[gary748]

I finally had an opportunity to install my Nismo headers and Berk Technology B-pipes this past Sunday. After helping install 3 sets of headers and removing two it was nice to FINALLY do mine.

We did the install at my friends AAMCO shop so having access to a lift almost made the install fun! It was so much easier to do it standing up! LOL

The fit and finish of the Berk Technology B-pipes was perfect and mated to the Nismo headers and exhaust perfectly. I wanted a really high quality exhaust system and got it with this combination. Everything is SS, completely flanged and bolted together with SS nuts and bolts for a great fit and zero leaks.

My exhaust was loud before but with the addition of the headers and Berk B-pipes (HFC's) it's REALLY loud now. Drone is more noticeable and it's got a crispy raspy sound up top and at WOT. During highway cruising the headers and HFC's added some noise too. According to my sound meter the headers added 4-9 decibels(db) averaging around 92-96 (db). During WOT runs it jumped to +107 (db's) which is close to the levels of a rock concert.... not good! I plan on adding resonators into the straight section of the Nismo exhaust to help quiet it down and get rid of the raspiness up top.

Performance increased quite a bit once I got my new e-tune loaded. Prior to the new tune it was sluggish and lost power down low. It scoots pretty good now, but I'll need to run a tank of gas or two and let the ECU adjust then run more logs for some fine tuning.

Enjoy the photos!

I used all new OEM gaskets, hi-temp copper anti-seize for the O2 sensors and threads and high quality SS bolts and OEM nuts. I didn't end up using the copper RTV because the fit was so good and I didn't need the fiber gaskets included with the Berk pipes.

We drilled a small hole in the heat shield so the O2 sensor connector would be secure for a clean OEM looking install.

Check out those flanges! Perfect fit!!!

 

[gary748]

Those headers look familiar!!! LOL, very nice set-up, sorry I couldnt make it...You have one of the nicest and most expensive/rarest exhaust set-up know to man for the Titan. In fact, I bet your 1 of 1 with that exhaust! Looks amazing man! Oh don't worry, we'll be doing more headers

Headers on the GTO are a PITA... so money talks buddy. Now if you had shown up like you were supposed to... Pizza and Beer would do it.
I'm sure Nick will take payments... I know you'll be good for it!

Good job on the install. I think I noticed a little grease, or dirt, next to one of the headers. You might want to check that out.

LOL... we used gloves too! And I polished them once I got home! Must have missed a spot.

Sexy! Nismos man, that's a sick setup.

I have a few questions since I'll have DTLTs + Berks + Uprev dyno tune soon.

Did you reuse the stock gaskets on the headers or new OEMs? If new, do you have a part # you can share? For the b-pipes, looks like there's a part # in the picture.

Thanks man! You'll love the DT, Berk and UpRev set up! I used all new OEM gaskets.

The manifold gaskets are part # 14036-7S001
Metal Exhaust gaskets are part # 20692-65J00-you'll need 4 if you wanna use all metal gaskets. The Berk B-pipes come with 4 fiber gaksets and SS hardware.
I'd also recommend you get a couple of OEM studs just incase you strip sone or have some stubborn manifold nuts.
Part# 14094-JG30AE.

And finally some Copper hi-temp anti-seize. The small packet was ~$2.00 or so. It's a pain to find, so call around. Most auto parts only carry the nickel version.

Oh, pick up a can of PB Blaster and spray the heck out of those nuts while it's hot to help loosen them up. All mine came off without issues. The O2 sensors were stubborn and a PITA.

Are you doing the install? Install on a 4x4 will take you 6+ hrs on average.

 

[gary748]

Your setup looks great. How did the OEM manifolds look? Any cracks and what mileage?

No cracks Sudden but like you, my '05 has really low miles. The nuts were all still shiny and I almost didn't have to cut off the heat shields. We broke 2 of the crappy rusted bolts on each side so out came the aviation snips! A little snip here and there and some bending plus a little cursing and they slid out the bottom.

 

[gary748]

wow gary after looking at pics of the underside of your truck.. do you even drive it?? lol looks brand new,lol
nice job getting the perfect exhaust for the titan, bet it really sounds mean..

Thanks Chris! LOL... I get that a lot but I do drive it. Hey your T was/is pretty clean too especially when you were into it. Remember you served as a Bench Mark for most of us performance oriented guys! What's the latest on the 2011-2012 5.0?

 

[gary748]

Gary, I'll bring you a hooker, will that cover some GTO help? And for Nick, I'll just bring him his wheels back finally lol

LOL.. you're a trip man! If I don't talk to you before Sat, have a safe flight bro and good luck. I only heard about your wheels during my install oh, maybe.... 50,000 times! You owe me BIGTIME!!! Kinda cool a part of O-fivecc lives on in my truck.

 

[gary748]

My truck is at Uprev in Austin right now, they are putting on DT Long Tubes, Berk B Pipes, and a JBA catback. Also getting a tune.

When I dropped it off they inspected my headers and said the DT Long Tubes looked pretty well made, but they wanted to move the O2 Sensor bung further down the pipe. They also extolled the virtues of the Nismo Headers and what a shame it was they were no longer getting made, makes me jealous - although I am happy with the DT Long Tubes based on construction. Good enough for what I paid.

The DT's are a good design but I find it interesting they wanted to move the O2 sensor further down the primaries. Weird...

Were you on MT today in the shoutbox? I was talking to Dale and Randy and saw you post. Congrats on the set up and getting a tune from Jared will be killer right off the bat!

 

[gary748]

Congratulations Gary. Can you get some before and after videos? I want to hear the difference the resonators make.

Thanks Jackie! I'll try and do a before and after video.

I'm assuming MT = MightyTitans, but I don't have an account there. Is there someone on there with this username?

Funny... there was a guy on MT saying he was sitting at UpRev getting headers and UpRev installed. LOL I guess business is good!

Thank you for the info. Unfortunately I don't have the tools, a garage, and some buddies to do the install. I'm going to have a local speed shop, Specialty Z, do the install and dyno tune. I just want to make sure I have everything when I drop it off on the 27th.

DTs arrived today, included were 2 bolts and 8 nuts... seems like I'm missing some. I just shot an email to DT asking.

That sucks. Hopefully they don't screw anything up. Yes, you're missing 2 more bolts and 8 nuts.

 

[gary748]

looks great gary!!!!i bet it sounds pretty wicked too....and prob some killer top end now

Thanks Mike! Yeah it's got some killer top end and feels good all around. Sure is loud though... LOL

 

[gary748]

nice set up man!! What size diameter at the flange are the nismo headers? also the diameter of the berks b-pipes? And finally what diameter is the Nismo exhaust? thanks

Thanks man! The entire system is 2.25" from the Nismo header collector to the Berk B-pipes and finally the Nismo exhaust...

 

[gary748]

Imma total noob when it comes to exhausts but Doesnt an exhaust have to have steps to scavenge properly? Like for example 2.25" to 2.5"( smaller to bigger?)
i have no idea but that set up is gonna be a torque monster! Now what r u gonna do for traction?

What you really want in an exhaust is a nice smooth path. Going up and down in diameter reduces the exhaust gas velocity and scavenging. IMO and others, 2.25" is the best setup for power throughout the entire power band. Using larger diameter pipes allow the exhaust gases to cool down and since hotter gases flow faster, 2.25" is the ticket for NA, Titans with bolt-ons.

The x-pipe I plan on adding to the front section of the Nismo exhaust is more for sound control than the typical scavenging/balancing properties it's used for. Since the exhaust pipes are of unequal length, the effect on performance should be minimal.

As for traction, some PRG or NFabworksbars may be in the future...

Hope this helps but there's a ton of info on exhaust scavenging, x-pipes, etc on the web and on here if you want more info. So much that it'll give you a headache!!!

 

[gary748]

Gary, it's about time!!! Look's top notch bro!!!! Congrat's!!!!!

Fit & finish look great! Perfect angles @ the flanges!!! I still have a small leak on my passenger side B-Pipe exit, but i'm taking care of it this week!

LOL... I know , right!!! Only took me a year!!! Thanks Chris!!! Doing it on a lift was sooooo much easier.

007 King you need to get with Gweasel77, he's got a custom exhaust set up and you have similar mods. He's put some cash into it and a lot of thought to get back some low end lost due to the larger Banks exhaust tubing...

 

[gary748]

Mr. Gary748r... VERY NICE SET-UP. Very nice! I cannot wait to shine up my exhaust system when i get back. lol

When you get back let's do it Paul! LOL

 

[gary748]

Hmmmm...

Uprev: He's doing the Doug Thorley headers, berk b-pipes, and JBA exhaust. After finally seeing the DT headers in person... I'l only sell Stillen headers for the Titan.

No worries, it's just the techs opinion like most of the stuff on here. The 2 readily available LT headers for the Titan each have design quirks. But I wouldn't say one is marginally better over the other.

 

[gary748]

Think a chick owns this truck, too clean underneath, must be polishing stuff with her nylons.

ROLMAO... too funny Corky! But how many chicks do you know that actually keeps their vehicles clean? LOL

BTW, I use control top pantyhose they seem to hold up better! :hahano:

What's going on with your header install? Should be warm enough in your neck of the woods to do the install by now. Hope all is well my friend!

 

[gary748]

sweet setup man i wnt to see what #s you put down...

Thanks man! I don't expect to see amazing numbers that are higher than what's already posted. But I'll probably hit the track with O-five sometime, so I can see how much my times go down post headers.

 

[gary748]

Ohh that sucks...what would be best alternative headers then?

Only 2 options.... The Doug Thorley in the stainless version or the Stillens. Do a search to decide which one is right for you.

 

[gary748]

Nice man. I have a similar setup. Stillen LT's, Stillen B-pipes, and Nismo exhaust. It is insanely loud but I love it. I've hade my setup since August or so and I get compliments all the time. At WOT it's awesome.

What, I can't hear you? My exhaust is too loud!!! LOL Thanks man! Yeah, nice set up you have too. Gotta love when everything just bolts right up and looks OEM.

Oh, the pre-runner bumper you have is sweet. Nice job on the fabrication!

 

[gary748]

I'm interested to see what your T will do! We have almost the same truck, but with a little different setup!

I was telling Brian and Steve the same thing. LOL Should be a good race between us.

 

[gary748]

That would be a close race i bet! In FST that is...if i had my DR's i would beat ya! We should try it!

We should do a run with your DR's, then both of us running the 22's. It'll be like watching Steve and Paul all over again! LOL

 

[gary748]

is there any possible to get a sound clip want to really hear this setup!

I'll try and get a sound clip done. It sounds close to (Paul's) 08pro4x2486 truck. From the video the volume level is probably the same but the tone with the Berk Technology b-pipes is different. The trucks I've heard with the Berk's have a "snappier/crispy" sound that's higher pitched with an "exotic" tone no doubt due to the metallic core cat. The Stillen B-pipes or folks using custom b-pipes with the same ceramic core cat has a more muddled sound.

Hey we can still race just like the old times! No problem! I'm def down to hit the track. LOL, Paul can come when he comes home, and we can go at it again. However, I ported my 5.6 out to a 6.0 and dropped about 1100 lbs, so I may be a nip quicker this time

A tad? We need to line up like Pinks and let me get (2 LWB Titan lengths) on you. LOL

HOw do you know that i didn't have gary port my 5.6 to a 6.8? bring it!!!

I forgot the porting, but I did take off the Nismo headers. Anyone wanna buy a nice Swain Tech coated set of Nismo's? LOL