opinions on Borla exhaust
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 713
Likes: 0
From: Saukville WI
opinions on Borla exhaust
I have a 1990 corvette coupe automatic. I want an exhaust with a great rumble on accelleration but smooth and quieter while cruising. Corsa does not make one for my year so is Borla a good choice?
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
Re: opinions on Borla exhaust (movin)
I've heard a lot of people who say the Borla resonates badly inside the car. I've also heard people who say it doesn't make a sound. The borla system for the Camaro didn't impress me much, too much popping and cracking when you let off the throttle.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver WA
Re: opinions on Borla exhaust (movin)
I have Borlas on a 96 CE, AT and they do resonate between 1200 and 1800 RPMs. On the Highway, not much different in sound.
I'm thinking about going to Cat-Backs, a friend has these and I sure like the sound.
I'm thinking about going to Cat-Backs, a friend has these and I sure like the sound.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,691
Likes: 1
From: Framingham MA
Re: opinions on Borla exhaust (movin)
85-91 have a different exhaust structure than 92-96's. Most of the 92-96 owner complain of resonance. This make a big difference.
I had 2 1/4" borla on my car when it was stock. I liked that exhaust very much, I never noticed it resonate with the stock exhuast manifold and a cat. It wasn't all that loud, a little louder than stock.
I now have a Borla 2 1/2" and Header and it does resonate from 1200-1800 rpm. It did resonate with 2 1/4" Borlas w/headers but not as nearly as bad as it does now.
If your going ot keep the rest of the exhaust mostly stock I would recommend the 2 1/4" Borla's.
I had 2 1/4" borla on my car when it was stock. I liked that exhaust very much, I never noticed it resonate with the stock exhuast manifold and a cat. It wasn't all that loud, a little louder than stock.
I now have a Borla 2 1/2" and Header and it does resonate from 1200-1800 rpm. It did resonate with 2 1/4" Borlas w/headers but not as nearly as bad as it does now.
If your going ot keep the rest of the exhaust mostly stock I would recommend the 2 1/4" Borla's.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 799
Likes: 1
From: Fremont CA
Re: opinions on Borla exhaust (movin)
I have Borlas on my '90, bought it that way. Before I installed a cross-over Y-pipe it would resonate. Wasn't that bad, but it seemed just as loud with top and windows up as it was with top and windows down. It was tiring on long trips, but I lived with it for 2 years. Rev the engine tho and it sounds sweet!
My advice would be to find someone in your area who has Borlas and listen to their car. Make sure it is a similar vintage because (as someone already said) the exhaust system is different from L98's to LT1's. One of these days I'd like to hear what eliminators sound like.
My advice would be to find someone in your area who has Borlas and listen to their car. Make sure it is a similar vintage because (as someone already said) the exhaust system is different from L98's to LT1's. One of these days I'd like to hear what eliminators sound like.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 3,891
Likes: 2
From: Houston, TX
Re: opinions on Borla exhaust (movin)
I had them on my 91 and I loved them. You could hear them at cruise, but it was not bad and did not resonate in the cabin. They were one of the best sounding exhaust I have ever owned! 
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 844
Likes: 3
From: Kennewick, Wa. USA
Re: opinions on Borla exhaust (movin)
I have Borlas on my 87. I love the sound at idle, and the sound under hard acceleration, but could live without the resonance at 1500 rpm. My biggest complaint is the LT-1 style tips (rectangular) both cracked at the seem and rattled terribly until I drilled a couple holes in each and put small bolts with nuts and lock washers in. I've called Borla (lifetime warranty) several times and left messages but thy won't return my calls!
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
Re: opinions on Borla exhaust (movin)
I have the 2 1/2" cat back set up on my '85. While I was less than thrilled with the weld quality, the sound is fantastic. Just the right burble coming off the throttle, and a very tight mid rangey tone at speed. Yes, some may find it tiresome on a long trip, but not me. Besides, but it saves me money trying to restore the Bose. If I want peace and quiet I drive my Buick!
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 27,818
Likes: 8
From: CT
Re: opinions on Borla exhaust (Ezgoin721)
I've liked Borlas since back when I was a die hard 5.0 stang guy(Forgive me). The sound, fit and finish have been second to none IMHO. They're nice and mellow at idle..but crack that throttle and your neighbors WILL be hearing you . I've heard a few systems compared to the Borlas..and I like them the best.
. I've heard a few systems compared to the Borlas..and I like them the best.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 27,818
Likes: 8
From: CT
Re: opinions on Borla exhaust (Ezgoin721)
[QUOTE]I have Borlas on my 87. I love the sound at idle, and the sound under hard acceleration, but could live without the resonance at 1500 rpm. QUOTE] EZ.... it's going to sound nuts...but a LOT of resonance on your car is the gears. The motor lugs right along with those 2.73's. Believe me, when my car had 2.59's and this system.. I was ready to climb out of the car a few times! Once you step up to 3.45 or .54's you'll love the feel and sound. It's much better that way. :seeya
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 12,182
Likes: 1
From: Partying with the Cowboys cheerleaders in Mt. Olive, New Jersey
Re: opinions on Borla exhaust (movin)
I have Borlas on my '86 for a few years now and they still look and sound great! I can have a good conversation while doing 80!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,047
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Re: opinions on Borla exhaust (Ezgoin721)
I had (have) the same exact problem with my square tip LT-1 Borla mufflers in that they cracked at the seams on the tips... Class action suit? Million Mile Warranty? For what they charge, the finish should be much better (should look like the way they advertise it with an almost mirror finish) and the welds should last much much longer.
I do have a terrible resonance while cruising at the 1200-2000rpm range. Contributing to this is the lack of cats, headers and oooops, no resonator any more.
On a brighter note, it is by far the most pleasing and agressive exhaust note that I've heard and driven. It is very distinctive and is easily separated from the Flowmaster & Corsa crowd. I used to have the Dynomax Super Turbo "bolt-on" mufflers. However, they were way to quiet and mild.
I do have a terrible resonance while cruising at the 1200-2000rpm range. Contributing to this is the lack of cats, headers and oooops, no resonator any more.
On a brighter note, it is by far the most pleasing and agressive exhaust note that I've heard and driven. It is very distinctive and is easily separated from the Flowmaster & Corsa crowd. I used to have the Dynomax Super Turbo "bolt-on" mufflers. However, they were way to quiet and mild.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Tinley Park, IL.
Re: opinions on Borla exhaust (EricVonHa)
I've got the Borla 2 3/4'' XR1 race cat back system with shorty headers and free flow cats. Excellent sound, and the resonance isn't that bad. No problem with fit and finish, everything seems o.k. I also had 2 1/4'' Borlas on my '85, and I did have a weld break, and Borla replaced it with only about 3 weeks of down time for me. I'd say go with the Borlas!! :yesnod:
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 700
Likes: 1
From: Florida
Re: opinions on Borla exhaust (movin)
I have the Borla mufflers on my 93 for about 3-4 years. The inside cabin does resonate at the lower RPM's, but when you punch it.. it's soo sweeet.
If Borla or any high flow muffler manufacturer can reduce the resonance.. then life would be a lot sweeter ! I'd think twice before putting on another set. Somtimes I wish I didn't have them and most of the time I'm glad I have them... I guess it's a toss up. :seeya
If Borla or any high flow muffler manufacturer can reduce the resonance.. then life would be a lot sweeter ! I'd think twice before putting on another set. Somtimes I wish I didn't have them and most of the time I'm glad I have them... I guess it's a toss up. :seeya
