How to Identify Your Borla Exhaust System
Sometimes figuring out exactly which Borla exhaust you have can feel tricky, especially if you’re new to car parts or just bought a used vehicle. You might see different part numbers, hear about different series, and wonder where to even start looking for clues. It’s a common question, and you’re not alone if it seems a bit confusing at first.
Don’t worry! This guide is here to make it simple. We’ll walk through easy, step-by-step ways to help you identify your Borla exhaust system without any hassle.
Get ready to find out exactly what you’ve got under your car!
Finding Your Borla Exhaust Part Number
The part number is your golden ticket to identifying your Borla exhaust. It’s a unique code that tells Borla exactly which system you have, from the mufflers to the tips. Knowing this number unlocks all the specific details about your exhaust’s design, materials, and intended vehicle application.
Without it, you’re essentially guessing. We’ll explore where these numbers are usually located on the exhaust itself and what to do if you can’t find them easily.
Where to Locate the Part Number Tag
Borla typically stamps or affixes a metal tag to their exhaust components. This tag is usually found on the muffler itself, which is the largest part of the exhaust system located underneath your vehicle. Look for it near the inlet or outlet pipes of the muffler.
Sometimes, it might be on a hanger bracket or a clamp. The tag will have a series of numbers and letters. This is your part number.
Sometimes, the tag can be obscured by dirt, grime, or rust. It’s a good idea to clean the area around the muffler with a degreaser or a strong cleaner. A wire brush can help remove stubborn debris that might be hiding the tag.
Be patient, as it can take some effort to reveal the hidden information. Once you find it, carefully write it down.
In rare cases, the tag might have fallen off or been damaged. If you can’t find a physical tag, don’t give up. There are other ways to identify your system.
We’ll cover those next. But the part number is always the easiest and most direct way to get a definitive answer. It’s the language Borla uses to describe each of their systems.
What the Part Number Means
Borla part numbers are not random. They follow a specific format that reveals information about the exhaust system. For example, a part number might start with a series of numbers indicating the vehicle application (like 140
Understanding these components of the part number helps you decipher what you have even before looking it up. For instance, knowing that ‘140’ often relates to a Ford F-150, and ‘S’ means S-Type, gives you a good starting point. This internal logic makes Borla’s numbering system quite effective for those in the know.
It’s a system designed for clarity and technical accuracy.
Many owners find it helpful to photograph the part number tag with their smartphone. This way, they have a digital copy that’s easy to reference later, whether they’re at home or at the auto parts store. It also ensures you have a clear record in case the physical tag is hard to read or gets damaged over time.
This simple step can save a lot of future guesswork.
Interpreting Borla Exhaust Series and Designs
Borla offers various exhaust series, each with its own characteristics in terms of sound, performance, and material. Knowing the series of your exhaust is key to understanding its intended purpose and performance. The most common series include Touring, S-Type, and ATAK.
Each offers a distinct sound profile and a different approach to exhaust flow and sound management. Identifying the series helps you know what to expect from your exhaust’s performance and its audible presence.
Understanding the Borla S-Type Series
The S-Type is arguably Borla’s most popular offering. It’s designed for enthusiasts who want a noticeable, sporty sound that’s more aggressive than stock but still refined enough for daily driving. The S-Type provides an exhilarating, throaty tone under acceleration without excessive drone or highway noise.
It strikes a balance between performance enhancement and comfortable daily use.
This series often features a straight-through muffler design or a multi-core baffle system. These designs are engineered to reduce backpressure, which can improve horsepower and torque, especially when combined with other performance modifications. The sound is often described as deep and resonant, with a satisfying growl that lets people know you’re driving something special.
It’s a favorite for a reason – it delivers a great sound and performance upgrade.
Many owners choose the S-Type because it’s a significant upgrade from the factory exhaust without being overly obnoxious. It enhances the driving experience by making the engine sound more engaging, particularly during spirited driving. The system is crafted from high-quality T-304 stainless steel, ensuring excellent durability and corrosion resistance, even in harsh weather conditions.
This makes it a long-lasting investment for any car enthusiast.
Exploring the Borla ATAK Series
ATAK stands for Acoustic Tour, Amplified Performance. This series is for those who desire the loudest, most aggressive exhaust sound Borla offers. ATAK systems are designed to deliver an extremely bold and powerful tone that is unmistakable.
It’s a statement exhaust that prioritizes sound volume and aggressive character above all else.
The sound of an ATAK system is typically characterized by its deep, resonant rumble at idle, a loud bark on acceleration, and a roaring crescendo at wide-open throttle. While it provides a thrilling auditory experience, it might be too intense for some drivers on a daily basis due to its loudness. It’s for the enthusiast who wants their vehicle’s presence to be felt and heard distinctly.
Borla engineers the ATAK systems to minimize unwanted resonance or drone at cruising speeds as much as possible, though its inherent loudness means some cabin noise is expected. The focus here is on maximum sound projection and a raw, untamed exhaust note. If you want your vehicle to sound as powerful as it looks, the ATAK series is likely your target.
The Borla Touring Series for Subtle Upgrades
The Touring series is Borla’s quietest performance exhaust. It’s designed for drivers who want a slight improvement in exhaust note and performance without a dramatic increase in sound volume. The Touring system offers a mild enhancement over the factory exhaust, providing a deeper, more pleasant tone that’s still very much suited for comfortable, everyday driving.
These systems are often designed with multiple baffling layers or chambers within the muffler. This advanced internal design effectively quiets the exhaust gases, resulting in a sound that is subtly richer and more refined than stock, but without any aggressive growl or noticeable drone. It’s the perfect choice for someone who appreciates quality and a refined sound experience.
If you’re looking for an exhaust that adds a touch of sportiness without turning heads for the wrong reasons, the Touring series is an excellent option. It’s built with the same high-quality materials as other Borla systems, ensuring longevity and performance. This series offers a refined driving experience for those who prefer a more understated yet superior exhaust note.
Visual Clues and System Markings
Beyond the part number tag, Borla often incorporates subtle visual cues and markings on their exhaust systems. These can include logos, specific weld types, tip designs, and material finishes. While these might not be as definitive as a part number, they can offer strong indicators, especially when combined with other information you find.
Recognizing these common Borla design elements can help confirm your system’s identity.
Borla Logos and Branding
Borla takes pride in its craftsmanship, and their logo is often proudly displayed. You might find a stamped Borla logo directly on the muffler casing, sometimes etched into the metal. It’s usually their distinctive “BORLA” lettering.
This is a clear sign that you’re looking at a genuine Borla product. Don’t confuse it with aftermarket brands that might imitate the Borla style.
The quality of the stamping or etching itself can also be a clue. Borla uses precise manufacturing processes, so their logos are typically clean and well-defined. If you see a poorly formed or smudged logo, it might be a replica or a component from a different manufacturer that someone has tried to pass off as Borla.
Always look for crisp, clear branding.
In addition to the main logo, you might also find smaller markings or codes related to specific product lines or manufacturing dates. These are less common for identification but can sometimes provide supporting information if you’re digging deep into the system’s history. The presence of a visible Borla logo is often the first and easiest indicator.
Exhaust Tip Styles and Materials
The exhaust tips are the most visible part of your exhaust system from behind the vehicle. Borla offers a variety of tip styles, each with its own aesthetic appeal. Common styles include polished T-304 stainless steel tips, carbon fiber tips, and black chrome tips.
The shape can also vary, from rolled or angled cut to straight cut.
Borla’s tips are usually well-finished and prominently branded. For instance, polished stainless steel tips will have a mirror-like shine and often feature the Borla logo etched or stamped onto them. Carbon fiber tips will have a distinctive weave pattern and a clear coat finish, with branding often applied as a decal or subtle etching.
Black chrome tips offer a stealthy, dark appearance.
The quality of the tip is a good indicator of a genuine Borla system. They are typically seamless or have very clean, well-executed welds. If the tips look generic, have rough edges, or the branding appears hastily applied, it might be a sign that the system is not a genuine Borla.
Borla tips are designed to complement the exhaust system’s performance and sound, adding a touch of style and aggression.
Weld Quality and Material Finish
Borla exhaust systems are renowned for their high-quality construction, and this is evident in their welding. You’ll typically find clean, consistent, and strong welds on Borla products. The welds are usually TIG-welded, which results in a smooth, precise appearance without excessive spatter or unevenness.
This level of precision contributes to the system’s durability and performance.
The material itself is also a key indicator. Borla primarily uses T-304 stainless steel for its exhaust systems. This material is chosen for its exceptional corrosion resistance and strength, which means your exhaust will last for many years without rusting.
It has a bright, polished finish when new, which can dull slightly over time but will not degrade like cheaper metals.
If you notice rust spots, significant discoloration, or welds that look rough, inconsistent, or amateurish, it’s unlikely to be a genuine Borla system. A genuine Borla exhaust will have a premium feel and appearance, reflecting the quality of the materials and the expert craftsmanship involved in its creation. The shine and finish of the stainless steel are usually a giveaway.
Utilizing Online Resources and Borla Support
Once you have some information, like a potential part number or visual clues, you can turn to online resources and Borla’s official support. The internet is a vast library, and Borla’s website is the ultimate authority on their products. Using these tools efficiently can quickly confirm what you have and provide you with detailed specifications.
Checking the Borla Website for Catalogs
Borla’s official website is the most reliable place to find information about their exhaust systems. They maintain comprehensive catalogs that allow you to search for systems based on vehicle make, model, and year. If you have a suspected part number, you can often enter it directly into a search bar on their site to pull up the exact product details.
The website also provides detailed descriptions of each system, including its series (Touring, S-Type, ATAK), sound level, materials used, and performance benefits. You can find images and sometimes even videos of the exhaust system installed on vehicles, allowing you to compare it visually. This is an invaluable resource for confirming your findings.
If you can’t find a specific part number or product, Borla often has a “Contact Us” section. Their customer service team is usually very knowledgeable and can help you identify your system if you provide them with the information you’ve gathered. They are experts in their own products and can offer definitive answers.
Using Vehicle-Specific Forums and Communities
Online forums dedicated to your specific vehicle model can be incredibly helpful. Many car enthusiasts share their experiences with aftermarket parts, including exhaust systems. You can post photos of your exhaust, including any markings you find, and ask for help from fellow owners who might recognize it.
These communities often have members who are very familiar with different brands and their specific product lines. They can offer insights based on visual cues or common part numbers associated with certain vehicle modifications. Someone might have the exact same system on their car and can confirm its identity for you.
It’s a great way to tap into collective knowledge.
When posting on forums, be sure to provide as much detail as possible about your car and the exhaust. Include the make, model, year, and any visible markings on the exhaust itself. The more information you share, the better the chances of receiving an accurate identification from the community members.
Many enthusiasts are happy to help fellow gearheads.
Contacting Borla Customer Support
If you’ve exhausted other options or simply want a definitive answer, contacting Borla’s customer support directly is the best route. They have dedicated teams who can assist you with product identification. You can typically reach them via phone or email, with contact details readily available on their official website.
When you contact them, be prepared to provide them with all the information you’ve gathered. This includes any part numbers you’ve found, descriptions of the exhaust tips, the material finish, and the general appearance of the system. If possible, having clear photos of the exhaust, especially any visible tags or markings, will greatly assist their support team.
Borla’s commitment to customer satisfaction means they are usually willing to go the extra mile to help you identify your product. They understand that owners may not always have the original purchase information, and they want to ensure you have the correct details for any future needs, such as replacement parts or warranty inquiries. This direct line to the manufacturer is your most authoritative source.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Identifying an exhaust system can sometimes present challenges, especially if the vehicle is older, heavily modified, or if the markings are unclear. However, most of these issues can be overcome with patience and a systematic approach. By knowing what common problems arise, you can be better prepared to find the solution.
Dealing with Obscured or Missing Markings
One of the most frequent challenges is when part number tags are obscured by dirt, rust, or have simply fallen off over time. As mentioned earlier, thorough cleaning is the first step. Use a good degreaser and a stiff brush to scrub away grime.
For rust, a wire brush on a drill can be effective, but be gentle to avoid damaging any remaining information.
If the tag is completely missing, you’ll need to rely more heavily on visual cues. Carefully examine the shape of the muffler, the configuration of the pipes, the style and finish of the tips, and any visible branding. Compare these features to images and descriptions on the Borla website for systems designed for your specific vehicle.
This visual comparison becomes your primary identification method.
Sometimes, a previous owner might have swapped out only certain components of an exhaust system, or modified it in ways that obscure original markings. In such cases, identifying the exact original Borla system might be difficult. However, you can often still identify the Borla components that remain, such as the muffler, and then research those specific parts.
Distinguishing Aftermarket Replicas from Genuine Borla
Unfortunately, some aftermarket companies produce exhaust systems that mimic the look and sound of genuine Borla products. Distinguishing between a replica and a genuine system requires attention to detail. Genuine Borla systems are made from high-quality T-304 stainless steel, which has a distinct look and feel.
Replicas might use lower-grade stainless steel or even aluminized steel, which will rust more easily.
Pay close attention to the quality of the welds. Borla welds are precise and clean. Rough, messy welds with excessive spatter are a common sign of a non-genuine product.
Also, check for branding. Genuine Borla products will have clear, well-stamped logos. Fake logos are often poorly done, smudged, or inconsistently spaced.
The sound profile is another indicator, though subjective. If a system claims to be Borla but sounds significantly different from what you’d expect from a particular Borla series (e.g., an ATAK that sounds very mild), it might not be genuine. Online reviews and comparisons can help you understand the expected sound of genuine Borla systems.
Ultimately, if a deal seems too good to be true, it’s worth investigating further.
Identifying Systems on Older or Heavily Modified Vehicles
Older vehicles or those that have undergone extensive modifications can present unique identification challenges. Factory exhaust systems on older cars may have been replaced multiple times, and previous owners might have installed generic or custom exhausts. Similarly, heavily modified vehicles might have had their exhaust systems altered beyond recognition.
In these cases, the best approach is to gather as much visual evidence as possible. Take detailed photos of every part of the exhaust system, from the manifold back. Pay attention to pipe diameters, bends, hanger locations, and the overall layout.
Search online forums and communities for your specific vehicle model, looking for discussions or photos of exhaust upgrades. Someone might have a similar setup that they can identify.
If you can’t find a specific Borla part number, you might be able to identify the Borla components that are present. For example, if you find a muffler that looks like a Borla S-Type, even without a clear part number, you can research the S-Type muffler and its characteristics. This can give you a good understanding of the quality and sound profile you’re dealing with, even if the full system identity remains elusive.
Putting It All Together A Practical Example
Let’s walk through a scenario. You’ve just bought a used truck, and you suspect it has an upgraded exhaust. You get under the truck and find a large, polished muffler.
On the side, you see a stamped metal tag.
You carefully clean the tag and manage to read “140707”. This looks like a Borla part number. You then head to the Borla website and search for “140707”.
The website confirms that part number 140707 is a Borla S-Type system for your specific truck model and year. It tells you it’s made of T-304 stainless steel and provides a description of its sound characteristics.
Now, you look at the exhaust tips. They are polished stainless steel, rolled and angled, with “BORLA” clearly etched on the side of each tip. This visual confirmation matches the S-Type description, and the branding is unmistakable.
You might also notice clean TIG welds on the system. All the pieces fit together, confirming you have a Borla S-Type exhaust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How do I know if my Borla exhaust is real or fake
Answer: Look for high-quality T-304 stainless steel, clean TIG welds, and clear, well-stamped Borla logos on the muffler and tips. Replicas often have rough welds, lower-grade materials, and poorly applied branding.
Question: What is the difference between Borla S-Type and ATAK
Answer: S-Type offers a sporty, aggressive sound that’s still refined for daily driving. ATAK is Borla’s loudest and most aggressive system, designed for maximum sound volume and raw power.
Question: Can I identify my Borla exhaust without a part number
Answer: Yes, by examining the tip style, material finish, weld quality, and looking for any stamped Borla logos. Comparing these visual cues to online images and descriptions on the Borla website can help.
Question: Where is the part number tag usually located
Answer: The part number tag is most commonly found on the muffler itself, often near the inlet or outlet pipes. It might also be on a hanger bracket or clamp.
Question: Will a Borla exhaust fit any car
Answer: No, Borla exhaust systems are designed specifically for particular vehicle makes, models, and years. You must match the part number or system description to your vehicle’s application.
Conclusion
Identifying your Borla exhaust system is straightforward when you know where to look. Focus on the part number tag on the muffler, then examine the tip style, material, and any logos. Use the Borla website and online communities to cross-reference your findings.
With these steps, you can confidently determine exactly which Borla exhaust you have, ensuring you know its features and benefits.
