Borla full catback review: clearing up misconceptions
04-23-11, 10:09 AM
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Borla full catback review: clearing up misconceptions
Hey guys,
First off I would have loved to install the ISS or JoeZ exhaust, however after hearing both systems, and how incredible they sounded I had to find another solution. I drive a significant amount with clientele and need to be able to hear conversation from the front and back seats, let alone my hands free bluetooth.
The install:
very straightforward. Did it on my back with 4 jackstands and had it done in 2 hours tops. the system fit well, all of the bolts lined up, the bends were in the right places and the hangers popped right in.. lubbed up of course.
The quality:
The mufflers are definitely the best portion of the exhaust, it just doesn't have the same aesthetic appeal as the joeZ and ISS. Don't get me wrong, its a great looking exhaust when compared to stock, but i don't like the look of the exhaust clamps.. and to be honest the full polish on the other systems looks.. well.. dope
The Performance:
Can't really say much, I can definitely feel it. losing traction that much quicker, but maybe thats from giving it just that much more throttle. Until I take it back to the dyno im just going to give it a
in the seat feel.
The Sound:
Sounds incredible, always a bit more vocal, quiet enough for me to drive around down town and talk on my bluetooth or with clients. Also there is no drone on the highway, it dies right down almost to stock decibel levels.
However when you stomp on it, or play around in manual+sport mode.. wow.. incredible, obnoxious and exotic sounding. this exhaust does sound great, way less rasp than then ISS and just a nice even deep scream.
Overall:
I could not be happier. I plan on having the system welded once it is fully broken in and settled so it does not shift. I ended up getting the system shipped to my door for around a grand. The sound is incredible, there is performance gains, and I can still hear myself think. I would suggest this system to anyone.
First off I would have loved to install the ISS or JoeZ exhaust, however after hearing both systems, and how incredible they sounded I had to find another solution. I drive a significant amount with clientele and need to be able to hear conversation from the front and back seats, let alone my hands free bluetooth.
The install:
very straightforward. Did it on my back with 4 jackstands and had it done in 2 hours tops. the system fit well, all of the bolts lined up, the bends were in the right places and the hangers popped right in.. lubbed up of course.
The quality:
The mufflers are definitely the best portion of the exhaust, it just doesn't have the same aesthetic appeal as the joeZ and ISS. Don't get me wrong, its a great looking exhaust when compared to stock, but i don't like the look of the exhaust clamps.. and to be honest the full polish on the other systems looks.. well.. dope
The Performance:
Can't really say much, I can definitely feel it. losing traction that much quicker, but maybe thats from giving it just that much more throttle. Until I take it back to the dyno im just going to give it a
in the seat feel. The Sound:
Sounds incredible, always a bit more vocal, quiet enough for me to drive around down town and talk on my bluetooth or with clients. Also there is no drone on the highway, it dies right down almost to stock decibel levels.
However when you stomp on it, or play around in manual+sport mode.. wow.. incredible, obnoxious and exotic sounding. this exhaust does sound great, way less rasp than then ISS and just a nice even deep scream.
Overall:
I could not be happier. I plan on having the system welded once it is fully broken in and settled so it does not shift. I ended up getting the system shipped to my door for around a grand. The sound is incredible, there is performance gains, and I can still hear myself think. I would suggest this system to anyone.
04-25-11, 09:33 AM
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I will get on a video and some pics as soon as im back home guys. Honestly if i could have I would have gone with either the JoeZ or the ISS track exhaust, but they are a bit too loud, I learnt that mistake with Statis on my S4. I could not be happier with my purchase, and making the connections more aesthetically pleasing is not nearly as important as the audibly pleasing sound my car now makes
Last edited by 4everkidd; 04-25-11 at 09:37 AM.
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04-25-11, 02:55 PM
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agree wholeheartedly, which is why I too went Borla True Dual exhaust... JoeZ & ISS are nice quality pieces as well... if you are going Borla... order from 21st Century in Florida... they are some 30% cheaper than anywhere else, and had in stock when I purchased mine last year.
Couldn't be happier a year later... have to use BlueTooth, and pick up clients from Airport every now and then.
Couldn't be happier a year later... have to use BlueTooth, and pick up clients from Airport every now and then.
04-25-11, 06:16 PM
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borla was my second choice...but after long sleepless nights, i pulled the trigger on Joe Z and my expectations were far exceeded. You tube does not justice
1 better quality (fit, polish)
2 more robust sound... and never "stock sounding," b/c that's why i bought an exhaust in the first place
3 only obtrusive when i get on hard
4 unique to isf?
1 better quality (fit, polish)
2 more robust sound... and never "stock sounding," b/c that's why i bought an exhaust in the first place
3 only obtrusive when i get on hard
4 unique to isf?
04-26-11, 11:30 AM
#10
borla was my second choice...but after long sleepless nights, i pulled the trigger on Joe Z and my expectations were far exceeded. You tube does not justice
1 better quality (fit, polish)
2 more robust sound... and never "stock sounding," b/c that's why i bought an exhaust in the first place
3 only obtrusive when i get on hard
4 unique to isf?
1 better quality (fit, polish)
2 more robust sound... and never "stock sounding," b/c that's why i bought an exhaust in the first place
3 only obtrusive when i get on hard
4 unique to isf?
04-26-11, 11:35 PM
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Great post... Thank you for sharing...!! 
Welcome to Club Lexus.
I have a Video of two members comparing their exhausts...
One is our Full Exhaust System and the other is just the Borla Axle System..
It's not the full cat back, but I believe Borla uses the same rear piping & mufflers for their axle back system.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Teym7v-VZXE
It would be Great if you loaded a video of your full system ..
Regards,
Joe Z
Welcome to Club Lexus.
I have a Video of two members comparing their exhausts...
One is our Full Exhaust System and the other is just the Borla Axle System..
It's not the full cat back, but I believe Borla uses the same rear piping & mufflers for their axle back system.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Teym7v-VZXE
It would be Great if you loaded a video of your full system ..
Regards,
Joe Z
04-27-11, 09:23 AM
#15
All I will say is your findings are not the NORM - Borla drones quite a bit and is unbelievably loud! My friend bought this for his IS-F and sold it 2 days later. He told me it was just too loud for his kids in the back seat.
Do a search for Borla and you will find his thread posted here....
I heard it a few times and I have to agree it's much louder. I have the JoeZ and even this system has a slight drone at certain highway speeds on an incline. The Borla is definitely louder and of lower quality materials. But at that price point if you are happy then that's great.
You must have a higher tolerance for noise but as I said 100 times before, exhaust sound is STRICTLY SUBJECTIVE and YOUTUBE Videos are USELESS as people can use different mics and positions to make any exhaust sound good.
rick
Do a search for Borla and you will find his thread posted here....
I heard it a few times and I have to agree it's much louder. I have the JoeZ and even this system has a slight drone at certain highway speeds on an incline. The Borla is definitely louder and of lower quality materials. But at that price point if you are happy then that's great.
You must have a higher tolerance for noise but as I said 100 times before, exhaust sound is STRICTLY SUBJECTIVE and YOUTUBE Videos are USELESS as people can use different mics and positions to make any exhaust sound good.
rick