Borla "S" type exhaust system
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Joined: Dec 2005
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Borla "S" type exhaust system
Does anyone have a Borla "S" type exhaust on there C6? I'm thinking about buying it But I"m not sure if its worth it.
How does it sound?
Did it improve performance?
thanks
How does it sound?
Did it improve performance?
thanks
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 510
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
Do a search in this forum and the general forum and you will find a lot of threads on Borla exhaust. Yes they sound good outside the car, the question becomes can you put up with the noise and drone inside car. Aftermarket performance exhaust is for sound only. Any performance improvements will be minimal and not noticeable when driving the car. And your gas mileage will be the same as with the stock exhaust, or actually probably worse. When one puts on a good sounding exhaust you tend to put your foot in it more to hear the rumble.
Last edited by BigJag; Feb 19, 2006 at 07:05 PM.
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From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
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I just installed mine today. I haven't driven it yet as it's still on jacks waiting for my new wheels and tires to be installed. If you go with Borla S, the instructions are weak. If it will be a DIY job here's some pointers:
1. Unbolt the H pipe and spring hangers first. This will make getting the stock mufflers off the pipe easier.
2. Unbolt the tailpipe hangers then undo the clamps.
3. Remove the rear sway bar.
4. Lift the rear of the car at least 2.5 feet off the ground. Three feet is better.
5. On install, the last things you want to bolt back up after you get the over axle pipes and Borla mufflers in place is the H pipe and spring hangers.
6. Once you've checked all your clearances and connections and everything is bolted back up, put the sway bar back on.
Ignore the remove heat shield and bend heat shield tab in the instructions. It's not required. The instructions have a mix of C5 and C6 info. I plan to contact Borla and let them know the instructions are weak.
I had the Borla S (aka Stingers) on my C5 and the sound was exactly what I wanted. I did start my C6 after install and these sound great as well. I can't wait to get out and bang the paddles through the gears.
Good luck in whatever you choose.
1. Unbolt the H pipe and spring hangers first. This will make getting the stock mufflers off the pipe easier.
2. Unbolt the tailpipe hangers then undo the clamps.
3. Remove the rear sway bar.
4. Lift the rear of the car at least 2.5 feet off the ground. Three feet is better.
5. On install, the last things you want to bolt back up after you get the over axle pipes and Borla mufflers in place is the H pipe and spring hangers.
6. Once you've checked all your clearances and connections and everything is bolted back up, put the sway bar back on.
Ignore the remove heat shield and bend heat shield tab in the instructions. It's not required. The instructions have a mix of C5 and C6 info. I plan to contact Borla and let them know the instructions are weak.
I had the Borla S (aka Stingers) on my C5 and the sound was exactly what I wanted. I did start my C6 after install and these sound great as well. I can't wait to get out and bang the paddles through the gears.
Good luck in whatever you choose.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 0
From: Catonsville MD
I have the borla, anyone who says the "drone" is too bad shouldn't own a performance car. The drone they speak of is between 1800-2000 rpms, big freaking deal. Shift.
They'd rather have a corsa that sounds like complete a$$, than have a 200rpm window of what I would consider minimal drone. The borla sounds the best by far outside the car. Hands down, and the drone is nothing. Remember your audience, maybe it's because I'm younger, but I really don't see what this forum has up their butt about borla, like I said, if you can't handle that amount of resonance, so minimal, maybe it's time to sell the car and get a minivan.
They'd rather have a corsa that sounds like complete a$$, than have a 200rpm window of what I would consider minimal drone. The borla sounds the best by far outside the car. Hands down, and the drone is nothing. Remember your audience, maybe it's because I'm younger, but I really don't see what this forum has up their butt about borla, like I said, if you can't handle that amount of resonance, so minimal, maybe it's time to sell the car and get a minivan.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 0
From: Catonsville MD
Originally Posted by 3XBlack
I just installed mine today. I haven't driven it yet as it's still on jacks waiting for my new wheels and tires to be installed. If you go with Borla S, the instructions are weak. If it will be a DIY job here's some pointers:
1. Unbolt the H pipe and spring hangers first. This will make getting the stock mufflers off the pipe easier.
2. Unbolt the tailpipe hangers then undo the clamps.
3. Remove the rear sway bar.
4. Lift the rear of the car at least 2.5 feet off the ground. Three feet is better.
5. On install, the last things you want to bolt back up after you get the over axle pipes and Borla mufflers in place is the H pipe and spring hangers.
6. Once you've checked all your clearances and connections and everything is bolted back up, put the sway bar back on.
Ignore the remove heat shield and bend heat shield tab in the instructions. It's not required. The instructions have a mix of C5 and C6 info. I plan to contact Borla and let them know the instructions are weak.
I had the Borla S (aka Stingers) on my C5 and the sound was exactly what I wanted. I did start my C6 after install and these sound great as well. I can't wait to get out and bang the paddles through the gears.
Good luck in whatever you choose.
1. Unbolt the H pipe and spring hangers first. This will make getting the stock mufflers off the pipe easier.
2. Unbolt the tailpipe hangers then undo the clamps.
3. Remove the rear sway bar.
4. Lift the rear of the car at least 2.5 feet off the ground. Three feet is better.
5. On install, the last things you want to bolt back up after you get the over axle pipes and Borla mufflers in place is the H pipe and spring hangers.
6. Once you've checked all your clearances and connections and everything is bolted back up, put the sway bar back on.
Ignore the remove heat shield and bend heat shield tab in the instructions. It's not required. The instructions have a mix of C5 and C6 info. I plan to contact Borla and let them know the instructions are weak.
I had the Borla S (aka Stingers) on my C5 and the sound was exactly what I wanted. I did start my C6 after install and these sound great as well. I can't wait to get out and bang the paddles through the gears.
Good luck in whatever you choose.
Just a note, you don't need to remove the swaybar. The drivers side over the axle pipe will hit the tranny linkage, just take out the 10 mm bolt that holds it in, and it will come right out. No need to move the swaybar.
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Joined: Jul 2000
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From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Originally Posted by Waveblaster785
Just a note, you don't need to remove the swaybar. The drivers side over the axle pipe will hit the tranny linkage, just take out the 10 mm bolt that holds it in, and it will come right out. No need to move the swaybar.
As for the drone complaints, I don't get it either. My C5 vert never had an issue with drone and I'm pretty sure it won't be an issue with this car. It's not about being young either. I'm 47. The Corsa is not a bad system it's just not for me.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 0
From: Catonsville MD
Originally Posted by 3XBlack
It did make it much easier to maneuver. It's only two 18mm nuts and one 18mm bolt per side. It sure opened up a lot of space.
As for the drone complaints, I don't get it either. My C5 vert never had an issue with drone and I'm pretty sure it won't be an issue with this car. It's not about being young either. I'm 47. The Corsa is not a bad system it's just not for me.
As for the drone complaints, I don't get it either. My C5 vert never had an issue with drone and I'm pretty sure it won't be an issue with this car. It's not about being young either. I'm 47. The Corsa is not a bad system it's just not for me.
I was gonna drop it too, but I realized where it was getting hung up. After the first install, the second one on a friends car took about 30 mins.
Cordless Impact and a couple sockets and that's it.
I love my borlas, can't wait to bolt up some headers and maybe install a cam this summer.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 1
From: Costa Mesa CA
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
FWIW....
My C6 A4 Z51 dynoed at 343 RWHP with Borla Sports and X-Pipe.
Increased to 364 RWHP after Halltech Stinger and custom tune by A & A Performance Corvette in CA.
I absolutely love the sound of the Borlas.
Considering adding longtube headers, and may switch to Borla Street if too loud for the neighbors with the Borla Sports.
My C6 A4 Z51 dynoed at 343 RWHP with Borla Sports and X-Pipe.
Increased to 364 RWHP after Halltech Stinger and custom tune by A & A Performance Corvette in CA.
I absolutely love the sound of the Borlas.
Considering adding longtube headers, and may switch to Borla Street if too loud for the neighbors with the Borla Sports.
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 510
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
Originally Posted by Waveblaster785
I have the borla, anyone who says the "drone" is too bad shouldn't own a performance car. The drone they speak of is between 1800-2000 rpms, big freaking deal. Shift.
They'd rather have a corsa that sounds like complete a$$, than have a 200rpm window of what I would consider minimal drone. The borla sounds the best by far outside the car. Hands down, and the drone is nothing. Remember your audience, maybe it's because I'm younger, but I really don't see what this forum has up their butt about borla, like I said, if you can't handle that amount of resonance, so minimal, maybe it's time to sell the car and get a minivan.
They'd rather have a corsa that sounds like complete a$$, than have a 200rpm window of what I would consider minimal drone. The borla sounds the best by far outside the car. Hands down, and the drone is nothing. Remember your audience, maybe it's because I'm younger, but I really don't see what this forum has up their butt about borla, like I said, if you can't handle that amount of resonance, so minimal, maybe it's time to sell the car and get a minivan.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 0
From: Catonsville MD
Originally Posted by BigJag
Not sure if this is in response to my earlier reply but if it is I was not cutting on Borla's when I said about the interior noise and drone. I have Borla's on my H2 and GHL's on my C6. I was merely pointing out that the car is going to be much louder inside and will have some drone. Not necessarily a good or bad thing, just factual information. All the muscle car sounding exhausts have some drone on the C6. I personally love the sound of Borla's. Apparently, according to you, the forum is a bunch of old farts with something up their butts about Borla. By the way, since Borla's sound the best by far, please tell us what other exhaust systems you've heard. We all know how you feel about Corsas (I don't care for them either) but what about the rest.
I've heard, corsa, GHL, B&B, and magnaflow. And of course Borla.
My response wasn't aimed at you, it's just a general before all the borla haters come in the thread. I never understood the complaints about drone.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,892
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From: God's Country, ID
I too like the way Borla sounds. However, I prefer the way GHL's look over Borla. They also sound similar to Borla's as well.
I am curious why so many add exhaust before headers? Maybe cost is an issue? There seems to be such little benefit with exhaust only. At least with a long-tube header system you get a noticeable hp/tq improvement and get sound.
I am curious why so many add exhaust before headers? Maybe cost is an issue? There seems to be such little benefit with exhaust only. At least with a long-tube header system you get a noticeable hp/tq improvement and get sound.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 0
From: Catonsville MD
Originally Posted by DSOMC6
I too like the way Borla sounds. However, I prefer the way GHL's look over Borla. They also sound similar to Borla's as well.
I am curious why so many add exhaust before headers? Maybe cost is an issue? There seems to be such little benefit with exhaust only. At least with a long-tube header system you get a noticeable hp/tq improvement and get sound.
I am curious why so many add exhaust before headers? Maybe cost is an issue? There seems to be such little benefit with exhaust only. At least with a long-tube header system you get a noticeable hp/tq improvement and get sound.
My reason was I don't like the sound of the headers and stock exhaust. I needed to spread out the cost, so I chose the catback first. I'll get the headers whenever the money is available.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 201
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From: Fort Lee NJ
Originally Posted by Waveblaster785
My reason was I don't like the sound of the headers and stock exhaust. I needed to spread out the cost, so I chose the catback first. I'll get the headers whenever the money is available.
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From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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2021 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
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2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Originally Posted by DSOMC6
I too like the way Borla sounds. However, I prefer the way GHL's look over Borla. They also sound similar to Borla's as well.
I am curious why so many add exhaust before headers? Maybe cost is an issue? There seems to be such little benefit with exhaust only. At least with a long-tube header system you get a noticeable hp/tq improvement and get sound.
I am curious why so many add exhaust before headers? Maybe cost is an issue? There seems to be such little benefit with exhaust only. At least with a long-tube header system you get a noticeable hp/tq improvement and get sound.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
Corsa are teh most versatile
Each to his own on sound. When you add headers and high flow cats the sound changes and gets louder.
When you add almost 200hp to the motor the sound really increases.
If you take your car on road trips, the "drone range" is between 70 and 85mph in 5th and 6th and, to some people, has been so annoying they have switched away from Borlas.
I went with Corsa Sports because I like the dual nature of the exhaust, quiet on cruise and loud on WOT.
Here are some sound clips from my car.
Idle
Click here to watch 403-Sounds
WOT
Click here to watch DVDZip_Output_02
Listen to them and ride in the car with your choice if possible.
The best sounding exhaust in my opinion is the GHL
It was not available when I bought my Corsa Sports.
When you add almost 200hp to the motor the sound really increases.
If you take your car on road trips, the "drone range" is between 70 and 85mph in 5th and 6th and, to some people, has been so annoying they have switched away from Borlas.
I went with Corsa Sports because I like the dual nature of the exhaust, quiet on cruise and loud on WOT.
Here are some sound clips from my car.
Idle
Click here to watch 403-Sounds
WOT
Click here to watch DVDZip_Output_02
Listen to them and ride in the car with your choice if possible.
The best sounding exhaust in my opinion is the GHL
It was not available when I bought my Corsa Sports.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 608
Likes: 1
From: Oregon
Originally Posted by Waveblaster785
I have the borla, anyone who says the "drone" is too bad shouldn't own a performance car. The drone they speak of is between 1800-2000 rpms, big freaking deal. Shift.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,892
Likes: 107
From: God's Country, ID
Originally Posted by Waveblaster785
My reason was I don't like the sound of the headers and stock exhaust. I needed to spread out the cost, so I chose the catback first. I'll get the headers whenever the money is available.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 0
From: Catonsville MD
Originally Posted by DSOMC6
Wow, you must really like it loud. I had LG with oem exhaust on the MN6 and it was damn loud at or above 2000 RPM. Sounded mean and I was afraid to add mufflers for fear of attracting the wrong attention at WOT.
My old truck had kooks headers, no cats and Bassani, it was the loudest thing around next to my neighbors cammed LS1 with a cutout. We give all our new neighbors earplugs as house warming gifts.
I don't think the LG with cats and Borla will be any louder, in fact thats why I'm getting LG, so I can swap in the ORPs when it's not loud enough.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Vallejo California
Originally Posted by Waveblaster785
I have the borla, anyone who says the "drone" is too bad shouldn't own a performance car. The drone they speak of is between 1800-2000 rpms, big freaking deal. Shift.
They'd rather have a corsa that sounds like complete a$$, than have a 200rpm window of what I would consider minimal drone. The borla sounds the best by far outside the car. Hands down, and the drone is nothing. Remember your audience, maybe it's because I'm younger, but I really don't see what this forum has up their butt about borla, like I said, if you can't handle that amount of resonance, so minimal, maybe it's time to sell the car and get a minivan.
They'd rather have a corsa that sounds like complete a$$, than have a 200rpm window of what I would consider minimal drone. The borla sounds the best by far outside the car. Hands down, and the drone is nothing. Remember your audience, maybe it's because I'm younger, but I really don't see what this forum has up their butt about borla, like I said, if you can't handle that amount of resonance, so minimal, maybe it's time to sell the car and get a minivan.