Popped in my new (used) Firm Fabrications Midpipe, and paired it with a brand new K&N RR-3003 filter. The car feels MUCH stronger, even in hot weather. I noticed an immediate improvement. I had the BERK midpipe before & the same filter, and it did not seem as responsive at low RPMs. This thing SCREAMS at high RPMs. Absolutely love the sound. The RPMS don't "creep up" anymore, they FLY up!

Build Quality
My first impression: this thing is made of thick material, well constructed... much more solid than the BERK. I like the fact that it has the built-in MAF sensor hole. You get a large-diameter pipe & you eliminate the screen. Although this may be a bad thing(?) if the screen is meant to smooth out the airflow. I guess we can wait for a MAF failure anyday now

A minor flaw: Maybe?... well it seems that if I look closely at the MAF sensor after it's installed... it is actually not perfectly alligned with the midpipe... it's on a small angle 5-10degrees. This may be enough to cause an inaccurate MAF sensor reading, and cause a MAF erro, or even failure. This is jut a theory. The Firm guys should look into correcting this.

Only complaint: Too expensive when bought brand new! The Firm Fabrications guy was asking $180 for the midpipe alone, without the vacuum line.

More info @ www.firmabrications.com

Overall I give this combo a - Just stay away from the stock METAL-SCREEN filter that they offer with their kit. K&N all the way...

G

 

 

From Firm Fabrications website...

 

looks like my Fanken 'set up- exept i got the k&n with
it - matter of fact the midpipe looks identical-
but i paid $120 w/ filter and everything at an NJ meet
from the Franken guys-

 

I've seen the FF website. I want to see his install with the K&N.

 

Oh wait- just noticed that sensor clip on top of the midpipe-
anyway , same size midpipe- why so much?

 

Look again Manny... I have the FrankenCar too, and if you look this one doesn't use the stock MAF box. If you look at your Franken you'll see that the midpipe goes between the throttle body and a small black plastic OEM pipe with the MAF sensor sticking out of it. If you look at the pic above you'll see that this one gets rid of the OEM housing for the MAF and has the sensor plug directly into their midpipe.

Overall I'd say their design is probably better for the airflow... but I'm happy w/ my FrankenCar.

 

Actually, this one looks to be a bit longer than the Frank, plus they had to engineer the spot for the MAF to attach in. It's only $40 more than the Franken ($140 on their website).

 

the frankencar needs the maf housing to be attached, tahts why its longer, this one is built in, that doesnt sound too bad to me!

 

Mine is atleast 6" longer then this setup.

 

Pics can't even begin to describe how cool this setup is!...

BTW: Just drove to the shore (or "down the shore" for us NE cats) and it felt much more responsive at low RPMS, even better than stock. The temp was around 70-78F. I was expecting a minor low-end loss like my BERK, but this combo really pulled through! All this with 4-peeps in my car. When I floor it, people look at my car like it's a dragster.

G

 

Imagine the filter I had on my old BERK midpipe displayed here:

http://2k2maxima.freewebspace.com/photo5.html

...with the midpipe displayed on the FF website. Actually, it looks MUCH better that the FF picture!

I don't have time to take pics & upload... I'm thinking about getting a life for the summer...

G

 

Would the 2k2-2k3 Firm Fabrications intake work on a 2k? Not sure if there would need to be any differences or not.

 

that looks real good, alotta money though

 

you guys think that based on thie info that the frankencar intake is better then the Berk?

also, if with the FF intake you dont really loose any low end, wouldnt it be better then the Injen?

that FF intake looks kinda scary, the 2k2 MAFs are really sensitive, so you dont want to mess with it

 

so are there any 02 or 03 using the FF intake?? and any reported maf issues?

 

Not me- only had on about 2500 miles

 

Don't mean to rain on the parade here, but don't you need some type of engine manganment when you add intake and a midpipe assuming thats a open exhaust. I should be getting my Maxima this week and I just came from a 3rd gen RX-7 with lots of modes. I know a rotary engine can't take the kinda abuse the maxima engine can, I used to own a 98 5speed SE Maxima. Its a know rule with RX-7's once you but on a midpipe you need a programable ECU. Again I'm new to this engine

 

I've read a few threads that reported blown MAFS. I know for a fact that the standard METAL-SCREEN filter FF provides is CRAPOLLA!

I'll have to wait and see how this setup fairs with my K&N filter.

G

 

Glad to have you here, I doubt a programable ECU is needed for this mod, not even a stand alone FMU should be necessary for this type of modification. Once say......3-5 bolt ons are on the car a programable ECU will definetly shine regardless of what kind of car it is. Obviously some dyno tuning is gonna have to be done but im sure an extra 15-20whp can be had from just this alone. With the Rx7 its obviously diff since you got two turbines under the hood which makes the car mod sensative, 3-4 bolt ons and a programable ECU and you should be making well over 100hp over stock if now more. Damn N/A cars

 

I've got almost 3k on mine. You are right about the filter FF supplies, POS. I bought a MAF adapter from Adanced Autoparts and added my Stillen filter. I also used the bracket from my old Frank to hold everything solid.
I must say I really like this setup. That and it really look good under the hood.
Sorry I don't have a digi cam...