MatsuDano Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmmmspecb Posted March 5, 2012 Share Posted March 5, 2012 CNT Catted Downpipe 2008 Subaru Legacy Spec B I bought this secondhand from a user here. It was still brand new, but ceramic coated by GS. I knew going in that even though it was new, making a warranty claim on it was most likely not going to happen if the install didn't go well. Thankfully, everything went perfect. Installed with ZERO problems whatsoever. The welds were surprisingly good, no issues there. It's not causing the entire exhaust system to hang low like some others have experienced. Surprisingly didn't make the exhaust any louder at all! (stock CBE currently). Completely happy with the piece. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAC5.2 Posted March 5, 2012 Author Share Posted March 5, 2012 I love it, reading that thread, buyer was told that "fedex damaged it" I was told the same thing: "If you would like please provide me with some pics of the issues you stated on the damage of the item as it most likely happened in shipping and a claim will need to be filed with FedEx for a replacement to be sent out" I guess they use FedEx to do their painting and casting? [URL="http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/proper-flip-key-interesti-159894.html"]Flip Key Development Thread[/URL] "Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped." - E. Hubbard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Donated thefultonhow Posted March 5, 2012 I Donated Share Posted March 5, 2012 FMS UP -- as mentioned, paint sucks and studs needed to be ground down. Honestly, it's a slightly bent piece of pipe with a flange on each end. They can't screw up that much. CNT catless DP -- good craftsmanship overall, but the bellmouth was too close to the side bolt holes, making it very hard to get the nuts on and off. I ended up grinding down the bellmouth a bit to make it easier to deal with those nuts. Also, it was catless, which after a while I decided annoyed me. CNT catted DP -- same problem with the side bolts on the bellmouth. This time, I heat-wrapped the DP before I remembered to grind the bellmouth down, so I just lived with it. Like BAC, I am not enamored of having the cat in the engine bay, but I'm willing to live with it. I am planning on going with the PW TMIC soon. Not going the knockoff route on that one. I considered it, but the reviews have been horrible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LosAngelesLGT Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 I read the reviews. I bought something from Josh, it came quick. He answered the phone. It was in stock. I expected zero knowledge of the part, zero customer service and zero customer support. I got eactly what I expected (zero, zero and fast shipping). If I purchased anything with fitment issues or that was new on the market I am sure I would have felt cheated as other have but it worked out in my case. I think most customers want support and honesty from their vendors but also ruthlessly will flip flop vendors over $2 on a 200 item, a practice I find repugnant when the other option is building a long term relationship with a vendor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strizzy Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 I think most customers want support and honesty from their vendors but also ruthlessly will flip flop vendors over $2 on a 200 item, a practice I find repugnant when the other option is building a long term relationship with a vendor. Can't agree more. I primarily use two vendors. One here on the forum, and the other is my local subie shop. It can also work out to your advantage if you have an issue with a part. They see that you've been a loyal customer and are more willing to help you than someone they will only deal with once. My bad luck build Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G5892 Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 I bought the standard FMS FMIC and other than the bolts not lining up on the crash beam, Ive been satisfied. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr.hicksta Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 I think most customers want support and honesty from their vendors but also ruthlessly will flip flop vendors over $2 on a 200 item, a practice I find repugnant when the other option is building a long term relationship with a vendor. Agreed. I get most of my parts from either IP&T or FBP. Could I get the parts cheaper? Most definitely, but there's something to be said for customer service if you ask me. Can't agree more. I primarily use two vendors. One here on the forum, and the other is my local subie shop. It can also work out to your advantage if you have an issue with a part. They see that you've been a loyal customer and are more willing to help you than someone they will only deal with once. Well said Strizzy, and I agree 100%. Cheaper by a few dollars doesn't necessarily mean it's the better deal. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IRT to everything else, I'm batting .500 in my experiences with knockoffs. FMS Headers/UP: I was told, "They're just like <enter brand here>, but cheaper." Not really. The headers didn't line up PERIOD, but the UP wasn't really an issue. The 'thermal paint' of course was cheap a$$ spray paint that chipped and flaked easily. CNT Catted DP: The one I had fit fine. I sold it because on long road trips, cat in engine bay = additional heat pushed inside. Aside from that though, it worked well for me and I'm sure the new owner isn't having any issues. It seems knockoffs are the ultimate YMMV situation, and I think saying they're 'just like' a more reputable brand is an outright lie. But from what I've seen in my 2 years modding my LGT, that's perfectly acceptable because many people aren't going to pay $580 for a DP when one can be had for half the price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alaskajoel Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 I'll add my two bits. Bought my CNT Catted DP second hand, and it's been great so far. Bought new OEM gaskets and I haven't had any leaks. I was pleased with my CNT Quad Tipped Exhaust initially. It had a few fitment problems, like the outside tips being slightly higher than the inside tips, and the CNT logo on the tips being welded on upside down (stupid), but overall it looked to fit alright. With that said, I put it on about 7.5k miles ago, and when I got under the car yesterday I could tell the flex section at the front of the exhaust had been coming in contact with looks like a heatshield underneath the car. Pieces of the flex have started to slightly fray, but I didn't have time to look at it closer. I'm kind of disappointed, but then again I paid less than 500 bucks for it shipped. It's not only knock-offs or cheap chinese parts that suffer from these types of fitment or quality problems, even though they seem to be plagued with them more often. I can think of a certain invidia downpipe that interfered with the wastegate arm, or the invidia quad-tipped exhaust melting holes in bumpers, or Stromung exhausts melting CV boots, or Perrin TMICs that interfered with master cylinders. These are supposedly reputable brands. I don't know about you guys, but when my $450 exhaust doesn't fit right, it's not a huge surprise. When my $900 exhaust doesn't fit right, its a little more frustrating. Pics follow: http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd71/alaskajoel/P1020679.jpg http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd71/alaskajoel/P1020683.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fahr_side Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 Regarding the history of GMS: Back in the day, Nino owned Ninos Auto Accessories. He stole about $5k from customers and then went bankrupt, moved to Florida from Jersey and was working at a dealership selling used cars. That's where he and Josh crossed paths. Apparently Josh, after moving to FL for school, but before IIR, was trying to sell potentially-stolen STi interiors for like $400. I did wonder what happened to Nino after he exited stage-right. Obligatory '[URL="http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/2008-gh8-238668.html?t=238668"]build thread[/URL]' Increased capacity to 2.7 liters, still turbo, but no longer need spark plugs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rapture Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 an honest yet negative review is NOT hating...if in fact the product is crap.....i appreciate threads like this so i know what to stay away from. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derp Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 I have the FMS Catback. Only issue i've had with it is that one of the slip joints refused to seal. leak, leak, leak, leak, *exhaust silicone* no leak. I'll likely go in and weld it all up to just permanantly fix the problem. Other than that though, the fitment was spot on. Even height, even side to side in the tip cutouts. Sounds fantastic, if a bit on the loud side. For what I paid for it, i'm happy. I could suck start a snow blower. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mega Users seabass07 Posted March 6, 2012 Mega Users Share Posted March 6, 2012 Just a quick review of this thread, there are a few people here that may need to eventually need to get a job and actually participate in society. Have you used any of these parts? Have you dealt with any of these vendors? STFU. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAC5.2 Posted March 6, 2012 Author Share Posted March 6, 2012 Back on topic, guys. [URL="http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/proper-flip-key-interesti-159894.html"]Flip Key Development Thread[/URL] "Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped." - E. Hubbard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thisisthenewsic Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 only problems i had with my fast motorsports fmic kit was the holes not being correctly drilled in the bumper beam. besides that the install was great and im pushing 434whp on e85. holds up GREAT!!!! as far as import image. they are a joke. really shitty vendor and i take my business elsewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tide Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 This thread needs to stay on topic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sicotic Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 I bought from IIR and didnt have no problems. I even got a refund on shipping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.Catalyst. Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 I appreciate this series of reviews and it backs up my long time belief, you get what you pay for. With substantial purchases, I need useful information like this thread when determining my own Subaru modding path. I already planned the PW unit since i watched it make it's way stateside and it got great reviews from community members that have had problems with it's competition, and now the price is completely justified to me. Have to pay to get quality and I'd rather do it right out of the gate. Thanks again! My spec.B [#163] Project Thread with Pictures Get CryoTuned! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAC5.2 Posted March 6, 2012 Author Share Posted March 6, 2012 That's why I started this thread, Catalyst. I'm glad you will support the people who put their time and effort into designing the kit. [URL="http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/proper-flip-key-interesti-159894.html"]Flip Key Development Thread[/URL] "Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped." - E. Hubbard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZP Installs Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 From our experience with the knockoff parts, it is hit or miss. Essentially when a product comes down the production line, a more "expensive" company will pick out the bad ones and recycle them or "reject" them. The less expensive ones will just ship everything over without even testing them. So we have seen a lot of parts in the past 11+ years of doing this subaru modding thing and the more expensive companies give you at higher percent of well fitting parts v. the lower end knockoffs that allow a higher percent of rejects to pass through to the end user. So the guys who are saying their knockoff parts fit well MAY NOT BE LYING, their sample size of 1 may actually be perfectly made. However take it from those of us who have seen a sample size of say 100 or more of knockoff parts and you will see that the % of failures or misfitting starts to show with a larger sample size. -Paisan http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/141039922.jpg%5Dhttp://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg 11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts. Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xero287 Posted March 6, 2012 Share Posted March 6, 2012 Might I refer this thread to all of you. http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/new-pw-style-tmic-05-09-lgt-490-delivered-171688p5.html?highlight=CNT+TMIC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAC5.2 Posted March 7, 2012 Author Share Posted March 7, 2012 Let's stick to the topic, guys. [URL="http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/proper-flip-key-interesti-159894.html"]Flip Key Development Thread[/URL] "Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped." - E. Hubbard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SleeperWagon Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 So I bought this kit just before all the shit hit the fan with this intercooler I have not said much but I thought I would weigh in. The kit http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t93/specvictory/fe3efc9b.jpg http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t93/specvictory/fcb385e2.jpg My kit didn't have any metal shavings or anything in the intercooler that shouldn't be there. The hose's had something like water spots in them so I gave them a rinse but not a big deal. The bolts are poor in quality and the welds were not that bad I have definitely seen worse the metal used was not great. I would describe the brackets as "meh" they are just brackets after all. Install Straightforward enough. Had the following problems: http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t93/specvictory/c8c18829.jpg I had to tap new holes as none of the provided bolts fit. http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t93/specvictory/cb3c1179.jpg The bypass valve rubbed on the hood and I had to bend the brackets to stop the rubbing. I have read that the PW may have the same problem. Over all, this has been on my car for months and it has not exploded. I am sure that it is very hit or miss when you buy this kit but in my case it turned out OK. You do get what you pay for and I got what I expected I have no doubt that some others did not. All that being said I am going to order the PW kit in the next couple of weeks for the better core, splitter and the build quality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmx045 Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 so the kit doesn't come with a splitter? that's great, so the air has no direct path through the ic.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SleeperWagon Posted March 7, 2012 Share Posted March 7, 2012 so the kit doesn't come with a splitter? that's great, so the air has no direct path through the ic.... Nope I was going to make one but I don't have the time. I did when I ordered it but don't anymore due to work getting very busy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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