~~~~ Borla (First look) Stainless Steel CAT-BACK Exhaust System
December-11th-2004, 12:21 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Brampton
Posts: 389
~~~~ Borla (First look) Stainless Steel CAT-BACK Exhaust System
Protege Borla Kit
Introducing The Graceful Borla Exhaust System
A few months ago, i began my began my quest for seeking a performance exhaust system, after asking around online and here, and also hitting the street checking out the underground spots I got a taste for whats out there. Looking at all the top names such as Borla, Magnaflow, DC Sports, Vibrant, and so on. But two things in regards to Exhaust systems that are most important, one is STYLE and the other is Performance both Sound Quality and Drivability.
And all these factors are different from driver to driver. Some like it loud and ear piercing some like it low and solid, some like it quiet and elegant.
After months of searching i finanally came up with my answer. Borla!
Why Borla?
Why Borla? Whats so special about them? Alot.... From my understanding on Borlas industry connections and underground rep. seems to place it high in the eyes of most. One with high praise of Quality, and Unbeatable Respect of Durability with their One Million Mile Warrenty on Any and Everything they make, even their reusable Airfilters. For me thats walking the walk and talking the talk.
Another thing I have seen is the wide range of brands Borla has tried to cover, It doesn't matter if you have a Audi, BMW, SCION, or mazda Borla has covered them all. and for some other Exhaust companies you tend to see them stay in one catagory or hang around a mainstay brand such as Honda or exotic sports cars. But thats of course under the rule of them. If you do one thing good, then you stay with it. But with Borla they do the same quality job on every product they make.
I could go on and on but you get my drift.
What about the Money?
Yes the money, its not secret that Borla is one Expensive Brand to buy. Well, my way looking at it, if you make something good or untouchable and do something that most of your compeditors cant match in terms of Durability. then Hell ya charge what ever you want. This isn't the march of dimes collecting here. But one thing in this world that you can stay with till the day you die, is that you honestly get what you pay for. If you cheap out, then you end up with a costly outcome in the end over time. And I can't tell you how often that has burned me with other things.
Buying paper air filters and not investing in a reusable, or buying one damn beer instead of a pitcher lol you know what I am talking about. There is a certain Cost Vs Want or Need that always takes place in our minds. (Women is a different Cost Vs. Need) lol hahah jokin anyways moving on
What they say/(The Company's Marketing spin)
The points they stress are as follows
1. Today, choosing performance exhaust can be confusing. A common misconception is that "bigger is better". Many enthusiasts, and manufacturers too, seem to feel that very large diameter pipes are the only way to go for muscle car performance, while Borla has found for street use, big pipes just take energy out of the exhaust, both by slowing down gas velocity and by cooling off the gases. While exhaust may leave the port at 1500 degrees or more, at the tailpipe it’s down to 150 degrees -- a sign energy has been lost. Velocity and uninterrupted flow are the real performance-making factors. Furthermore, it is the low frequency range that has energy (the sound you can feel inside the car); big pipes increase the low frequencies, making an uncomfortable roaring or droning sound. A Borla system, on the other hand, is designed for less restriction, keeping the velocity and frequency high so the main sound is behind the tailpipe. Late model cars and trucks are computer controlled to such an extent that
2. Why Do you Need a Performance Exhaust?
Without a performance exhaust, your robbing your engine of power and torque. Increased exhaust velocity adds power, driving excitement, fuel economy and a distinctive performance sound. Borla® systems add fine motorsport styling to your vehicle, designed to endure years of heavy use. Precision manufacturing using aircraft-quality T-304 stainless steel prevents corrosion and keeps your Borla® system looking new. Every Borla® Header and Cat-Back System employs ultra smooth mandrel bent tubing, all-welded construction, warp-free flanges and special merge collector technology to provide the ultimate in power and endurance. Borla's® straight-through and multi-core designs increase exhaust velocity to move more air through the engine. Exhaust gases evacuate the cylinder completely, allowing the new charge to come into the cylinder, thereby creating more power. The actual horsepower increase depends upon the fuel management system's ability to provide the right amount of fuel to match the extra air flow, but generally 7 to 15% increases are not uncommon.
3. Borla Performance Street Systems are used by top engine builders because they know Borla delivers the power, sound, and appearance their customers demand, not to mention an accurate fit and durability, all backed by a Million-Mile Warranty. Each application (domestic and import) is 50-state emissions legal and dyno-developed to deliver maximum, full-range horsepower to the rear wheels. Borla Systems also offer increased efficiency at cruising speeds for better fuel economy and that refined Borla sound of power. Borla Systems bolt on in place of the OEM system and include connection pipe(s), muffler(s), tip(s), and necessary hardware. Borla exhaust systems are designed for standard 2WD and 4WD suspension packages(not lowered).
Borla offers Cat-Back Systems for a wide range of domestic and import cars, trucks, and SUV's including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Plymouth, Chevrolet, Ford, Pontiac, Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Acura, Audi, Honda, Isuzu, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, and Lamborghini.
Their FAQ
Q. Why does it cost more?
A. The most commonly used metals in the manufacture of exhaust systems are rusty mild steel, aluminized steel or an inferior 409-grade of stainless. BORLA uses only Aircraft Quality T-304 Stainless Steel. It costs more than the other lesser grades of steel. To cut, bend and hand weld T-304 grade Stainless Steel takes special equipment too. Ask your local muffler shop if they can make a smooth, precision mandrel bend in a 2.50" 304 Stainless Steel pipe for you. You won't find many that can, and it won't be cheap. We also focus heavily on research and development to assure that the system fits, performs and sounds better than any other system on the market. Add to this pressure testing, our Million-Mile Warranty and the years of race winning technology that go into the systems made at BORLA, and you will see why we have so many loyal, repeat customers. A BORLA is actually very cost effective when you take into account the fact that most exhaust systems will need replacement within 18 months to 4 years while a BORLA exhaust is designed to last the life of your vehicle.
Q. Can I install a BORLA system myself?
A. Yes, many of our customers enjoy installing their BORLA system. In fact, we are told all the time that it's a tougher job to remove the stock system than to install their BORLA! Just be sure you have good clearance and access under your vehicle, have the proper tools, observe standard safety procedures, and ensure the vehicle is secured by approved jack stands. We do, however, recommend you have a professional installer do the work, especially for a header installation, which requires more skill.
Q. Do I need to make any modifications to my vehicle to install the system?
A. No. Our systems are designed to be completely bolt -on to your vehicle. Factory locations are utilized and all necessary installation hardware is included in the kit.
Sound Quality
Ok this is a big issue here, and there is alot of people that tend to dis like borla for their sound Quality, but first I will let them give their take on it
Quote from them is "A BORLA Cat Back™ systems have a deeper, throatier tone than stock. Our engineers take care in designing and tuning the systems with the mellow sound of power, aggressive yet elegant. Picture yourself driving down the road and turning up the bass on your stereo system but not changing the volume. That's what Borla sounds like!"
Now you might say WHAT the F does that mean? Simple, Borla in plain english is not a Rumbling system, quite the opposite it seems to strike the balance of sound loudness and keeping it clean. If that confused you a bit then let me give you my impression
Inside the car with the doors closed and the stereo off. Starting a borla for the first time after upgrading from Stock is acctually very impressive. When you start the car you can almost hear or feel a better air flow. Its not loud but the scientific air flow/resonance is felt and heard. Now before you just to far , remember this is not a 1995 Porsche 911 Turbo your starting here You will not get that thundering Deep Growl that sets off alarms lol which I must admit does sound damn good. If you are not sure what I am trying to describe with the Borla then what you need to do is to go out and find someone, perhaps a tuner or racer and actually sit and start the car yourself. Its something that needs to be heard or felt to see the differnce. At idle the sound and flow is nice and mello when you drive on the main roads you can also here the change in tone as the RPM rises, its not drastic but it is gradual. And I think borla did a good job at optimising the flow properly because when your coasting along at 120 kmph the car just feels right, you get the right type of vibe going thru your car. Its kinda like if you were to close your eyes and use your ears, you can almost point out where the main exhaust sound goes thru the car right down the middle. Well if this sounds like an out of body experience for me it is. Every little sound in my car over the years I can tell whats normal and whats new or wrong. And after this upgrade, my senses are definatly telling me I like what I hear.
Now Out side the car the sound is quite nice. Its not ground breaking but it sounds fluid and clean when it starts. and what can I say , its nicer then stock and gives the full range sound all the way up to 7000 RPM without sounds like ****. i will have a sound clip of the protege exhaust very soon so sit tight while the dyno work is still being done. in the mean time to get an idea of what a borla sounds like, refer to my previous post on Borla sound
or actually the clip it self of a honda kit
http://kevante.redirectme.net/audio/borla.mpg
Remember one thing, The sound depends on flow, so no 2 borlas are the exact same, you can't compare a borla for a Vett like a borla for a protege, There are big difference in flow. but if your looking for a richer sound, then you need to help or increase the flow, two ways to do this is upgrade the Header and tweaking your intake flow to feed your engines no ability to exhale faster.
The look
First impression was when we were in the Mazda install bay, and we were looking onthe crew as they ripped off the old and put up the new. Right offthe bat you can see the size of that Borla Tip, First thing I thought to my self is, damn I need a body kit hahah the tip is huge. Second thing that caught my eye is that , the Muffler is almost hidden under there. All you can see is this tip bending down in to place but you can bearly see the muffler body unless your bending down level with it. So if you havea body kit repackage this will look really good and you don't have to worry about landing the car on it if you havea lowering kit.
Fuel Preview Report
Before (yes with Bosch Plugs (because we says slight gains in fuel econ)
2001 ES Protege with stock exhaust and using K&N airfilter +Bosch plugs
580 km (From full tank to empty *yellow light coming on)53.50 litre tank refills)
with 3 full tanks the average came out to 580 on a full tank give or take 30 km of deviation
After with the Borla upgrade we have so far driven 2 full tanks on the same route, Driving to London ontario 200km away, and then 200, back home again.
the First run was a immediate run on the same ECU, letting the car adjust on its on right after the upgrade. this trip yielded a 622km range. a increase of 40 km
The second run was done after a ECU reset and driving the car 100km to get thru the learning stage, then the tank was topped up and driving onthe same route, in the middle of the night with similar weather as the first trips and ralatively no traffic driving at 110. and yeilded 640km tank a 60km increase in range.
please take into consideration that this is a 80% highway driving test so it may not reflect a more realworld result such as driving during rush hour at 20kmph or racing at 130 or 140 with higher fuel concomption. so bare with me lol
We have (before dyno results) but we have yet to get time for free on a Dyno machine. We have a software that projects HP but I think this gave a little confusion before so we are not going to really use thos numbers, but if your interested it looks like there was a 7.7 % increase in horse power. this is an averaging number of high and now values.
All this info will be cleared up in my next part 2 borla post. Stay tuned
Introducing The Graceful Borla Exhaust System
A few months ago, i began my began my quest for seeking a performance exhaust system, after asking around online and here, and also hitting the street checking out the underground spots I got a taste for whats out there. Looking at all the top names such as Borla, Magnaflow, DC Sports, Vibrant, and so on. But two things in regards to Exhaust systems that are most important, one is STYLE and the other is Performance both Sound Quality and Drivability.
And all these factors are different from driver to driver. Some like it loud and ear piercing some like it low and solid, some like it quiet and elegant.
After months of searching i finanally came up with my answer. Borla!
Why Borla?
Why Borla? Whats so special about them? Alot.... From my understanding on Borlas industry connections and underground rep. seems to place it high in the eyes of most. One with high praise of Quality, and Unbeatable Respect of Durability with their One Million Mile Warrenty on Any and Everything they make, even their reusable Airfilters. For me thats walking the walk and talking the talk.
Another thing I have seen is the wide range of brands Borla has tried to cover, It doesn't matter if you have a Audi, BMW, SCION, or mazda Borla has covered them all. and for some other Exhaust companies you tend to see them stay in one catagory or hang around a mainstay brand such as Honda or exotic sports cars. But thats of course under the rule of them. If you do one thing good, then you stay with it. But with Borla they do the same quality job on every product they make.
I could go on and on but you get my drift.
What about the Money?
Yes the money, its not secret that Borla is one Expensive Brand to buy. Well, my way looking at it, if you make something good or untouchable and do something that most of your compeditors cant match in terms of Durability. then Hell ya charge what ever you want. This isn't the march of dimes collecting here. But one thing in this world that you can stay with till the day you die, is that you honestly get what you pay for. If you cheap out, then you end up with a costly outcome in the end over time. And I can't tell you how often that has burned me with other things.
Buying paper air filters and not investing in a reusable, or buying one damn beer instead of a pitcher lol you know what I am talking about. There is a certain Cost Vs Want or Need that always takes place in our minds. (Women is a different Cost Vs. Need) lol hahah jokin anyways moving on
What they say/(The Company's Marketing spin)
The points they stress are as follows
1. Today, choosing performance exhaust can be confusing. A common misconception is that "bigger is better". Many enthusiasts, and manufacturers too, seem to feel that very large diameter pipes are the only way to go for muscle car performance, while Borla has found for street use, big pipes just take energy out of the exhaust, both by slowing down gas velocity and by cooling off the gases. While exhaust may leave the port at 1500 degrees or more, at the tailpipe it’s down to 150 degrees -- a sign energy has been lost. Velocity and uninterrupted flow are the real performance-making factors. Furthermore, it is the low frequency range that has energy (the sound you can feel inside the car); big pipes increase the low frequencies, making an uncomfortable roaring or droning sound. A Borla system, on the other hand, is designed for less restriction, keeping the velocity and frequency high so the main sound is behind the tailpipe. Late model cars and trucks are computer controlled to such an extent that
2. Why Do you Need a Performance Exhaust?
Without a performance exhaust, your robbing your engine of power and torque. Increased exhaust velocity adds power, driving excitement, fuel economy and a distinctive performance sound. Borla® systems add fine motorsport styling to your vehicle, designed to endure years of heavy use. Precision manufacturing using aircraft-quality T-304 stainless steel prevents corrosion and keeps your Borla® system looking new. Every Borla® Header and Cat-Back System employs ultra smooth mandrel bent tubing, all-welded construction, warp-free flanges and special merge collector technology to provide the ultimate in power and endurance. Borla's® straight-through and multi-core designs increase exhaust velocity to move more air through the engine. Exhaust gases evacuate the cylinder completely, allowing the new charge to come into the cylinder, thereby creating more power. The actual horsepower increase depends upon the fuel management system's ability to provide the right amount of fuel to match the extra air flow, but generally 7 to 15% increases are not uncommon.
3. Borla Performance Street Systems are used by top engine builders because they know Borla delivers the power, sound, and appearance their customers demand, not to mention an accurate fit and durability, all backed by a Million-Mile Warranty. Each application (domestic and import) is 50-state emissions legal and dyno-developed to deliver maximum, full-range horsepower to the rear wheels. Borla Systems also offer increased efficiency at cruising speeds for better fuel economy and that refined Borla sound of power. Borla Systems bolt on in place of the OEM system and include connection pipe(s), muffler(s), tip(s), and necessary hardware. Borla exhaust systems are designed for standard 2WD and 4WD suspension packages(not lowered).
Borla offers Cat-Back Systems for a wide range of domestic and import cars, trucks, and SUV's including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Plymouth, Chevrolet, Ford, Pontiac, Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Acura, Audi, Honda, Isuzu, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, and Lamborghini.
Their FAQ
Q. Why does it cost more?
A. The most commonly used metals in the manufacture of exhaust systems are rusty mild steel, aluminized steel or an inferior 409-grade of stainless. BORLA uses only Aircraft Quality T-304 Stainless Steel. It costs more than the other lesser grades of steel. To cut, bend and hand weld T-304 grade Stainless Steel takes special equipment too. Ask your local muffler shop if they can make a smooth, precision mandrel bend in a 2.50" 304 Stainless Steel pipe for you. You won't find many that can, and it won't be cheap. We also focus heavily on research and development to assure that the system fits, performs and sounds better than any other system on the market. Add to this pressure testing, our Million-Mile Warranty and the years of race winning technology that go into the systems made at BORLA, and you will see why we have so many loyal, repeat customers. A BORLA is actually very cost effective when you take into account the fact that most exhaust systems will need replacement within 18 months to 4 years while a BORLA exhaust is designed to last the life of your vehicle.
Q. Can I install a BORLA system myself?
A. Yes, many of our customers enjoy installing their BORLA system. In fact, we are told all the time that it's a tougher job to remove the stock system than to install their BORLA! Just be sure you have good clearance and access under your vehicle, have the proper tools, observe standard safety procedures, and ensure the vehicle is secured by approved jack stands. We do, however, recommend you have a professional installer do the work, especially for a header installation, which requires more skill.
Q. Do I need to make any modifications to my vehicle to install the system?
A. No. Our systems are designed to be completely bolt -on to your vehicle. Factory locations are utilized and all necessary installation hardware is included in the kit.
Sound Quality
Ok this is a big issue here, and there is alot of people that tend to dis like borla for their sound Quality, but first I will let them give their take on it
Quote from them is "A BORLA Cat Back™ systems have a deeper, throatier tone than stock. Our engineers take care in designing and tuning the systems with the mellow sound of power, aggressive yet elegant. Picture yourself driving down the road and turning up the bass on your stereo system but not changing the volume. That's what Borla sounds like!"
Now you might say WHAT the F does that mean? Simple, Borla in plain english is not a Rumbling system, quite the opposite it seems to strike the balance of sound loudness and keeping it clean. If that confused you a bit then let me give you my impression
Inside the car with the doors closed and the stereo off. Starting a borla for the first time after upgrading from Stock is acctually very impressive. When you start the car you can almost hear or feel a better air flow. Its not loud but the scientific air flow/resonance is felt and heard. Now before you just to far , remember this is not a 1995 Porsche 911 Turbo your starting here You will not get that thundering Deep Growl that sets off alarms lol which I must admit does sound damn good. If you are not sure what I am trying to describe with the Borla then what you need to do is to go out and find someone, perhaps a tuner or racer and actually sit and start the car yourself. Its something that needs to be heard or felt to see the differnce. At idle the sound and flow is nice and mello when you drive on the main roads you can also here the change in tone as the RPM rises, its not drastic but it is gradual. And I think borla did a good job at optimising the flow properly because when your coasting along at 120 kmph the car just feels right, you get the right type of vibe going thru your car. Its kinda like if you were to close your eyes and use your ears, you can almost point out where the main exhaust sound goes thru the car right down the middle. Well if this sounds like an out of body experience for me it is. Every little sound in my car over the years I can tell whats normal and whats new or wrong. And after this upgrade, my senses are definatly telling me I like what I hear.
Now Out side the car the sound is quite nice. Its not ground breaking but it sounds fluid and clean when it starts. and what can I say , its nicer then stock and gives the full range sound all the way up to 7000 RPM without sounds like ****. i will have a sound clip of the protege exhaust very soon so sit tight while the dyno work is still being done. in the mean time to get an idea of what a borla sounds like, refer to my previous post on Borla sound
or actually the clip it self of a honda kit
http://kevante.redirectme.net/audio/borla.mpg
Remember one thing, The sound depends on flow, so no 2 borlas are the exact same, you can't compare a borla for a Vett like a borla for a protege, There are big difference in flow. but if your looking for a richer sound, then you need to help or increase the flow, two ways to do this is upgrade the Header and tweaking your intake flow to feed your engines no ability to exhale faster.
The look
First impression was when we were in the Mazda install bay, and we were looking onthe crew as they ripped off the old and put up the new. Right offthe bat you can see the size of that Borla Tip, First thing I thought to my self is, damn I need a body kit hahah the tip is huge. Second thing that caught my eye is that , the Muffler is almost hidden under there. All you can see is this tip bending down in to place but you can bearly see the muffler body unless your bending down level with it. So if you havea body kit repackage this will look really good and you don't have to worry about landing the car on it if you havea lowering kit.
Fuel Preview Report
Before (yes with Bosch Plugs (because we says slight gains in fuel econ)
2001 ES Protege with stock exhaust and using K&N airfilter +Bosch plugs
580 km (From full tank to empty *yellow light coming on)53.50 litre tank refills)
with 3 full tanks the average came out to 580 on a full tank give or take 30 km of deviation
After with the Borla upgrade we have so far driven 2 full tanks on the same route, Driving to London ontario 200km away, and then 200, back home again.
the First run was a immediate run on the same ECU, letting the car adjust on its on right after the upgrade. this trip yielded a 622km range. a increase of 40 km
The second run was done after a ECU reset and driving the car 100km to get thru the learning stage, then the tank was topped up and driving onthe same route, in the middle of the night with similar weather as the first trips and ralatively no traffic driving at 110. and yeilded 640km tank a 60km increase in range.
please take into consideration that this is a 80% highway driving test so it may not reflect a more realworld result such as driving during rush hour at 20kmph or racing at 130 or 140 with higher fuel concomption. so bare with me lol
We have (before dyno results) but we have yet to get time for free on a Dyno machine. We have a software that projects HP but I think this gave a little confusion before so we are not going to really use thos numbers, but if your interested it looks like there was a 7.7 % increase in horse power. this is an averaging number of high and now values.
All this info will be cleared up in my next part 2 borla post. Stay tuned
December-11th-2004, 01:28 PM
#3
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Brampton
Posts: 389
Yup, Like I said the Dyno facts will come out later, the projections based on ECU output data is just a beta software projection....
the real goodies is inside the good old Dyno
Can't wait
By the way does anyone know a good dyno place in Toronto or surounding area?
the real goodies is inside the good old Dyno
Can't wait
By the way does anyone know a good dyno place in Toronto or surounding area?
December-13th-2004, 07:34 PM
#5
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
Posts: 27
Question
Good review, long, but good. One question why didnt u just buy the borla muffler and have the rest made. I have a 02 Protege 5 and it cost me $150 to have catback 2.5" Stainless bent with the muffler and tip of my choice installed. Beats paying $600 or so.
December-13th-2004, 08:51 PM
#6
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Brampton
Posts: 389
not to compare stock steel with that of a steel bent custom pipe, but after seeing how my other one rusted, I didn't wanna take anymore chances, and when you get pushed so far, it gets to the point where you just wanna pay and gett what you paid for and get it done right. Rather have that piece of mind then worry about quality.
but your right.
but your right.
December-14th-2004, 07:24 PM
#7
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
Posts: 27
If its stainless it wont rust and the stock pipe isnt stainless, right. The exhast i had made is made the same way a company like borla made but it dosnt have the borla log thus increasing the price 500 dollars, its better to get it custom made. Every vehicle i have ever had has had custom stainless exhast bent and I have never had a problem with them
December-17th-2004, 09:09 AM
#8
Registered User
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 221
Don't know how much I can add. But I do have a Borla system on my Jeep. I love it, it has a nice deep tone to it. It's not real loud but you definetly know it's not stock.
Just something to chew on also, I had a performance cat on it when I first installed the exhaust. It was louder and had mor of a weed whacker sound to it. I kept failing the emissions test and came to the conclusion that it was the cat causing the problem. I went back to the factory cat and I passed with flying colors. The new(factory) cat also took away teh weed whacker sound and gave it more "growl".
Just something to chew on also, I had a performance cat on it when I first installed the exhaust. It was louder and had mor of a weed whacker sound to it. I kept failing the emissions test and came to the conclusion that it was the cat causing the problem. I went back to the factory cat and I passed with flying colors. The new(factory) cat also took away teh weed whacker sound and gave it more "growl".
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