Borla Exhaust

[Pseudomind]

I hear and read quite a bit about Borla Exhausts, but not the reason for changing to a Borla.

So I have a few questions;

Is it for a performance increase? if so about how much?

Is if for both a performance increase and the sound?

I read some post about someone installing the Borla and getting a "Check Engine" light staying on, is this normal, or probably an isolated case.

Since I am here I also see many who change the air intake, Is this also for a performance increase?

If this is the case, about what would be a good ball park figure range for the increase with a changed air intake and Borla's installed.

 

[Edmond]

The power gains with an aftermarket C5 exhaust system aren't as much as a system for the C4 exhaust because the C5 system flows quite well. I believe most C5 exhaust gains are in the 5-9 HP range. One reason why so many people switch, not counting the Z06, is because the base C5 exhaust is pretty wimpy. :L It doesn't sound very Corvette-like.

The exhaust systems are usually in the $1000 neighborhood because they're stainless. Installation can be done at the exhaust shop, they'll probably bill you for 2 hours, possibly in the $100-150 range. However, if you go to something like Bloomington, where there are nothing but Corvette's, they'll have a bunch of vendors there and they sometimes have something like "buy an exhaust system here and installation is free" promotion going. That's what I saw at Bloomington. They had a couple of portable lifts and two guys installing exhaust systems if you purchased there.

Installation of a catback system (exhaust that does not involve anything from the catalytic convertors up to the exhaust manifolds) should not trigger the check engine light. That is an isolated incident not related to the exhaust system.

The CAI (cold air intake) is also a common modification that one should be able to do by themself. The CAI's are supposed to give you more air. However, in some cases, some CAI's also claim to draw cooler air such as the Vortex Ram Air box that pulls it's air from underneath the radiator shroud. Cooler air helps the car make better power.

 

[Glenn W.]

If you are going to attempt to increase the flow at the intake and the exhaust, consider going with an X-pipe as well. I think that the Bassani X-pipe is one of the best made and highest flowing....look at the center section of all of the X's on the market and you can tell just by looking at most of them that they are not going to scavenge each side as well as the Bassani.

I have the Corsa Indy's with the Bassani X, and it is a great combination. Absolutely quiet at all cruising speeds, GREAT deep idle....but when you open it up at WOT, it turns into something else entirely.....a ripping mechanical howling that will give you goosebumps, I guarantee it!!!!!!!!!

 

[Robert YellowVette]

I hear and read quite a bit about Borla Exhausts, but not the reason for changing to a Borla.

So I have a few questions;

Is it for a performance increase? if so about how much?

Is if for both a performance increase and the sound?

I read some post about someone installing the Borla and getting a "Check Engine" light staying on, is this normal, or probably an isolated case.

Since I am here I also see many who change the air intake, Is this also for a performance increase?

If this is the case, about what would be a good ball park figure range for the increase with a changed air intake and Borla's installed.

You will not see an increase of power over the stock Z06 catbacks.

You will get more noise and resonance in the cabin.

Air cleaners are for 'looks', but since most people drive around with the hood closed nobody can see the new air cleaner until you stop and raise your hood.

That's fun the first 50 times but it soon gets old...

If you fit a Bassani X-pipe you may get some slight hp gain, but it will make your Ti catbacks much quieter than with the stock H-pipe.

Whatever you decide, make sure they do not cut your Ti catbacks when they remove them. Store them in your shed or garage for later sale or re-install...

 

[Z06 Tom]

You'll see very little gain in performance over the stock TI system (a few horse at best.) If you're looking for a performance gain, save your money for long tubes. Now sound is another matter. "Stingers" will scare small children and animals. My six year old runs out of the garage when he sees me heading for the car. You also need to keep in mind that if you plan on doing intake and exhaust work, you'll need your tune tweaked to take advantage of the increased flow.

 

[Pseudomind]

is because the base C5 exhaust is pretty wimpy.

It doesn't sound very Corvette-like.

This above might have answered my question. Currently, I am content with what I have, but was curious about the many different posts which related to Borla's and the air-intakes.

Thanks to those who have replied

 

[Edmond]

"Stingers" will scare small children and animals. My six year old runs out of the garage when he sees me heading for the car.

That would be an awesome sight to see!:L:L:L