Cat back install is easy...HFC's? Not so much

[audtatious]

So, got with Mike yesterday and we swapped in the Invidia Gemini cat back. The installation was not that difficult and it only took a couple hours. I'll tell you one thing, Invidia is serious about their packaging and the cat back was easily delivered without a scratch.

The exhaust sounds great and the ole butt-dyno tells me the car is quicker. There were three issues during the installation tho. First, we did not install the HFC's as we had the car on jack stands instead of a lift and the third bolt was simply too daunting of a task late on a Saturday afternoon. Arrangements will be made soon to get it on a lift to install these shortly. During the initial start we had a couple "water leaks" from the gaskets and adjusted all but one of them to stop, thus no leaks. A third one we could not stop it from dripping but after a road test it stopped on its own. Finally, the car smoked like it had a blown head gasket. Pretty funny but after a while it had finally burnt out all the oils and such from manufacturing and quit. It's a good thing because the car stunk

So far, so good. I'll post a audio clip soon. I have a thread in the "G35 and G37 Engine, Drivetrain & Tuning" forum which links to my how-to.

[audtatious]

Here's a short clip. I could not really rev it much as the old folks across the street were having some outdoor family event. The G37 won't allow you to rev past 5k anyway

http://www.nicoclub.com/Matt/Invidia-exhaust.wmv

[G_whizz]

Sounds good from here. Would like to hear a drive by! And Give her a NICE REV!!

Why made you choose Invidia over Stillen?

[audtatious]

Good reviews and cost.

Doubt I'm going to have time for a drive-by. Might try and do it right before the HFC install if I get a chance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn2QiIXexFA

The above is the same exhaust but without the rolled tip. Has HFC's

[G_whizz]

Sounds great!



As for cost...what was the damage? Is it that much less then Stillen? They have Stillen's right now for the G37 for $999.99 at

http://www.g35parts.com/Infini...6.htm

What are the HP/TQ gains for the Invidia? There's a reason I'm asking you all this

[joe603]

There's a reason I'm asking you all this

Did you decide on the coupe or sedan?

[G_whizz]

Did you decide on the coupe or sedan?

Shhhh...you'll have to wait...

[RED_DET]

I will take care of you on the price and it will be much cheaper than STillen.

[G_whizz]

I will take care of you on the price and it will be much cheaper than STillen.

Good to know!!! But what are the gains like? I can't seem to find info on this...

[joe603]

I'm interested too...noticed you have a few intake kits. Probably get that first

[audtatious]

Good to know!!! But what are the gains like? I can't seem to find info on this...

Saw a dyno at one point that showed 17hp-ish?

Can't find it now and you can't really believe those numbers anyway.

[SteveTheTech]

HFC+VQ37= winfail

[audtatious]

HFC+VQ37= winfail

Why's that?

[tollboothwilley]

with HFC on the VQ you will lose a little low end for a nice gain in the upper RPM range.

That third bolt that you speak of is best access from a long long extension via the engine bay I've done enough HFC installs in those cramped areas to know your pain. I can do them pretty fast now though.

[audtatious]

Since I can break the tires loose easily from a stop I think losing a bit of low-end won't hurt that much.

[SteveTheTech]

HFC+VQ37= winfail

Why's that?

I'm not going to start this debate again, I respect your choices. From a warranty stand point they suck...for you. Nissan has finally wised up to HFCs and now knows what to ask for when a dealer requests an engine replacement. Even if you know someone you still might be in limbo for a while, if something goes awry. The HFCs just arn't of the same quality. They do sound good though, so there are tough decisions to be made.

[audtatious]

I missed the original debate. Link?