM.
Like I said, I wouldnt have bought it, I agree the car deserves better but the car came with it. If you read my other post you would see that I added quality parts to my exhaust, MotorDyne and Stillen... Im just stating my expirience with the replica and I feel the one that I have is obviously made with pretty good quality.