Borla Exhaust Options
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 9
Likes: 18
Borla Exhaust Options
On most websites that sell Borla exhaust we have two choices - S-Type and ATAK. Then recently GM began offering their own official Borla accessory for the C8. I was curious how all of these options compared so I called Borla today. What I was told was that the GM version would be equivalent to the “Touring” version in this line of products (ie least aggressive). So in order of sound/aggression it would be GM/S-Type/ATAK.
I just wanted to pass this along for anyone else trying to make the decision since I was unable to find any reliable comparison. I saw some posts that stated the GM version is similar to the S-Type but that is not true.
I just wanted to pass this along for anyone else trying to make the decision since I was unable to find any reliable comparison. I saw some posts that stated the GM version is similar to the S-Type but that is not true.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 153
Likes: 96
From: Richfield, MN
That's interesting to hear (hope it's not true, lol). When I spoke to Borla a few weeks ago, I was told that the GM Borla exhaust would be more aggressive than the S-type, less aggressive than the ATAK. I definitely wouldn't have went with that option if it really is on par with their touring versions. I should be picking up the car this weekend, so I can relay how the GM Borla sounds then.
Last edited by Kirito; May 4, 2022 at 12:38 PM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,839
Likes: 390
I also received confirmation from a Borla rep today that it would be closer to Touring in sound. It's made specifically for sale through Chevrolet's accessories site only. It's custom made based on specs provided by GM to Borla.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 153
Likes: 96
From: Richfield, MN
I would definitely be beyond P.O-ed if Borla lied to me, especially with all of the valve problems I had with their ATAK on my C7 (eventually just threw the NPP back in). Gave them another chance on this one because I haven't had any issues with their exhausts on previous cars, but if they screwed me again on this one, it would certainly be the last Borla product I purchase.
Does anyone besides myself have their correspondence with Borla in writing? This is definitely something that should have a definitive answer for others who may be considering the GM version (and I would like to know myself for when I call Borla to find out what's going on).
Does anyone besides myself have their correspondence with Borla in writing? This is definitely something that should have a definitive answer for others who may be considering the GM version (and I would like to know myself for when I call Borla to find out what's going on).
Last edited by Kirito; May 4, 2022 at 07:32 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 153
Likes: 96
From: Richfield, MN
Oh no worries! I'm just going off of what the Borla rep told me about it, haven't heard the GM one in person yet. I was planning on going with the ATAK and didn't want the S-type, so I hit Borla up to find out which one GM was using. I told them that if it was the S, I would buy an ATAK myself. When they said it was in between the S and the ATAK, I figured it would be a nice middle ground. If it doesn't even hit S-type sound, I would certainly be unhappy considering I spent roughly 5g's on an exhaust that I have no interest in and which they were well aware of. And I'm still a little sore about my C7 ATAK issues, so I'm sure that's not helping 😅
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Drifting
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,839
Likes: 390
If it were GM provided Touring exhaust specs, as the Borla rep stated, then it may be equivalent to the NPP in sound. You'd be just paying a whole lot more extra just to get the Borla name on the round exhaust tips.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 52
Likes: 25
From: Long Island NY
Drifting
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,839
Likes: 390
@vette1170 Did you have the NPP before swapping it out? If yes, how does the GM Borla sound now compared in terms of volume and quality?
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 52
Likes: 25
From: Long Island NY
UOTE=avigar;1605095223]@vette1170 Did you have the NPP before swapping it out? If yes, how does the GM Borla sound now compared in terms of volume and quality?[/QUOTE]
Yes on npp. Def noticeable improvement especially with top off. Gm sealed out exterior noises in the cabin well. Everyone on the outside always picks up aftermarket. I've changed every exhaust on every vehicle and held off so long due to the Check engine lights. Didn't want any issues with gm. I purchased out of state and those who have done so know the issue finding a local dealer willing to service especially in NY. THE GM approved one made it a no brainer. Valves relearning and no issues at 250 miles so far.
Yes on npp. Def noticeable improvement especially with top off. Gm sealed out exterior noises in the cabin well. Everyone on the outside always picks up aftermarket. I've changed every exhaust on every vehicle and held off so long due to the Check engine lights. Didn't want any issues with gm. I purchased out of state and those who have done so know the issue finding a local dealer willing to service especially in NY. THE GM approved one made it a no brainer. Valves relearning and no issues at 250 miles so far.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 153
Likes: 96
From: Richfield, MN
UOTE=avigar;1605095223]@vette1170 Did you have the NPP before swapping it out? If yes, how does the GM Borla sound now compared in terms of volume and quality?
Beautiful looking exhaust, bud! The dealer called me yesterday to let me know they finished installing mine (carbon fiber as well). Definitely by far the most expensive exhaust I've ever purchased for my vehicles, but I think it's worth it. I know how (relatively) wimpy the stock NPP sounds on my C7, don't want that on the new one.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 10,709
Likes: 7,100
From: Fulshear, TX
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 52
Likes: 25
From: Long Island NY
Its hard for the OEM to give us the sound we want with all the regulations and race towards zero emissions and electric so enjoy while we can. . Out here in NY they just increased exhaust noise fines to $1000. They are even experimenting with decibel cameras that take a picture and mail u a ticket if its too loud. you then have to go to a dsignated site for an inspection where they will measure to see if its fixed. They dont know about our on the fly variable exhaust so tour mode will get the ticket thrown out 
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 153
Likes: 96
From: Richfield, MN
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 153
Likes: 96
From: Richfield, MN
Its hard for the OEM to give us the sound we want with all the regulations and race towards zero emissions and electric so enjoy while we can. . Out here in NY they just increased exhaust noise fines to $1000. They are even experimenting with decibel cameras that take a picture and mail u a ticket if its too loud. you then have to go to a dsignated site for an inspection where they will measure to see if its fixed. They dont know about our on the fly variable exhaust so tour mode will get the ticket thrown out
I'm also assuming that after this car (and whenever I come up on the list for the Z06), I'll be stuck with electric hippie cars in my later years, so I definitely plan on enjoying these works of internal combustion art while we still can 
Drifting
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,839
Likes: 390
UOTE=avigar;1605095223]@vette1170 Did you have the NPP before swapping it out? If yes, how does the GM Borla sound now compared in terms of volume and quality?
So, installing the Borla GM version is the recommended way to go for decent sound quality and volume over the NPP? I'm just looking for a little more grunt and volume without pissing off the neighbors and noise police.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,278
Likes: 8,412
What does "closer to touring" mean? Touring is a Drive Mode setting, and its also a separately available setting for the NPP exhaust tone, that can be set in Z mode or my mode. But the Borla exhaust comes with the NPP valves. And once installed, it will be controlled by the same settings available in the menu. So, with the exhaust sound set to track (the setting where the valve are open, how does the GM Borla system sound compared with the stock NPP system with the exhaust setting to track?
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 153
Likes: 96
From: Richfield, MN
What does "closer to touring" mean? Touring is a Drive Mode setting, and its also a separately available setting for the NPP exhaust tone, that can be set in Z mode or my mode. But the Borla exhaust comes with the NPP valves. And once installed, it will be controlled by the same settings available in the menu. So, with the exhaust sound set to track (the setting where the valve are open, how does the GM Borla system sound compared with the stock NPP system with the exhaust setting to track?