Couldn't we just use Magnaflow or Random Tech cats that have been proven to work on Corvettes, Vipers, Ferraris etc etc, instead of the Berk HFC?

Considering theyre about 60% less in cost too?

 

Most people don't want to splice new cats into the stock pipes because they like to have a set of stockers in case they ever need to go back to stock. Some people like to do the install themselves too, which is a lot easier when you just bolt it on.

 

The actual cat parts on all of the aftermarket vendors are Magnaflow cats. You are paying for the R&D and materials on the piping.
Any one have an idea on how much just the cat box costs, just for comparisons?

 

Magnaflow HFC's should work... They were around $90 each last time I checked... But yeah, they should work fine... If anything, you could have a reputable muffler shop just fab you the piping you need to make them work... Shouldn't be too tough IMO...

 

I fail to see where there is any R&D work done at all, when I can pay a reputable exhaust guy $50 to make 4 cuts and 4 welds, and be done with it.

It doesn't take genius to cut/weld/bend pipe. But as stated below, the cats are $90/ea retail. So add another $50-$100 to have a shop cut/weld them in.

 

I definitely see your point, but from a cost savings perspective it's still cheaper to have them cut/welded in.

 

Also, the new Berks (v2) have a larger diameter pipe. I see you point about four cuts and four welds, though. They are pretty pricey for the little amount of work in them. The local exhaust guru around here put a single 3" ATR exhaust on my Buick TR and put in a high flow magnaflow 3" cat and installed my downpipe while he was at it for only about 400 bucks. I brought in the exhaust and downpipe, but that price included the cat.

 

if you use the same internals then piping is piping. most of the time you're paying for name so yes magnaflow would work.