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Borla vs. Flowmaster

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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 10:57 AM
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Default Borla vs. Flowmaster

I was saving for a Borla Stinger system for my 2005 coupe. However due to the financial crunch we are all feeling, I have to conserve a little. I was thinking of grabbing a set of Flowmaster American Thunders for my car. I've heard a ton of sound clips on here, but I'd like to know if they are as loud or louder than the Stingers. I've heard about the drone issues, but no loud system can avoid that.

Dan
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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 11:54 AM
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As a two-time Borla Stinger owner I would say that you probably won't be satisfied with the Flowmasters.. keep saving and hang out in the C6 Parts section and buy a good used Stinger/GM Performance mufflers.. you won't regret it.. usually $600-$700
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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 12:00 PM
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Originally Posted by DonutsZ51
As a two-time Borla Stinger owner I would say that you probably won't be satisfied with the Flowmasters.. keep saving and hang out in the C6 Parts section and buy a good used Stinger/GM Performance mufflers.. you won't regret it.. usually $600-$700
I appreciate the advice. Have you ever heard flowmasters in person? How loud are they?
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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 12:02 PM
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I am in the same boat, want Borla Stingers, but the $$ is tight right now. So many things went wrong with the house this summer, looks like my exhaust will have to wait.
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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 12:13 PM
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Originally Posted by FirstVette15
I appreciate the advice. Have you ever heard flowmasters in person? How loud are they?
They're loud but not Stinger loud.. Stingers really scream...both have drone. Save a little more and get used stingers..
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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 12:15 PM
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I have flowmasters and the drone is pretty bad, they are loud too. For the price I don't think it can be beat, it really does have a great muscle car sound, lots of burbling and popping on deceleration. I'm looking at changing to a Corsa sport system, if I do then I'll be selling my flowmasters. I like them, but the drone on long trips is starting to get to me.

David
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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by mcandrew67
I have flowmasters and the drone is pretty bad, they are loud too. For the price I don't think it can be beat, it really does have a great muscle car sound, lots of burbling and popping on deceleration. I'm looking at changing to a Corsa sport system, if I do then I'll be selling my flowmasters. I like them, but the drone on long trips is starting to get to me.

David
Thanks David. Yea, if the drone is killing you, then you will love the Corsa sports. They are louder than stock but no drone. A friend of mine has them. They just aren't loud enough for me. I have a MN6 so I'm hoping I can control the drone a bit at the expense of some gas. There goes 6th gear!
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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 01:08 PM
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Go borla. sounds great

My friend has flowmasters. rattle like crazy when you listen standing outside and behind the car. he has a set of borlas on order. he will sell you his flowmasters if you want a cheap fix now. im sure he will sell for only a couple of hundred.
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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 01:10 PM
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You gotta consider B&B's.......
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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 01:16 PM
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Every vehicle I have ever owned has had Borla for pipes. Their sound and quality is hard to beat.

I would say do it right the first time, and if money is tight out off the upgrade for a while and slowly save for the Borla...


I'm a want it now kinda guy, but I've learned with car modifications it's easier to do it right the first time so you dont have anything in the back of your mind...
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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 01:17 PM
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Originally Posted by FirstVette15
I appreciate the advice. Have you ever heard flowmasters in person? How loud are they?
Originally Posted by DonutsZ51
They're loud but not Stinger loud.. Stingers really scream...both have drone. Save a little more and get used stingers..

I had Flowmasters on my car before I got the Stingers, so I've spent time with both systems on my 2006 M6.

The Flowmasters are ok, especially for the price, but I was *very* pleased with the difference after putting on the Borla system... the Stingers sound soooo much better. Not just louder, but the entire exhaust tone is so much improved. I've had the Stingers on my car for 8 months (?) and I *still* like hearing them every time I drive.

Flowmasters will cost $375-$400. If you watch the the For Sale forum here, you can usually pick up a nice set of used Stingers for about $600 -- so its just a couple hundred $ more, and SO worth it!

Cheers,
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Last edited by Kent1999; Aug 5, 2008 at 01:21 PM.
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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 01:22 PM
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I was on the fence with the same decision about Borla or Flowmasters for my '06 MN6. I've heard Borla Stingers before. Last Thursday I listened to my friends Flowmasters at the dealer right after the install ($589 installed) on his '07 MN6 . They sounded great. Old school muscle car to my ears. After he had them on for a few days I spoke with both him and his wife Sudnday at a Vette crusie about their impressions. Big thumbs up from both as well as a lot of comments about how good they sounded from others. I made the decision on the spot to go with the Flowmasters based first on the sound I wanted and then value. I'm having the single 4" tip version installed tomorrow. Will write a review later this week. I would listen to both before making a choice. Good luck.

Last edited by Scruff Vette; Aug 5, 2008 at 01:28 PM.
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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 01:24 PM
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From what I've heard, Flowmasters aren't the greatest. I think you'd be better off waiting and saving to go with the Borla exhaust.
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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 01:32 PM
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I've heard negative things about Blowmaster ... er, Flowmaster for years. Just word-of-mouth stuff. But then again other people like them just fine.

I think it goes without saying the Borla would be better, but of course cost is the factor here.

Good luck!
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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 02:03 PM
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I'm happy with mine, no rattling... Added a Magnaflo X-pipe to reduce the drone... In the future I mught switch to Bullets or the new Fusions from B&B.

Last edited by Tom_Slick; Aug 5, 2008 at 02:11 PM.
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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 02:04 PM
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I hear all you guys about Borla. Trust me, I know they are an incredible system, well made, all stainless etc. I just want to do something now so I can enjoy it before the cold weather hits. I have already waited and saved for almost a year only to have some unexpected expenses come up. As for the Flomaster rattling issue, i understand you have to use some aftermarket clamps as the ones that come with the system are crappy.

Dan
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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 02:53 PM
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Originally Posted by DonutsZ51
They're loud but not Stinger loud.. Stingers really scream...both have drone. Save a little more and get used stingers..
Drone is not too bad on the stingers IMO.
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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 03:43 PM
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Originally Posted by FirstVette15
I hear all you guys about Borla. Trust me, I know they are an incredible system, well made, all stainless etc. I just want to do something now so I can enjoy it before the cold weather hits. I have already waited and saved for almost a year only to have some unexpected expenses come up. As for the Flomaster rattling issue, i understand you have to use some aftermarket clamps as the ones that come with the system are crappy.

Dan
Don't settle and spend money unnecessarily... spring isn't that far away. Trust me, I've changed my exhaust 4 times and I'm right back where I started with Stingers and I spent $1500 to get back where I started. Take your time, listen to both before you buy.
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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 03:44 PM
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I have flowmasters on my A6 07 Convertable for over one year , they didnt cost me & arm & leg , absolutly no drone , nice deep idle, ....... had them installed by Menake muffler for $75 bucks.........previously had flowmasters on my 90 convertable .........nice product & works for me..................Firstvette15 saving for mufflers & paying $1,000 to &1,500 for mufflers eeeeeeeeeeeeeek , for that much ..they must be gold plated & include hedders ..................................


Flowmasters

Last edited by StrayDog; Aug 6, 2008 at 08:07 AM. Reason: spellin
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Old Aug 5, 2008 | 03:58 PM
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Stingers or nothing
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