*RECENT UPDATE to mods - De-tuned

[CPJ LB]

I have set in motion my 2012 project for the M...just gonna rest before the holidays and enjoy before starting the new year with some upgrades.

I rec'd the midnight blk grille from the Tuner Store -- big thanks to you!! Looks good. I am just waiting for the '08 front bumper to be delivered and will have it prepped/painted/installed in Jan...
I am planning on doing so fabricating to the front as well as the rear bumper -- DIFFUSER (AMG Style)

Also picked up a used set of Berk High Flow Cats that I'll throw on as well. Gonna reinstall my Motordyne Y pipe w/resonator module. I'll test out the HFC's and Ypipe for a good month and then decide if I will upgrade from my Megan axle backs to a larger diameter exhaust -- I'll keep you all posted if I decide to change -- then the Megans will be up for sale.

Will also throw on Megan Coilovers (LP Series) once all the body work is done...my H-Techs and sport shocks may be up for sale as well....

picks included of current parts

[cruzad3r]

did you buy that motordyne y pipe and resonator new? how much and where?

[radigan]

Will the exhaust upgrade keep the sound level near to stock? Even if you were to add the megan axel back? If yes then I want to do this as well...

[CPJ LB]

did you buy that motordyne y pipe and resonator new? how much and where?

Yup bought it new....I went online at motordyne and had a long talk with Tony the owner...got really educated of its gains...ordered mine thru a local performance Nissan shop. I got mine discounted. Normally they run 435 or so. But you can get em cheap now on used classifieds.....

[CPJ LB]

Will the exhaust upgrade keep the sound level near to stock? Even if you were to add the megan axel back? If yes then I want to do this as well...

Anytime a change us made to free up the exhaust it'll increase sound...the key is to tune it correctly.....my exhaust sounds higher than stock at idle..but opens up nice when you euro in it....I have sound clips....check my posts...will repost once all is done.

also I think if you are just looking to swap out your mufflers with just the Megan axle backs, you'll be fine. your car will sound better but not over the top. you and I have the same car, I believe, so you'll still have a pleasant sounding ride.

[cruzad3r]

so these exhaust part just bolt right up? do we need to worry about reducer or any connecting pipe?

[CPJ LB]

so these exhaust part just bolt right up? do we need to worry about reducer or any connecting pipe?

yes...these parts bolt right up. the only time a reducer is needed is if you are running a bigger outlet diameter to a smaller inlet diameter.

for instance, when I originally installed the MD y pipe (two inlets from cats are 2.5" that merge into a single 3" ) I ran a reducer since my Megan Mid pipe inlet - neck is 2.5" -- I found I wasn't getting the full potential, although still a lot better than stock, due to the unequal tubing. the reducer helped, but I took it out altogether (MD y pipe and reducer) and installed a stock G35 Y pipe which blended evenly with the Megan Mid pipe...I'm still running now. my power is still there. But once I install the Berk HFC's, I will put back the MD Y pipe for overall better flow efficiency. BUT will either run a bigger Mid pipe and axle backs or just fabricate the Megan mid pipe at the neck.

I think if you are going to get HFC's, it'll be beneficial to have the same diameter from your HFCs to your Ypipe...otherwise you will get major rasp. exhaust flow will be hitting metal and not 100% of the flow will be passed along...turbulance.

here's a few pix I took when I installed the Megan and later installed the MD y pipe...love the stainless steel look..

Motordyne xyz pipe bolted right up to stock Cats


Megan Mid pipe bolted to y pipe


Muffler shot


If I find a different set up that I like, I'll prolly swap out the Megan Mids and axle backs for another stainless steel set up (working on fabricating something with a big exhaust company -- it's currently in the developement stage so can't really give out info)....

[cruzad3r]

ok so here's my plan. i already have greddy cat back and i'm thinking about hooking it up with the Berk HFC. that means i still have the stock y pipe. my question to you since you seem like you've invested a lot in this exhaust business. do i need anything else to make the installation a breeze. are these pipe's diameter in check? do you see any potential issue?

[CPJ LB]

ok so here's my plan. i already have greddy cat back and i'm thinking about hooking it up with the Berk HFC. that means i still have the stock y pipe. my question to you since you seem like you've invested a lot in this exhaust business. do i need anything else to make the installation a breeze. are these pipe's diameter in check? do you see any potential issue?

The Berk HFC will bolt right up to the stock Y pipe -- I'm not 100% certain the inlet diameter of the stock Y pipe, though...I've been looking around for those measurements (cause I know I took them down before) I do know the Berks outlet diameter (that leads to the Ypipe are 2.5"). you have the Greddy mid pipe and mufflers?? I'm gonna run downstairs to the garage and look again for those measurements...give me a minute...

[CPJ LB]

ok the Berks have an inlet and outlet diameter of 2.5"

the stock ypipe 'may' have two inlet diameters of 2" that exit to a single (almost 2.5") the only possible issues I see happening is the flow from the Berks to your ypipe. That's why I'm going to go back to my MD ypipe to accept the larger flow from the Berks. I do have an extra Megan Ypipe still laying around in my garage. the diameters are two 2.5 inlets that exits to a single 3".

[JDMlove]

ok! so now i need Y pipe with 2.5 inlet to match with my Berk's HFC!!

And u say the the MD Y pipe will fit our M without any modification!! and it got the same inlet diameter of the HFC Outlet?

[CPJ LB]

ok! so now i need Y pipe with 2.5 inlet to match with my Berk's HFC!!

And u say the the MD Y pipe will fit our M without any modification!! and it got the same inlet diameter of the HFC Outlet?

As I have the 06 M sport, I'm not 100% certain if there is a difference in Ypipes with the M35x -- can either you or Cruzad3r take a snap shot of the Y pipe or undercarrage?? or even if Fat3oy can chime in on this...I think he has the X too.

any Ypipe with an inlet of 2.5" will suffice...

[cruzad3r]

will do when i'm brave enough to go under the car ; it's frikin freezing outside. i live in CT, and we're in the middle of the winter. it's cold over here man

- CPJ i do have Greddy cat back but i'm unsure of the diameter. i have to say, i'm actually excited to see so many people invested their time in modding the car performance. keep going guys!

[zerg711]

ok! so now i need Y pipe with 2.5 inlet to match with my Berk's HFC!!

And u say the the MD Y pipe will fit our M without any modification!! and it got the same inlet diameter of the HFC Outlet?

As I have the 06 M sport, I'm not 100% certain if there is a difference in Ypipes with the M35x -- can either you or Cruzad3r take a snap shot of the Y pipe or undercarrage?? or even if Fat3oy can chime in on this...I think he has the X too.

any Ypipe with an inlet of 2.5" will suffice...

If X's underbody looks like FX's AWD, you will need a different Y-pipe. A regular Y-pipe will get in the way of the AWD system.

[CPJ LB]

I dropped off the engine cover at the body shop -- gonna paint it all black (the "V6 3.5" will be black, too) and the infiniti emblem will remain shiny!!

...I'm really considering painting my wheels (Concept one RS8's) from matte black to a silver/anthrecite combo...decisions, decisions....I wish I were good at photoshop

[The Bodyguard]

I dropped off the engine cover at the body shop -- gonna paint it all black (the "V6 3.5" will be black, too) and the infiniti emblem will remain shiny!!

...I'm really considering painting my wheels (Concept one RS8's) from matte black to a silver/anthrecite combo...decisions, decisions....I wish I were good at photoshop

NICE!! I am going to go with the Megan mid pipes on my M45S as the new year turns to match the diameter in my axle backs! Also, looking to paint my engine bay covers...can you post some pics when finished so I can get an idea of the finished look!!

[CPJ LB]

I dropped off the engine cover at the body shop -- gonna paint it all black (the "V6 3.5" will be black, too) and the infiniti emblem will remain shiny!!

...I'm really considering painting my wheels (Concept one RS8's) from matte black to a silver/anthrecite combo...decisions, decisions....I wish I were good at photoshop

NICE!! I am going to go with the Megan mid pipes on my M45S as the new year turns to match the diameter in my axle backs! Also, looking to paint my engine bay covers...can you post some pics when finished so I can get an idea of the finished look!!

cool bro!!! I agree, the Megan mids will def have your exhaust sounding even better...as far as the engine cover, i will either go matte or gloss black -- here's a shot of something similar that I found except my lettering will be black and the infiniti emblem will remain the same.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a194/ ... 6e09fc.jpg

[CPJ LB]

ok -- dropped off the car to get the bumper swap started....hopefully will have it done by Saturday...gonna install the Berk HFC's by next week -- I don't think I'll do the job myself since it'll require two people and a lift...

[cruzad3r]

this car has way too many pieces of exhaust! frkin hell!

why do you need 2 ppl for the HFC? i can understand the lift but 2 ppl? unless you want to get it done in half the time even though you still pay full price (labor wise)

[CPJ LB]

this car has way too many pieces of exhaust! frkin hell!

why do you need 2 ppl for the HFC? i can understand the lift but 2 ppl? unless you want to get it done in half the time even though you still pay full price (labor wise)

Well I'm taking the car to my buddies shop....I'm good with the free install ... I just can't do it myself do to a recent back injury....I know the bolts on the stocks cats will be a b#$*! to undo...gonna need some wd40 and some good torque! Lol....

[06M4.5]

I dropped off the engine cover at the body shop -- gonna paint it all black (the "V6 3.5" will be black, too) and the infiniti emblem will remain shiny!!

...I'm really considering painting my wheels (Concept one RS8's) from matte black to a silver/anthrecite combo...decisions, decisions....I wish I were good at photoshop

NICE!! I am going to go with the Megan mid pipes on my M45S as the new year turns to match the diameter in my axle backs! Also, looking to paint my engine bay covers...can you post some pics when finished so I can get an idea of the finished look!!

[CPJ LB]

^ I've said it before....simply KLEAN!!! by chance do you have the R2C intake for the M45??? I don't remember if you hooked it up on your ride....

[06M4.5]

I was holding off for a while as I haven't seen anyone post any real proof that the intake alone would give 10+ HP as stated. I haven't heard anyone do a before and after dyno run to see what gains or lost show up with out a tune.

Also the price is some what on the high side for a short intake. Paying $300+ for just looks (3-5" of pipe with covers on) and no gains, just alot of sound is out of my reach. My pockets are not that deep. When the intake came out I did make an offer to buy it just for looks even if it didn't produce any gains but I wasn't ready to spend $300+ in this manner.

Most that have installed different intakes on the M45 say that it sounds good but at a cost of lost torq. Some have even re-installed the oem intake back. Word is that the best intake is the oem with the K&N drop-in filter.

If any gains are to be had with any aftermarket intake & exhaust together the car needs to be tuned on a dyno.

So for now I'll sit on the side and wait to see what happens, my car at no time is used as a racing car it's just the family car.

[cruzad3r]

JB - yes, i wouldn't complaint if i get the installation done for free so you're right. one request is since you're not doing the work and have access to the guys while they work, if you don't mind snapping lots of picture where the joints, rusted bolts, hard to reach areas, basically any tips you can share on the installation, that would be great.

Freddie (M4.5) - how about you and i go to home depot, buy some pcv pipe and create out own custom cold air intake?

[CPJ LB]

JB - yes, i wouldn't complaint if i get the installation done for free so you're right. one request is since you're not doing the work and have access to the guys while they work, if you don't mind snapping lots of picture where the joints, rusted bolts, hard to reach areas, basically any tips you can share on the installation, that would be great.

Freddie (M4.5) - how about you and i go to home depot, buy some pcv pipe and create out own custom cold air intake?

certaintly will take lots of pix of the under carriage view and top view...I think Berk also has a DIY video out there on how to install the HFC's...they make it look soooo easy

@ Freddie, I agree with your statement about the intakes...I'm good with my K&N drop in...

***********************************
well...I got my car back today -- 08 bumper swap completed!!

I must say, when I picked up the car, I was speachless...totally different looking car...I'm choosing to keep the front lic plate off...the front looks more aggressive. The grille I had painted the bottom piece black as well.

I had them customize the mesh screen to complete the bottom bumper openings....I'm toying with the idea of removing the fog light (round) and putting in the LED style strip instead...decisions, decisions...

fitment is great, paint is great...overall satisfied. I'm going to install new wheel well splash guards as the '06 doesn't quite match up with the '08 bumper (those were not available at the time the order for the bumper was placed...not a big deal, but waiting for delivery on them) When my rear diffuser parts come in, I'll take it back to customize a "one-off" rear diffuser and add side skirts...

here's a few pix tonight when I got the car home -- camera battery dying out so the pix where switching from "low light scene" to "reg scene"...couldn't get the right adjustments, so I'll wait until tomorrow to recharge and take daytime photos...(the difference in lighting made my car look like two totally different color cars... )

BEFORE: with stock grille painted and billet grill powder coated






stock bumper w/billet grille powder coated



AFTER: the 08 bumper looks more aggressive, yet subtle and high-end






Happy New Year!!!!

[Ilya]

Is there any gaps, etc.?

I'm considering going 08+ as well since my bumper needs a respray due to chips.

[CPJ LB]

Is there any gaps, etc.?

I'm considering going 08+ as well since my bumper needs a respray due to chips.

no gaps...the fitment is great -- I've heard stories where others have bought non-oem bumpers and had fitment issues... the shop I went to is very well known in Southern Cali for doing great work on imports....when I picked up my car last night, they were doing a 'one-off' rear bumper and trunk on a GTR --- DAMN!!! and had another GTR in the lot getting ready for some work.

here are some pix I took this morning...







passenger side


middle & grille


driver side light




pass. side light


lower mesh grille

[CPJ LB]

here's a video that I shot today...wanted to see how the new bumper looked while in motion...and get a "before" sound clip prior to me adding the Berk High Flow Cats...I'll shoot another video once I get the exhaust finalized
For those of you 'on the fence' for getting the 08 bumper swap done, I say "GO FOR IT"....it is a very good upgrade.

***Disclaimer****

during the initial take off, I was ready to hit 2nd gear(in the sweet spot RPM's) but at the corner of my eyes, at the small side street on the right, I thought I saw Long Beach Police so I let off quickly...then realized it was a "security car" / "rent-a-cop" patrolling the area which actually turned the other direction woooow!!!

the 2nd pass was on a slight roll, then was able to hit pretty good on the RPM's...anyways, enjoy...I'll try and improve my video techniques or just hire a pro....

http://youtu.be/KE2uQudcFZE

[mr_luv]

Looks good i need to get some lower grills for my bumper too, how much did your shop charge you for them?

[CPJ LB]

Looks good i need to get some lower grills for my bumper too, how much did your shop charge you for them?

^ thanks Luv...I remember seeing your posts when you got yours done too....what a difference, right!! makes you appreciate your car even more....

the lower mesh grills weren't pricey at all -- although built in the price i would say less than $200 including the modification and hanging brackets for the fog lights. I went with a 'smaller mesh' style screen instead of a larger mesh screen...made it look better. The mesh material is very durable, too. to the touch it's solid, unlike other flimsy mesh. being that you installed your own bumper swap, you would save more by getting the material...you're pretty handy so it shouldn't cost you a lot....

by the way, did you get fog bezels?? I'm looking to get the bezels from the 2011 M...waiting for the shop to hook that up.

got some more shots this evening....