Frequently Asked Questions
- How much horsepower can I expect to gain?
- How does FLOW affect performance and sound?
- Will I get better gas mileage?
- Why does it cost more?
- What does it sound like?
- Will it void my factory warranty?
- Is a bigger pipe and muffler system better?
- My new car came with Stainless Steel exhaust from the factory! What's the difference?
- Can I install a BORLA® system myself?
- Do I need to make any modifications to my vehicle to install the system?
- Is our product different from a "glasspack" design?
- Are XR-1® exhaust products street legal?
- Why is BORLA® exhaust so much better than the other guys?
- Where can I buy a BORLA® system?
- Why don't you have sound clips on each of your part numbers?
- Why are your C6 Cat-Back™s so expensive?
- What makes an austenitic steel the best choice for an exhaust upgrade?
- How do I keep my Borla shining?
- What procedure or formula do you use to determine the perfect muffler sound?
- Explain the interaction of sound, pressure and heat waves in muffler design.
- What is the decibel limit for street applications? Are laws Local or Federal?
- What are the most common muffler technologies on the market, and how do they work?
- Is all sound cancellation technology the same?
- Do bigger muffler pipes alter sound? If so, how?
- Why does a pushrod Chevy V8 sound different from a pushrod Ford V8 engine? Is it the firing order?
- An overhead cam V8 seems to have a higher pitch than a pushrod V8 of the same size. Is this because
- Do you have a bionic ear at your company? If so, who's ear has the final say-so on muffler sounds, a
- How does a muffler's sound and performance differ based on its location in the exhaust system (i.e.
- Do you seek a "brand' sound for each engine, or does one good design just happen to work (and sound)
- Will I need to re-program my ignition control computer?
Q. How much horsepower can I expect to gain?
An engine’s ability to create horsepower is dependent on the quantity and ratio of air/fuel mixture that is flowing into the combustion chamber where it is ignited and subsequent exhaust gases expelled in a low restriction path, ideally with a scavenging effect to assist the next pulse of gas. Borla exhaust systems are designed to have the optimal diameters and low restriction flow that promote scavenging. The Borla R&D team performs dynamometer testing on new parts to ensure power gains. We frequently see gains in the 8 to 12 horsepower range, sometimes much higher. However, every application is unique and environmental differences can affect the outcome, it is therefore not possible to give an exact number for your specific situation.
Q. How does FLOW affect performance and sound?
BORLA® exhaust systems’ patented, straight-through design increases exhaust gas velocity and moves more uninterrupted air through the engine. Since there are no restrictions, exhaust gases evacuate the cylinder completely, thereby allowing the new charge to come into the cylinder and create more power. The result is a larger volume of torque from the engine as well as an enhanced exhaust tonal quality.
Q. Will I get better gas mileage?
Yes, a better performing engine uses less fuel more efficiently, increasing fuel economy under normal cruising conditions. BORLA®’s patented flow through design and proper diameter mandrel bent tubing evacuate the exhaust gases out the system much faster and at a much greater temperature than factory exhaust. This results in performance gains in HP when you plant your foot and fuel economy at cruising speeds. And, the bigger the vehicle, the bigger the engine, the bigger the load, the bigger the savings in fuel. That's why UPS delivery trucks are Borla-equipped!
Q. Why does it cost more?
The most commonly used metals in the manufacture of exhaust systems are rusty mild steel, aluminized steel or an inferior 400-series stainless. BORLA® uses only high quality austenitic stainless steel. It costs more than the other lesser grades of steel. To cut, bend and hand weld this grade of stainless steel takes special equipment too. Ask your local muffler shop if they can make a smooth, precision mandrel bend in a 2.50" 201 or 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. What does it sound like?
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!