Are Borla Exhausts Good?

When I first got my Mustang, it sounded like a sleepy cat purring. I wanted it to roar! I stumbled across Borla Exhausts while searching for a way to boost my car’s sound and power. Are Borla Exhausts good? I asked myself that same question. After installing one, my car growled like a beast, and I was hooked! In this article, I’ll share why Borla Exhausts are a top choice, how they work, and if they’re worth the price. Whether you’re a beginner or a car enthusiast, I’ll break it down simply with tips, examples, and answers to common questions.

What Are Borla Exhausts?

Borla Exhausts are high-performance exhaust systems for cars and trucks. They replace your vehicle’s stock exhaust to improve sound, power, and fuel efficiency. Made in the USA, Borla uses T-304 stainless steel, which doesn’t rust. Their systems, like Cat-Back and Axle-Back, are designed to fit specific vehicles, giving you a custom sound and performance boost.

Why Do Exhausts Matter?

Your car’s exhaust system lets gases escape after the engine burns fuel. A good exhaust, like Borla, makes this process smoother, boosting horsepower and giving your car a unique sound. It’s like giving your car a louder, prouder voice!

Types of Borla Exhausts

Borla offers two main types: Cat-Back and Axle-Back. Each has different sound options—Touring, S-Type, and ATAK. Let’s break them down.

Cat-Back Exhausts

Cat-Back systems replace everything from the catalytic converter to the exhaust tips. They give the loudest, deepest sound and the best performance boost. I installed a Cat-Back on my Mustang, and the growl was unreal! They’re pricier but worth it for enthusiasts.

Axle-Back Exhausts

Axle-Back systems replace just the mufflers and rear pipes. They’re cheaper and still add a sporty sound. If you want a quick upgrade without breaking the bank, this is a great choice.

Sound Options: Touring, S-Type, and ATAK

Touring: Quiet and smooth, perfect for daily driving.
S-Type: Medium volume with a deep tone, great for a balance.
ATAK: Loud and aggressive, ideal for thrill-seekers.
I went with S-Type for my Mustang—it’s loud when I want but quiet on long drives.

Benefits of Borla Exhausts

Borla Exhausts shine in performance, sound, and durability. Here’s why they’re a top pick.

More Power

Borla’s straight-through design increases exhaust flow, boosting horsepower by 8–12%. My Mustang felt peppier after the install, especially during acceleration. Tests show up to a 12% power increase, which is a big win for racers or enthusiasts.

Awesome Sound

Borla’s sound is what hooked me. Their mufflers use “polyphonic” tech to create a deep, rich tone without being obnoxious. My S-Type system sounds like a muscle car but doesn’t annoy my neighbors. You can pick a sound that fits your style!

Long-Lasting Quality

Made from T-304 stainless steel, Borla Exhausts won’t rust. They come with a Million-Mile Warranty, so you know they’re built to last. My friend’s Borla system is still shiny after five years!

Better Fuel Efficiency

A smoother exhaust flow means your engine works less, saving fuel during cruising. Borla claims better gas mileage, and I noticed a slight improvement on highway trips. Big trucks, like UPS delivery vans, use Borla for this reason!

Drawbacks of Borla Exhausts

No product is perfect. Here are some downsides to consider.

High Cost

Borla systems can cost $600–$2,600, depending on the type and vehicle. My Cat-Back set me back $1,200, which felt steep. Competitors like Magnaflow or Flowmaster are often cheaper, but Borla’s quality justifies the price for many.

Installation Challenges

Some Borla systems, like my Cat-Back, were easy to bolt on. Others, like a friend’s Silverado system, had fitment issues with misaligned hangers. Check your vehicle’s compatibility and consider professional installation to avoid headaches.

Too Loud for Some

The ATAK system is super loud, which some love but others find annoying. My wife complained about the noise at first, so I stuck with S-Type to keep the peace. Test different sound options before buying.

How to Choose the Right Borla Exhaust

Picking a Borla system is easier than it sounds. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide.

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing

Check Your Vehicle: Make sure Borla makes a system for your car’s make, model, and year. Their website has a handy fitment tool.
Pick Your Sound: Decide if you want quiet (Touring), balanced (S-Type), or loud (ATAK).
Choose Cat-Back or Axle-Back: Cat-Back for max performance, Axle-Back for budget-friendly sound.
Set a Budget: Cat-Back systems cost more ($1,000–$2,600), while Axle-Back is cheaper ($600–$1,200).
Plan Installation: Bolt-on systems are DIY-friendly, but complex setups may need a pro.
I used this process and picked an S-Type Cat-Back for my Mustang. It was a breeze to install in my driveway!

Tools and Materials Needed

Basic Tools: Socket wrench, jack stands, and a reciprocating saw (for some vehicles).
Borla Exhaust Kit: Includes pipes, mufflers, clamps, and tips.
Optional: Exhaust sealant for extra security.
I did my install with basic tools in two hours. Watching YouTube tutorials helped a ton!

Comparing Borla to Other Brands

How does Borla stack up against competitors? Here’s a quick comparison.

Table 1: Borla vs. Magnaflow vs. Flowmaster

Feature	Borla	Magnaflow	Flowmaster
Material	T-304 Stainless Steel	409 Stainless Steel	409 Stainless Steel
Sound	Deep, tunable (Touring, S-Type, ATAK)	Deep, smooth	Loud, aggressive
Price	$600–$2,600	$400–$1,800	$300–$1,500
Warranty	Million-Mile	Lifetime	Limited Lifetime
Caption: Borla offers premium quality and sound options but costs more. Magnaflow and Flowmaster are budget-friendly but may rust over time.

Table 2: Cat-Back vs. Axle-Back Costs

System Type	Price Range	Sound Level	Installation Time
Cat-Back	$1,000–$2,600	Loudest, deepest	2–3 hours
Axle-Back	$600–$1,200	Moderate, sporty	1–2 hours
Caption: Cat-Back systems offer the best performance but cost more. Axle-Back is a cheaper, quicker upgrade.

Personal Tips from My Experience

After installing Borla Exhausts on two cars, here are my top tips:

Test the Sound: Visit a car meet or check YouTube for Borla sound clips on your vehicle. My first choice was too loud until I heard S-Type in person.
Avoid Cheap Clamps: Use the clamps Borla provides. I tried cheaper ones, and they rusted in a year.
Check for Drone: Some systems hum at low RPMs. I avoided this by sticking to S-Type and driving in sport mode.
Save Money: Look for deals on sites like AutoAccessoriesGarage.com or HKP Tuning. I snagged my system for 20% off during a sale!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying the Wrong System: Double-check your vehicle’s fitment. A friend ordered a Cat-Back for the wrong model and had to return it.
Skipping Professional Help: If you’re new to installs, don’t risk a bad fit. My first attempt was a mess until a mechanic fixed it.
Ignoring Neighbors: Loud systems like ATAK can annoy folks. I switched to S-Type to keep the peace.

Visual Ideas for Better Understanding

To make things clearer, here are visual ideas (not included):

Diagram of Cat-Back vs. Axle-Back: Show where each system connects on a car.
Sound Comparison Chart: Graph showing volume levels of Touring, S-Type, and ATAK.
Installation Steps: Step-by-step photos of a Borla install on a common vehicle like a Mustang.

Alternatives to Borla Exhausts

Not sold on Borla? Here are other options:

Magnaflow: Cheaper, with a smooth, deep sound. Great for budget builds.
Flowmaster: Loud and aggressive, ideal for muscle cars but may rust.
Muffler Delete: Super cheap ($60–$100) but often too loud and drony.
I tried a muffler delete once, and the drone drove me nuts. Borla’s tuned sound is way better!

Conclusion

Borla Exhausts are a fantastic choice if you want a deep, powerful sound, more horsepower, and a system that lasts forever. They’re pricy, but the quality and Million-Mile Warranty make them worth it. Whether you pick a Cat-Back for max performance or an Axle-Back for a budget-friendly upgrade, Borla delivers. Try checking out sound clips online or visiting a car meet to hear them in action. Have a Borla story or question? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear your ride roar! For more car upgrade tips, check out Car and Driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Borla Exhausts Worth the Price?

They’re pricy ($600–$2,600), but the T-304 stainless steel, Million-Mile Warranty, and 8–12% horsepower boost make them a great investment for enthusiasts.