Borla CatBack
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Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Gilbert Az
Borla CatBack
I'm relatively new to mods and have seen a lot of vette owners speak of Borla CatBack exhaust systems. What exactly does this involve? Can it be done to any C5? Any exhaust shop can do it? What benefits does it offer? Ballpark cost for a 2002? Any help will appreciated. Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
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From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
Lots of good systems out there for your Corvette. Personally I like loud so I run Borla "stinger" which have a smaller can style muffler. They're loud and do have some drone at 1700 rpms.
Do some forum searching... also, try to go to a Corvette show to hear different systems in person.
If you do things like add headers, remove the cats, or do engine work it can chagne the sound characteristics from the mufflers.
Installing a catback only is very easy.
Do some forum searching... also, try to go to a Corvette show to hear different systems in person.
If you do things like add headers, remove the cats, or do engine work it can chagne the sound characteristics from the mufflers.
Installing a catback only is very easy.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,025
Likes: 2
From: Valdosta GA
A catback exhaust will certainly improve on the factory exhaust sound. Made add a minimal amount of horsepower but don't expect too much in the way of power on an otherwise stock setup. This mod is more for the enjoyment factor from having an exhaust you can hear.
I changed out my catback (went with Borla Quad-oval tip stingers) in my driveway several years ago. Later added an x-pipe and then added headers. Sound changed slightly with each modfication to the exhaust.
I changed out my catback (went with Borla Quad-oval tip stingers) in my driveway several years ago. Later added an x-pipe and then added headers. Sound changed slightly with each modfication to the exhaust.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
It involves replacement of the stock exhaust sytem from a point directly behind the catalytic converters to the muffler tips. hence "cat back"
Borla is one of several desireable aftermarket brands.
others include Bassani, Billy boat (B&B) Corsa, etc.
They look nicer ( polished stainless steel tips of varying design, and perhaps polished cans [muffler]) are louder, (the tone and volume varyies by manufacturer and model.)
They improve the exhaust flow ( less backpressure) and will generate some (5-15) extra horsepower.
Borla is one of several desireable aftermarket brands.
others include Bassani, Billy boat (B&B) Corsa, etc.
They look nicer ( polished stainless steel tips of varying design, and perhaps polished cans [muffler]) are louder, (the tone and volume varyies by manufacturer and model.)
They improve the exhaust flow ( less backpressure) and will generate some (5-15) extra horsepower.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,298
Likes: 4
From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
Originally Posted by buzz12
Thanks guys for the replys, any guesstimates to the cost of installation
of any of these systems mentioned like the Borla stingers??
of any of these systems mentioned like the Borla stingers??
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Fort Smith AR
Borla Stingers are Hot!!!
You can do it in about an hour yourself if you are able to get the
back of the car off the ground. There are plenty of tips on this
forum that can give you the details. Remember safety first!!
You can do it in about an hour yourself if you are able to get the
back of the car off the ground. There are plenty of tips on this
forum that can give you the details. Remember safety first!!
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Yes, the Borla cat back systems can be installed on any C5. It basically involves taking the mufflers and over the axle pipes off the car and replacing them with the Borla system. Strictly a bolt on job. You may gain a slight amount of HP (don't expect much), but the sound and looks will be the biggest advantages. A good muffler shop should be able to do the job for you unless you want to do it yourself - but you need to get the car about 30" or so in the air if you want to take the stock exhaust off without cutting.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 834
Likes: 0
From: Palm Beach Gardens FL
I found a good used set on ebay or you can find them here around $400 - $500 shipped. An exhaust shop shouldn't charge more than $150 to put them on. Mine were $90 installed because I couldn't wait for the weekend once I got them in the mail. My $0.02
Pro
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 642
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From: Cicero Indiana
I bought mine on ebay new for $705.00, got them in 3-4 days, installed them the next day. Easy to do, if you can get the car up high enough. About 11/2 hours. Slight hum about 1300 rpm's. I could have been happier with something a little louder. Looks bad with those 2 big pipes coming out the back.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 178
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From: Austin Texas
Originally Posted by buzz12
I'm relatively new to mods and have seen a lot of vette owners speak of Borla CatBack exhaust systems. What exactly does this involve? Can it be done to any C5? Any exhaust shop can do it? What benefits does it offer? Ballpark cost for a 2002? Any help will appreciated. Thanks.