So just following up on results of Borla’s response to the first system’s tips being damaged by shipping and only wrapping them in bubble wrap. After speaking to Joshua with Meraki about options , the fastest option was to purchase another system ( now I am over 4K in) and send the old one back.They sent out another system (apparently they had another with intercooled/black tips in stock) after 3-4 days second system arrived at muffler shop with damaged tips..seriously, knowing this is the 2nd system being sent out and all the stress and hassle, you would think they would throw some cardboard around them and maybe re-evaluate the process, but that’s just me. So as much as I want to just say screw it.. I have invested a lot of time and $$ at this point, I opted to take $150, and have the latest tips powder coated as suggested by a few. The big “get” on this is what looks like a superior finish going the PC route vs. the wafer thin coating on the stock Borla tips....more to follow...

 

I took my BB axel backs to the powder coater yesterday to get a black ceramic coating on the tips. I think its better getting them done local and not have to worry about damage during shipping. I think you made the right decision.

 

I’ve been told you have to get exhaust tips ceramic coated ( not talking about SiO2 spray on) because they get about 50 degrees hotter than the powder coat threshold.

 

Are you getting compensatory money back for all of your problems? Two systems shipped with same problem, I might have moved on but I really do think you need to be compensated for the inconvenience and for the use of your 4k without any workable product but that's just me. Sorry for your troubles and good luck and hope you get to enjoy soon!

 

Unfortunately, I had the same experience with the exact same brand last summer. I had two separate units sent to the house, each one was beat all to Hades. I finally got fed up and had no faith in Borla/UPS to get me a unit out without damage. I opted to go with the new Corsa NPP system that had just been released. I'm so happy with the Corsa unit but still can't believe how shoddy the packaging was with the Borla. As OP stated, a little bubble wrap on the tips was poorly engineered packaging. The tips rest right on the edge of the box where are the weight rests on the unit; one box came with a hole in the side where the tips punched through. Conversely, the Corsa was packaged in blown in foam and was perfectly packaged.
I hope Chip at CCA sees this thread so he'll know I wasn't crazy, those 2 units sent out were damaged. He would probably get a kick out of this. I'm happy you were able to get resolution finally, I truly understand your journey here.
P.S.
Big shout out to Chip at CCA for how much effort he put into correcting my problem; only owner I know who takes texts on problems with a delivery at 11pm on a Friday.

 

I was told two different things by two different powder coating shops. The one shop that did both powder and ceramic coating said powder would be OK on the tips because they don't get hotter than 200 degrees. The second shop, that only does powder, said they wouldn't do the tips because at about 300 degrees the powder starts to get soft. I checked with the company that built my exhaust (Billy Boat) and they said they use Cerakote or Keco to coat the tips. So I went ceramic since that is what the builder of the exhaust uses.

 

What I was told was kinda a combo of yours. Powder gets soft at 250 and exhaust tips reach 300.
And, I actually had the rectangular SLP tips on my G8 ceramic coated matte black six years ago and you can’t tell it’s been six years.

 

The quick answer is yes $150, pretty much the cost of PC. There is a lot that weighed into that decision.
First my absolute frustration with Borla, I could have had yet another system shipped out (not sure it was in stock) but if they did not care to prevent this the 2nd time why would they the 3rd? The 2nd factor was what I perceived to be how thin the PC ( I was told that is what it is) to begin with.. look at the pics. A typical PC application with be double that and far less prone to small scratches. The 3rd factor was the PC and install was all being done in-house/network, the PC shop regularly does custom PC for this muffler shops installs, I saw some of the work, it’s much better looking than the Borla coating and more HD.

To those that are considering, here were my obstacles.
Getting a shop to install a high performance exhaust system, that you did NOT purchase thru them, on a 60k+ Sports car, was challenge.I suggest checking with the local performance shops ( which were all closed due to Covid crap). Also if you plan on waiting for the install..... bring a lunch, the process is not a quick one to those shops that do not work on C7’s a lot. The rigidity plate that is damn near the length of your car has 20+ bolts alone I was told, and yes the back valance has to come off (the whole back cover). So do not lull yourself into thinking you will be done in 2 hours, it is 6+ all in !!

 

I did ask about this and he was going to follow thru with the PC shop. His response was basically... “been having this done on my custom installs for 8 years and have yet to have one come back due to melting PC”. I am sure that he will follow up but given what I saw, not worried........yet

 

No way in hell would I go through the trouble of having to powder coat a brand new product I just paid 2 grand for. Shame on Borla for the lousy customer service and product. First of all, the coating shouldn't come off that easily, and secondly, protect the product for shipping better.

Also, 6 plus hours to install? Can anyone confirm this is correct? I'm guessing the install shop is hosing you too.

 

Since I plan on having my BB system installed at the Chevy dealership where I bought my car I am hoping they worked on enough Corvette exhaust systems and they know what they are doing and will be able to do it faster then 6hrs. I've been doing some research on the install of cat-backs on C7's and there are some videos and other peoples instructions on the process and they are saying like 2-3 hrs. I don't believe you have to take the whole rear bumper cover off, just the lower diffuser around the tips, which still requires the removal of about 16 screws in addition to the 20 on the stiffening brace under the car.

 

Borla should read this thread--REALLY! Two different people, 2 ordered Borla systems, same scratched results on 4 sets of exhaust systems?????? That can't be encouraging to potential customers.

There's a SoCal wheel plating company that highlights with an entire section on its website, the entire packaging process of shipping their wheels, Calchrome Wheels in Valencia. I guess a return of wheels is at least as costly to Calchrome as an exhaust to Borla.

Mr. Borla used to come on CF occasionally. OP, even tho you've been compensated somewhat for your issues, I'd send this thread to him. He has been responsive in the past (can't recall if it's "David" or "Daniel Borla").. After all, his name is on the company logo.

 

my ATAK install - less than 2 hours at Carlisle

 

Well just let me shoot on up there and get it done by that Indy pit crew of a team Seriously , just trying to make the best decisions and get this system on my car. Looking at the invoice I was only billed for 4 hours , GM book says 3 apparently. I hope after all of this hassle the system is worth it . Hopefully the X pipe will ratchet the system a view DB’s. To be honest the tips are the money shot here in my attempt to blackout as much as possible And the powder coat should look real nice ...either way ...it’s staying on ...will let you know by Wed. Hopefully

 

Update
I sent A note to Borla about my experience and got a great response back from Chris at Borla who was very apologetic about the experience and wanted to know some further details.
Finally got tips back from PCoaters, system will go in on Monday...will get back with you guys on results ..If I can get away with them not screwing up the paint my back cover (freaks me out that has to be done), I will be in good shape.

 

Please post after pics. My GS is is also Sebring Orange

 

Bud, I've done several of these exhausts and I'd say don't worry. The back valance is pretty straightforward to remove and easier on the wide body cars. If I can do it without damage ANYONE CAN!

Agree on Chris, I've worked with him many times through the years and he (along with all of the Borla folks) are top notch. Sucks when there is an issue, but they always take care of you!

Rest easy, you are going to love this exhaust!

 

You got it ...

 

I hear ya ..they did it once already ...just hate relying on those that might not have the same sense of taking it slow as us Vette dudes.

 

I know there was some discussion on exhaust temps I can tell you today I took the vette for a spirited 3+ hour ride and the temps with my IR “gun” style thermo
Outer tips 380-400 degrees
Innner tips 280-300
I run is sport /Track 95% time
As measured inside towards the back of the tip, which seemed to me the hottest point