*RECENT UPDATE to mods - De-tuned

[mr_luv]

Thanks thats what i figured it was just wanted to get word before assuming... Yea I bolted my fogs directly to the bumper mines fitted right up no brackets needed. I am actually going to do a fog delete and throw in some SMD action down there.

[CPJ LB]

***Berks HFC installed yesterday***

Confirmed that High flow cats from 350Z/G35 (VQDE motors) "DO" fit the M35's (VQDE motors) there is no extra modifications needed (extensions, new bolts, etc) the HFC's are just plug and play. I forgot my camera in my friend's car, so will upload pix later tomorrow.

the install took about an hour or so (lots of talking in between the install and question/answers, etc)
used a lot of WD-40, several extensions for the ratchets and HID flashlights...and oh, a large fan to help cool off the exhaust/cats

First I had the Megan ypipe installed to the HFC's -- at start up it sounded really good -- really woke up the exhaust note!! Drove around until the engine got warm and went on the fwy -- the power increase was very obvious. From the mid to upper RPM's the car put down more power. the sound of the exhaust at WOT was very nice, but really loud. During cruising, at low rpm's the sound was deep. Speeding up from 2k to 3k it got too loud -- I was surprised -- then it would taper off. The cabin noise increased during the 2K - 3k range...

Today I swapped out the Megan ypipe and put back the stock ypipe -- good sound quality especially from the 2k - 3k range. at WOT it sounded really good. I was surprised to find out there was no rasp (my original thinking was there would be since two different diameters were in place) I will drive around more with the stock ypipe to really get a better impression. My last change will be taking out the stock ypipe and putting in the Motordyne xyz pipe. we'll see. I will be meeting with an exhaust expert on Monday to talk about changing my system into a true dual exhaust -- keeping the Megan mufflers but removing the first section of the mid pipe in order to go dual to the mufflers also running a resonated X pipe that will connect from the cats...

it'll be interesting....for all I know, I could just switch out the Megans altogether and try something else....

[bbs350z]

now that is a good looking car.

[JDMlove]

thats weird, i am having the Berk HFC with the Stock Y pipe and there is Rasp at 3k 4k rpm.

Btw M35X Y pipe look exactly like the 350Z HR Y pipe!!

another thing, i installed the plenum spacer with the HFC at the same time, when accelerate hard, i feel that there is something holding the RPM at 2.5k to 3.5k and then its flies to red line!!

i guess i have to change my Y pipe and see

[07sportm35]

Great job. The "08" front bumper looks really good.

[CPJ LB]

now that is a good looking car.

^ thank you sir!!! isn't Diamond Graphite a great color!!? Our cars almost look identical

thats weird, i am having the Berk HFC with the Stock Y pipe and there is Rasp at 3k 4k rpm.

Btw M35X Y pipe look exactly like the 350Z HR Y pipe!!

another thing, i installed the plenum spacer with the HFC at the same time, when accelerate hard, i feel that there is something holding the RPM at 2.5k to 3.5k and then its flies to red line!!

i guess i have to change my Y pipe and see

^ you have to imagine that you are trying to get all that air going in and then being released thru the Berks and into your stock set-up...I think you still have a stock exhaust, right?? if so, you are trying to push out a lot of volume from your stock exhaust piping and mufflers...currently your system isn't free flowing -- too many different transition sizes and your car isn't tuned, yet. your car may be running lean, then at a specific rpm, the computer says "better dump some fuel"....

[CPJ LB]

Great job. The "08" front bumper looks really good.

^ thanks, I appreciate the comments....are you planning to do the bumper conversion, too?? In my opinion, it is money well spent...it gives the car a new facelift and makes it 'appear' new again

[CPJ LB]

ok I finally got around to uploading the pix of when I got the Berk High flow Cats put in...

I think the most time used was removing the Z-tube from the engine bay in order to access the manifold bolts from the top side --

the stock cats weighed almost 15 pounds each!!! HOLY Sh*t...I couldn't believe how much weight was being held up in that area. The Berk HFC's were a lot less -- maybe 5 lbs..? What a difference.

Installed Berks to Megan Ypipe, then removed Megan ypipe and installed stock G35 ypipe (still have on)

impressions = more power throughout powerband -- the car feels like it "opened up" even more. the exhaust note also increased

I'm currently on the drawing board with a new exhaust set up -- possibly true dual so I 'may' be swapping out the megan Mids and axle backs -- I'll keep everyone posted

Heavy stock cats (approx 15 pounds each!!!)



outlet view of exhaust manifold/header
driver side



pass side


Berks in place - perfect fit - no extensions needed


o2 sensor bung -- fits perfect and no Check engine light


Berks bolted up to Megan Ypipe

[CPJ LB]

....I'm gonna drive around with the Berks and current set up for about a month and push the car hard...I want to see how the Berks hold up.

Options:
true dual exhaust from the cats, but run 2.25" x two instead of 2.5"
change out Berks for another set of HFC's (2.25" outlets vs. the Berks 2.5" outlets)
swap out the Megan mids & axle backs (2.5") for a set up that is 2.25"
also run a resonated Xpipe

...I'll try and get a sound clip of my current set up....

[cruzad3r]

so the G35 ypipe fit as well as a megan ypipe? what year is your donor g35 ypipe? as for the megan ypipe, how does it stack against the Motordyne ypipe? i'm having a hard time locating part out for these frikin exhaust pieces so if you're thinking about getting rid of something, keep me posted!

[CPJ LB]

so the G35 ypipe fit as well as a megan ypipe? what year is your donor g35 ypipe? as for the megan ypipe, how does it stack against the Motordyne ypipe? i'm having a hard time locating part out for these frikin exhaust pieces so if you're thinking about getting rid of something, keep me posted!

pretty much all ypipes that go with the G35 (years 03-06 (or 07) AND VQDE motors) will match up with the M35. The stock ypipe is off an 06 G35. The Megan ypipe does a good job of a free flowing ypipe, it's also light. The MD ypipe is so much better -- flow, quality welds, appearance, etc. I'll keep you posted when i'm gonna swap out parts

I'd really like to see a pix of the ypipe for the M35x or the under carriage.

[JDMlove]

except m35x, m35x use the exact Y pipe that in 350z HR motor!

i made a mistake i ordered 350Z DE motor Y pipe, now i have to modify it

[CPJ LB]

here's a video with the Berk HFC's...so I've had them on for just over 2 weeks...sound is really good and the flow/power is very noticeable... I'm gonna go to a true dual exhaust so the Megan's will eventually come off.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6khi343I ... e=youtu.be[/youtube]

[kermit the guy]

sounds really good!!!! i need to get some high flowcats , the stock ones are to heavy and too low i scrape on those things!! how much were the HFC 's ??

[CPJ LB]

sounds really good!!!! i need to get some high flowcats , the stock ones are to heavy and too low i scrape on those things!! how much were the HFC 's ??

thanks man!! the HFC's really opens up the car...on the fwy it's rediculous...it all comes together with the K&N, plenum spacer, mrev2, Uprev, HFC's, exhaust...in the upper RPM's is where the car comes alive!!! Was on the 405 fwy this afternoon -- no traffic in front of me -- so in the fast lane I let her go.....man!!! talk about extra pulling!!! the car seemed it had a lot more to go, but I shut it down....I can't wait to get my true dual built!!!

I got the Berk HFC's from a member on the G forum -- I paid just under $300. slightly used -- he had it on a show car, so the HFC's were in great condition. I will be swapping out the Berks for a new set up of HFC's when the true dual exhaust system is built. I will be posting the Berks for sale when everything is ready....

I must say, you will also save weight once you change to HFC's....like I mentioned in my post, the stock cats are heavy a$$ pieces of metal -- prolly iron blocks literally almost 15lbs each!!

I started to think, if those stock cats are that heavy, it must put a lot of stress on the front end especially if your car is lowered....

with the HFC's I do not scrape...so I get the best of both worlds -- less weight and no scrapes.

[cruzad3r]

so key word here is to scout FS section on all those 350z/g35 forum for parts. sometimes you get lucky, most time you don't because well you have a lot of VULTURES circling around these parts out

anyway, sounds really loud. i already have Greedy Cat Back so hopefully with the HFC and some sort of alternative Y-Pipe will deffy help free up some powAH.

btw, do you notice any gain in your MPG with your current setup? understand everyone drives differently but when you're not going crazy and drive normally, do you see a gain?

[CPJ LB]

so key word here is to scout FS section on all those 350z/g35 forum for parts. sometimes you get lucky, most time you don't because well you have a lot of VULTURES circling around these parts out

anyway, sounds really loud. i already have Greedy Cat Back so hopefully with the HFC and some sort of alternative Y-Pipe will deffy help free up some powAH.

btw, do you notice any gain in your MPG with your current setup? understand everyone drives differently but when you're not going crazy and drive normally, do you see a gain?

if you get HFC's it'll definately free up the flow and power.

I have the HFC's on for more than 2 weeks and have noticed mpg gain. the first week was hard since I was pedal happy but right now with normal day to day driving, the mpg has gone up from 15.2 mpg to 17.6 mpg

My car is also tuned correctly. Once I get the true dual system installed, I will get it re-tuned and also get a good comparison of the extra HP/TQ gains. oh the joys!!!!

[cruzad3r]

hey is there a chance that you can take pics of your complete exhaust system? from the HFC to Y pipe to mid pipe to mufflers? i really need to see all of these parts. especially when the M35's layout is different than the M35x. thanks

[wingFeather]

Where can I get my hands on that grille? Checked eBay & "Tunerz Store" but no luck. Thanks!

[CPJ LB]

Where can I get my hands on that grille? Checked eBay & "Tunerz Store" but no luck. Thanks!

you can try Riverside Infiniti, but I think most of the tuner/parts dept all went to Orange County (OC Infiniti) http://ocinfiniti.com/parts/parts_department.html
Just ask for the 'Midnight Black Grille'

Although I picked up my midnight black grille from the 'Tunerz Store', I get a lot of my OEM items from OC infiniti. I just drive in and talk with the parts dept -- they are all car enthusiasts


here's a link for Riverside Infiniti: http://www.ebay.com/itm/INFINITI-M35-M4 ... 483bded8f5

[mexillis]

[quote="CPJ LB"]
Motordyne xyz pipe bolted right up to stock Cats


why did you go under the piece that connects on both sides of the undercarriage? Also did you end up keeping the xyz pipe installed?

[CPJ LB]

Hey Mex! Thanks....I had the xyz pipe stored in the garage for awhile and decided to install it with the HFC's....Man! Better flow and power....I plan on keeping it now .... The piece doesn't fit 'over' the under carriage brace....never thought of changing it or remove it....I think it acts as a heat shield also....too bad they don't make the xyz for the m45....

[mexillis]

I just noticed that the piece I mentioned wasnt on my car, I have the 2nd one further back, removed it to tuck in my current set up. Who says it wont fit the M45? I might be throwing it on mine unless a local shop can make me something else for cheaper.

[The Bodyguard]

Wondering how much you paid for your 08+ front bumper?? Also, did you get it painted at the shop that installed it?? How much did you spend on the complete deal?? I will possibly be replacing my front bumper (cracked it on a curve) I've gotten prices ranging from $450 bumper only no paint to $900 bumper, painted and installed!!

[mexillis]

buy the bumper on ebay if you can find it. I have seen em for 150 prepped.

[The Bodyguard]

buy the bumper on ebay if you can find it. I have seen em for 150 prepped.

I haven't been able to find this model/ yr and sport bumper on Ebay... I'll keep checking periodically but no luck so far...

[CPJ LB]

Wondering how much you paid for your 08+ front bumper?? Also, did you get it painted at the shop that installed it?? How much did you spend on the complete deal?? I will possibly be replacing my front bumper (cracked it on a curve) I've gotten prices ranging from $450 bumper only no paint to $900 bumper, painted and installed!!

I wanna say 800 is a fair price for the bumper/paint/install....I had other custom stuff done like the lower grilles and fogs done in mesh so I paid a little more, but you should try and buy the bumper from infiniti parts usa... They sell OEM. I got my oem 08bumper from the dealer at close to wholesale.

[The Bodyguard]

Ok kool thanks!!

[CPJ LB]

**UPDATE**

ok...it's been really fun adding the performance mods to my car , ie; BERK High Flow Cats, Megan exhaust, Motordyne xyz mid pipe, etc....

I have decided to 'de-tune' my car...just a little The time has come for my 15yr old son to start driving Soooo...since I've taken off the HFC's (I believe in May?) to get my car smogged, I haven't put them back on since...I've also picked up a set of used stock M mufflers from a fellow Nico member ( I've taken off the Megan axle backs, installed the stock M mufflers -- and added aftermarket tips) just to 'quiet' down the car while my son uses my car to practice -- I'm desperately trying to avoid any possible chances of him getting pulled over by Long Beach PD...I can't afford that happening....But I must say, the sound quality and performance is still really good. I'm running the Megan Midpipes, Motordyne xyz pipe, stock cats (along with my breather mods: spacer, Mrev2, z tube, K&N drop in, etc.... If I have time this weekend, I'll get up another video to show how the exhaust sounds...at start up, it sounds like the G35 coupe...at cruising it is really comfortable, when I step on it, the sound opens up...I'm really pleased -- and so is my son

For those of you that want to keep your stock mufflers, but want a little bit more punch, I would suggest getting the Megan midpipe and start from there...If you want the full exhaust note experience, then go all out and get the Megan mids, axle backs, different y-pipe....here are my vids on how my car sounded for an idea....

Megan mids, axle backs and stock ypipe
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE2uQudc ... el&list=UL[/youtube]


with Highflow cats:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6khi343I ... el&list=UL[/youtube]

[The Bodyguard]

Nice!! Love it!!