Well, I finally did it. It started with slight disappointment with my Tanabe Medalion, which made me shorten the resonators. After I shortened the resonators I still wanted more... which pointed me to this. I compared prices between a few vendors on the site and I ended up ordering Kinetix HFCs from JM Auto Sports at $379.00 for the set.

This is part of my "budget build", I wanted to create a cost efficient system that fit my needs. I spent $523 on the Tanabe, $180 for the resonators + install and a total of $420 for the HFCs + install. I am aware that I did essentially spend what the price of a catback system would be, but I am beyond happy with the way this turned out.

The Tanabe alone was honestly no different than stock until you got on it, and even then there really was no discernable difference. However, it did give it a very good look.

Shortening the resonators paired with the Tanabes really did bring that system to where it should've been. It brought the VQ note we all know to life, and with the windows rolled down and NO music playing you could hear the exhaust somewhat humming in the background. There was ZERO drone or rasp but it was just missing some "throat" if that makes sense.

Cue the HFCs. Being a senior in college I didn't have the money to drop 500 bucks on Berks (although I very much would have liked to), so I settled with Kinetix. I read some reviews, saw some really good ones and some not so good ones but live and learn right? Upon arrival they were seemingly very well put together, welds were great, not a scuff on the pipes. Kinetix included gaskets and all of the needed nuts/bolts. Install took about two hours with myself and two of my good friends who are mechanics.

The HFCs brought the exhaust note from a 6.5/10 (with shortened resonators) to an honest 8.5/10. I can hear the exhaust humming with my windows up cruising, but it is not even remotely overbearing. It brought the franken-system to life and really pulled everything into unison. The VQ note is very apparent when driving by (doesn't sound like a ricer), it sounds very throaty and there is no rasp or drone.

Here is a quick clip of a warm start with some revs:
I will do my best to get some fly by clips, and under load clips as well. If there are any angles or clips you want me to take let me know and I will be happy to help!

Overall, I am VERY pleased with how it turned out. I would absolutely do it again.

 

Wow sounds nice and clean, Nice job man!

 

Thanks I appreciate it! Im going to try to get better clips up for you guys.

 

wow, that is EXACTLY what I want to do. I have Berk HFC and Tanabe installed right now. but it's missing just a little something. I was thinking about doing a custom mid pipe but that's expensive with unknown results for sound. I love no drone/rasp and want to keep it that way so thought about shortening the resonators. maybe get coupe ones???

Yours sounds amazing. Great job.

It is a sedan right?

 

You could do that, I ordered mine from summit racing I can give you the exact part number if you want. Shortened them from 18 to 12 inches. Replacing the resonators kind of created my own custom mid pipe! Didn't feel like spending 400 on the Tanabe one lol. I have only gotten up to 60 so far for about 30 minutes and I didn't have any drone or rasp. Yes it is a sedan as well.

 

Pretty much what i want to do as well. Except, i was thinking of just removing the resonators completely. It sounds great, can't wait to do this on mine.
The tanabes are just too quiet!

 

If you decide to do that make sure you post some vids, I would be curious. Thank you though!

 

Wow that sounds awesome

 

I too have the Tanabe Mufflers, but I went wrong with getting CNT Resonated Test Pipes, I also have a Megan Y pipe and now the sound is good and loud but it has a loud metal clunking noise between 3k - 4k rpm.
I guess getting HFCs instead of Resonated Test Pipes should solve the issue

 

This sounds really good! Not too obnoxious, perfect for the sedan.