Protegimus Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 Hi, my brother-in-law recently made the change to a 370z after owning a 350z for a few years, but is missing the aural experience the Z gave. We had a listen to a good range on Utube and he's pretty keen on the Akra and Stillen ...so anyone in the North East with either exhaust fitted that would be willing to meet so that he can get a feel for what they are really like? Any advice on what he should be looking at if not one of the above exhausts? Berk cat's are also a possibility, I had cat's and a nismo on my 350z and it was awesome. Protegimus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The G Man Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 Sorry mate but unless you're Edinburghish north east, I'm afraid your a bit too far away I have the full Akrapovic Evolution with Carbon Ceramic tips and Berk HFC's Pricey, but if you shop around, continent, as UK distributors are on the dearer side of pricey, may be what they're paying that adds to the costs. Check out German or Polish suppliers, this will bring it in close to the Stillen cost, oh and pay less VAT There are some fantastic systems out there, but the Akro is class Sounds the biz as well Good luck with the search, and no doubt there'll be a plethora of advice coming your way Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexx Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 I think Neal has a Stillen fitted and he is Newcastle based. Can't for the life of me remember what his username is though......er...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexx Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 Realneal370z But its a Tannabe he has fitted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sipar69 Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 I have the Stillen (sorry not even close to where you are). I've been very happy with it - transformed the sound of the car without being over the top. The only thing to be aware of is that at least one person on the forum (Will) had trouble when he tried to add Berk HF Cats to his 370Z - I believe they pushed the Stillen down too far and caused it to vibrate against the cross member. From US forums it seems some people have both fitted with no problems though. I think the Fast Intentions system is also becoming popular. Whichever one you go for I'm sure it won't be regretted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ioneabee Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 I have the Stillen (sorry not even close to where you are). I've been very happy with it - transformed the sound of the car without being over the top. The only thing to be aware of is that at least one person on the forum (Will) had trouble when he tried to add Berk HF Cats to his 370Z - I believe they pushed the Stillen down too far and caused it to vibrate against the cross member. From US forums it seems some people have both fitted with no problems though. I think the Fast Intentions system is also becoming popular. Whichever one you go for I'm sure it won't be regretted think that was just a roadster issue - not berks stillen combo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will370z Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 Not related to the roadster, we inspected ebizeds car and mine from below and there was no difference except for extra struts which were well away from the exhaust. Given my experience and if i had to buy another exhaust i would definitely not pick the stillen. On the plus side i love the noise but.... Down sides: Absolutely awful workmanship. The garage had to file down loads of the welds to get all the bolts to fit flush. The inside of the exhaust was marked and scratched. It sits too low and nearly touches the cross member causing vibrations. Its a well known issue thats common in the usa. The garage really had to work hard to give enough clearance. Its only 4 months old, regularly cleaned and the welds on the back box are already starting to rust When compared to the stillens bought by chris-i and ebized its clear the exhausts are no longer made by the same team / process. Most probably sub contracted out. In addition stillen were very unhelpful when these issues were raised. Thye stated it was the garage who fitted it improperly....sigh. Biggest problem though is fitting the berks. I love the sound of the berks hfcs and wanted them on the 370. 2 sets of hfcs (berks and stillen) and 3 garages later, (2 of which are specialst fitters with knowledge of zeds) and it was a no go. They stated the angle of the stillen was out and that it was totally incompatible with the hfcs, its not even close. I was gutted. Still its on the car now and sounds and looks great, but i wouldnt buy one again. Wish i had kept to my first instinct and got the invidia gemini. Still tempted to shift over and add some berks lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ioneabee Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 aww - sorry will, didn't know about that last bit Berks cat back and Berks HFC all work well though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will370z Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 Np andy, and yeah your car does sound awesome with those hfcs. Kept trying not to listen in wales to remind me of what i coldnt have lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveRS Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 Its only 4 months old, regularly cleaned and the welds on the back box are already starting to rust Will showed me the rusting on the welds, Its quite bad and not something you would expect for an exhaust which is only 4 months old. Nice sounding exhaust though and big tips, which look Have you considered the Nismo as another option? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Protegimus Posted August 24, 2012 Author Share Posted August 24, 2012 Cheers fellas for all the feedback, most appreciated. Pity on the Stillen as it sounded really nice. G Man - if you'd be willing to take my brother-in-law for a brief spin Edinburgh would be a nice run for us across the borders - let me know if or when you might be on, it would be great to hear one in person before shelling out for one! I'd mentioned to him about importing, so will look into continental suppliers. I have an Akropovic on my GT-R, so know the quality is awesome! Protegimus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The G Man Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 You have PM, so may see you soon after all, might even see if I can cobble up a meet I've gave you a few options re days but most of next weekend is ok for me Let me know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sipar69 Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Cheers fellas for all the feedback, most appreciated. Pity on the Stillen as it sounded really nice. G Man - if you'd be willing to take my brother-in-law for a brief spin Edinburgh would be a nice run for us across the borders - let me know if or when you might be on, it would be great to hear one in person before shelling out for one! I'd mentioned to him about importing, so will look into continental suppliers. I have an Akropovic on my GT-R, so know the quality is awesome! Protegimus Just for a bit of perspective, my Stillen is one of the newer versions I think and I haven't had any of the issues Will has had with rusting, poor fit etc. Don't write them off altogether on the basis of one unfortunate person's experience. (may be too much of a gamble if you want to add HFCs as well though) Also worth adding that Tom Gannon at TGM Motorsport, who probably sees more exhausts in a day than most of us see in years, said he thought the Stillen was a very good solid bit of kit. (Not having a go at the Akro though - I seriously considered one but it was just a bit too expensive for me at the time ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Protegimus Posted August 25, 2012 Author Share Posted August 25, 2012 Thanks for the update on the Stillen sipar69. Good to hear they have sorted out the quality issues - to be honest that's what I expected as they have always had a very good reputation. Protegimus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sipar69 Posted August 27, 2012 Share Posted August 27, 2012 Mine was actually bought about 10 months ago, so earlier than Will's. Sorry my post could have been clearer - by newer versions I meant newer than some of the original ones that came over not long after the 370Z came on the market here (I believe Colin [Ebized] has one of those and is very happy with it). The point I was making (not very well) is that the later Stillen exhausts haven't necessarily suffered a drop in quality across the board as while Will clearly had some some unfortunate problems with his, mine has been fine. Hope that sort of makes sense Good luck whichever you end up going for - I'm sure you'll love the much improved sound! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ebized Posted August 27, 2012 Share Posted August 27, 2012 Mine was actually bought about 10 months ago, so earlier than Will's. Sorry my post could have been clearer - by newer versions I meant newer than some of the original ones that came over not long after the 370Z came on the market here (I believe Colin [Ebized] has one of those and is very happy with it). The point I was making (not very well) is that the later Stillen exhausts haven't necessarily suffered a drop in quality across the board as while Will clearly had some some unfortunate problems with his, mine has been fine. Hope that sort of makes sense Good luck whichever you end up going for - I'm sure you'll love the much improved sound! Mine will be 3 years old next January (probabaly the first in the UK) and I had absolutely no adverse issues with it in the 18k miles the car has covered. It went staright on with no problems and has been faultless. I was with will370z when he had his fitted and it was clear it is was a different manufacture (specification?) to mine and certainly the welds not allowing the flanges to sit flush was disappointing to see as Will has said above ^^^. The angle of the exhaust with the Berks was the reason for the zorst hitting the cross-member - something I am aware has not proved a problem for others to the extent Will had to give up on the Berks. Both Will's car and mine were checked side by side at the time on ramps to verify differences - see here: viewtopic.php?f=102&t=60888 The premature 'rusting' (usually surface only on the pipework) appears indicative of different materials being used. Sadly, I would say the quality control at Stillen is not what it was in 2009 and I would certainly think twice about another Stillen in the event I needed another s/s exhaust Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will370z Posted August 27, 2012 Share Posted August 27, 2012 Agreed Colin, and its one of the reasons Tarmac is not selling them anymore - he doesnt want other customers to be disappointed with the quality and the level of customer service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisS Posted August 27, 2012 Share Posted August 27, 2012 Don't get the Fast Intentions TDX................... it's crappppp But I love mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sipar69 Posted August 28, 2012 Share Posted August 28, 2012 Don't get the Fast Intentions TDX................... it's crappppp But I love mine. Not heard one "in the flesh" but certainly looks the business! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottyZ Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 Akrapovic+Berks HFC´s reassuringly expensive! Great quality,Great sound hardly any fitment issues. Still looks like new after 13 months. I did consider the Fast Intensions but the cans do hang rather low might be a problem especially if you are going to lower the car. cheers, Scotty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarmac@TarmacSportz Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 I've got the Fast Intentions in stock, and Berks and Invidia and probably some others Fast Intentions a quality piece of kit, hand built in the USA, usually a 4 month lead time, ignore Chris S he just doesn't want anyone else having the same system Drop me a pm if I can help Also worth having a look in here viewtopic.php?f=166&t=63451 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyvvc Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 Don't get the Fast Intentions TDX................... it's crappppp But I love mine. Has Chris got a Fast Intentions exhaust? I don't think that he EVER mentioned that at Wales this year.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogerxp Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 Hadn't realised you'd had the rusting issues Will (amongst other problems) with your Stillen. Also, didn't realise Chris/Tarmac has stopped supplying them - speaks volumes. I concur with Will's sentiments about the workmanship. My left hand pipe is too far over where the right sits alright (just) so they aren't spaced apart correctly. Mine has rusted to bu88ery already, particularily the welds, which are quite obviously not SS welds (a couple are but that's it) and my tips are corroded too. Took this up with Stillen directly (with help from Tarmac) who were pretty stubborn to the problem - blames chemicals on UK's road surfaces (WTF!!) - I'd had mine 6 months/2,000 miles at the time - but eventually got offer a set of replacement tips but had to send the old ones back to California (they'd pick up the cost). Never actually got round to doing anything about it as I was very nervous about the new tips having the required strength to stop on right. Plus, a SS exhaust specialist near me was shocked outright by the quality of it all and told me to send the whole system back to them claiming it isn't as they claim 'a full SS system'. Having battled long and hard to new tips I frankly couldn't be arsed to send the whole system back. So far, I've done sod all, I've just been too busy to bother. I'd so far kept quiet on here about my long drawn-out problems but no point in keeping quite now - a few pics attached to back-up my points (pics taken after 6 months/maybe not even that long/2,000 miles/v.mild winter). Well done to Tarmac for standing up and no supplying inferior products to us guys (guess of few unlucky ones got a bit caught first). Sound great though. Sorry if a little off-topic but thought it worthwhile highlighting whilst on the subject. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will370z Posted August 31, 2012 Share Posted August 31, 2012 Ouch roger thats bad - mine isnt that bad - shocking though isnt it - i guess Stillen exhausts are not what they used to be. Do sound nice though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sipar69 Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 Ouch roger thats bad - mine isnt that bad - shocking though isnt it - i guess Stillen exhausts are not what they used to be. Do sound nice though Looks like I'm about the only person happy with a recent Stillen then I will definitely keep a close on mine as I agree those pictures do not look good at all! I guess it would be quite fun to pick a new system if the current one does start to go! (albeit expensive fun!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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