Hey guys I have an 09 g37x coupe with r2c black hex intakes and ark exhaust. was wondering what the difference between the two were and if anyone had any recommendations on which to get. Looking to get some more power but I also don't want to make my car sound disgustingly loud. any help is appreciated as always!

 

In my limited experience with the VQ...

Test Pipes: Less restrictive = More power, More Rasp and louder than HFCs

HFC: Less restrictive = more power gained (not as much as test pipes), Less Rasp, Louder
but not as loud as test pipes

 

Any recommendation on brands? Was looking at FI resonated HFC

 

The power difference between HFC and Test pipes is negligible. Pick something that fits your budget and will compliment the ARK. The FI RHFC is a good choice but it is expensive.

You also have to keep in mind about emissions if that applies to you.

Not all test pipes rasp on VQ. I have ART Pipes with 0 rasp. But, someone with a different catback could have rasp with ART Pipes. Too many variables to make a blanket statement about Test pipes/HFC's causing rasp on VQ's.

 

I have berk HFC, no rasp, no drone etc quiet and tamed paired with Invidia gemini and happy with it for now. Was thinking about switching to art pipes cuz I read lots of articles that honeycomb inside berks fail throughout time.

 

if I get the FI RHFC u think itll make my engine light go off? emissions shouldn't be a problem. im in jersey and I think cali is the only place that really cares. I don't want any rasp and heard great things about FI and that the resonated hfc don't cause any rasp. I know they mad expensive but im open to splurging now and then

 

All depends on your set-up but the VQ is notorious for rasp...you run a higher chance wit test pipes than you do HFCs. ARK uses hemholtz resonance so they're not straight test pipes and the price is a reflection of that...

As for test pipes I'd look at FI and maybe AAM? Either way, I'd go with resonated instead of a straight through design.

Edit: addressing the post above, RHFC seem to be drone free when discussed by their wners. They love them and they're supposed to be CEL free. If you happen to get a CEL..well, that's what tunes are for

 

I thought about getting berks but with the ark exhaust I think it makes it really raspy. my exhaust is fairly loud already just could use a little extra umph if you get my drift

 

Is the Ark a 2.25'' system?

 

Ark is 2.5

 

The FI RHFCs & RTPs use the extended O2 port that is counter to the exhaust flow, this is the BEST design for no CEL issues. AFAIK there hasn't been any CELs thrown w/ this design. My RTPs (mine are FI clones from OBX) have the same O2 port and no CEL for about 25k miles now.

Agree about going resonated w/ whichever pipe you go with, you'll be happy you did

 

also test pipes smell so if you dont want that get hfc

 

So are u saying that if I get the FI RHFC I shouldn't get any engine lights or anything like that?

 

I have FI rhfc, as long as you dont get a cel you will pass.

 

hows your experience with them. You think they a good fit for an ark catback? did yours cause the CEL to go off?