BORLA Exhaust Systems

As long as people are making purchases, the following questions will exist until the end of time: “Yeah, but is it worth the price? Do you get what you pay for? Is this a smart buy?â€

It’s a question on everyone’s mind with just about whatever they purchase. People want their money to go as far as possible and sometimes buying something more expensive is seen as a proper investment. You have to spend money in order to make money.

If you’ve been looking at making an upgrade to your vehicle, you have no doubt stumbled upon the question of upgrading your exhaust system. With so many options out there, you may or may not have seen one of the more popular options: the BORLA Exhaust Systems.

They’ve been around for quite some time and you don’t stick around that long without doing something right. That said, they do tend to come out on the more expensive side because of their guaranteed efficiency and high-quality materials.

Today, we’ll be looking at some of their exhaust systems in order to determine if they really are worth the price.

Things to Look For in an Exhaust System

We’re going to do things a bit differently today than what we usually do. We tend to put the “things to consider†section at the end of the reviews, but today we wanted to switch it up.

That way, you can see what you should look for in an exhaust system and see if the BORLAs are worth the extra price.

Types of Exhaust Systems

Generally speaking, there are three different types of exhaust systems: cat-back, axel-back, and header-back. Each come with their own set of pros and cons and go with certain types of vehicles.

The cat-back model comes with a special kind of muffler and is designed as either a long or short pipe, depending on the vehicle’s model of course. They are often considered to be the best versions because of their excellent performance. You’re going to be paying more for a cat-back, but it’s the one that tends to be like by everyone from industry experts to beginners.

Axel-back exhaust systems aren’t going to blow you away visually. Many times, it’s hard to tell the difference between a factory-issued exhaust system and an axel-back. Where they separate themselves is in their performance. They’re going to give you solid sound but tend to not be the most efficient of all systems. They are cheaper priced, but what you gain in sound you’re going to lose in overall efficiency.

Last but not least, the header-back is usually a single piece and has the header collector as the starting point of the system and the tailpipes as the endpoint. It’s a complete system overhaul and will replace just about every component in your vehicle. That said, installation is usually pretty easy and they tend to always have positive reviews.

Material

Materials play a huge part in an exhaust system’s performance. The better materials they have, the better they are to perform. You get what you pay for in this industry.

Systems made of stainless steel are going to be the most durable and resistant to issues such as rust and corrosion. They’re going to be pricier but better in the long-run.

Those made of mild steel are more affordable, but not nearly as durable. It’s up to you eventually to make the choice for which system you want.

Configuration

Exhaust systems are always going to be configured in one of two ways: single exhaust or double exhaust. Single exhaust systems tend to be more preferred because of their deeper sound and easier installation.

Dual exhaust systems don’t do much besides improve the overall look of your system. They don’t add any real efficiency bonuses nor anything else. They tend to be highly regarded because of their look, but don’t be fooled by thinking they’ll provide better performance.

The Build

The last thing you should consider is the builds. One you buy from a manufacturer is going to be night and day different from one your stock-issued one. You’re going to get greater sound and more efficiency, so their build is going to be different.

Mandrel builds are fantastic because they hardly ever vibrate and are incredibly durable. A rod is fixed inside the main pipe to absorb those vibrations and be sturdier. Overall, they are considered to the superior choice

Crush bends are the cheaper options because the technique used to bend them is the same exact technique that was used in the factory. The process is anything but time-consuming and it shows up in the price. Crush bends will always be cheaper than mandrel bends and you’re going to notice more vibration. They are still sturdy, but you’re not going to be getting the same benefits as you would from a mandrel bend.

BORLA 140595 S-Type Exhaust System

The first thing we noticed about this exhaust system was the excellent sound. Have you ever been petting a cat and it starts to purr? Not only do you feel like you’ve got a cat to like you (no small feat in and of itself), but it’s just a nice sound.

That’s the same feeling that we go when we first listened to this exhaust system.

Like we said earlier, BORLA goes above and beyond to make sure they’re using high-quality components and this system is a perfect piece of evidence. It’s made from stainless steel that not only makes it incredibly durable but also highly resistant to rust and corrosion.

After buying this system, you won’t need another one for years and you can still expect the same quality as the day you bought it. It also had mandrel-bent tubing to let air flow freely so you can be assured you’ll never be bothered by blockages or kinks.

Installation is pretty easy as the package comes with just about every tool that you could need. Even beginner DIYers will find that they are able to handle this installation without any significant problems.

The installation is legal in all 50 states, so you won’t have to go pour over some laws before making the purchase. Plus, it’s going to improve the overall efficiency of your vehicle making it a win all the way around.

But is it worth it?

This system is not cheap. At nearly $1000, it’s going to set you back quite a bit. But, it does come with a whole lot of positives. You’re going to get improved fuel efficiency, as well as peace of mind, knowing it’s going to last you for quite some time.

Our verdict is that it’s worth it in this case, despite the high price tag.

BORLA 11795 Rear Section Exhaust System

Another BORLA and the same general praises. It’s a highly-durable exhaust system that goes to give you high-quality sound and increased fuel efficiency.

We noticed that it instantly provided a huge upgrade when it came to the vehicle. There is no factory-issued exhaust system that can even begin to compete with the sporty sound you’ll be getting from this BORLA.

Just like the previous model, it’s made from stainless steel that is resistant to corrosion and rust.

We’re also pleased to note that the installation here was quite easy. Despite being on the pricier side, you’re not going to have to fret or worry about installation and making sure you do everything right. While the price range may not be for beginners, the installation sure is.

It simplifies the inflow and outflow of air, meaning your motor is going to run extra efficiently, something you should notice within the first few months of use.

But is it worth it?

This exhaust system comes at a much cheaper price than the model above and you can find models anywhere from $350-400.

For the immediate upgrade, easy installation and improved fuel efficiency, we’re going to have to say that this exhaust system is definitely worth it.

Final Thoughts

After looking through these, you can see that BORLA exhaust systems are far from cheap. Using high-quality materials and special bends, these systems are definitely going to set you back.

If you are on a budget, they are probably not worth extending your budget just for the look and greater efficiency due to their high price. If you are willing to bend just a bit, then they probably are worth the investment.

Their installation is pretty easy but if you are a beginner with modifying cars, they might not be worth your time or money either.

In the end, it comes down to your personal choice. While we would argue that they are worth the money, it is up to you to decide if you actually want to spend that money. So take the time to look at your budget, other projects, and priorities to decide if getting a BORLA exhaust system is the right choice for you.