Borla Cat Back

forced4 · 05-22-2002, 10:06 PM

Well I just purchased and installed my Borla cat back on my WRX wagon. Materials were of good quality and the pieces fit well. Stainless steel piping (2.5") and a polished tip/muffler. 4" tip.

Installation took about leisurely hour and was simple. Remove stock components from last cat and replace with Borla system.

The tip is nice but not too big. Just right. I would like to have had a twin tip but this will do. Plenty of clearence underneath and I do have the diff cover too. The Borla muffler is significantly smaller than the stock unit. Ground clearance is the same or better.

OK the sound. OMG!

This kicks a$$! A deep burble/lope at idle and a louder tone under acceleration. Nice pop once in awhile when letting off the gas too. NOT RICEY! I REPEAT, NO RICE! That was a concern of mine before I received it along with the tip being too big but I am very pleased.

I bought it from Renick Motorsports for $400 shipped. Good deal.

I can also email files if you want but they are somewhat large.

All in all, a great sound from a quality muffler for a good price!

forced4

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

forced4 · 05-22-2002, 10:08 PM

Pic from the rear:

05-26-2002, 12:41 AM

Looking good Will!

John

forced4 · 05-27-2002, 08:16 PM

Thanks! I am happy...my mileage will be suffering for awhile though

Dayf · 05-29-2002, 10:05 PM

I wasnt able to find any sound files.. just pics. Can you post one up here?

Arnie-1 · 05-30-2002, 10:23 AM

Does the borla have any vibration or resonance at around 2500 to 3500 rpm that is annoying. I have had other mufflers that do this and it is not acceptable Also, do you have the sound files?
Arnie

Barry · 05-31-2002, 06:03 AM

Arnie-1> I found cabin noise to be a bit much and added a Dynomax Bullet muffler as a resonator.......scroll down on follwing link............http://www.dynomax.com/mufflers.stm

The beautiful Borla sound now exits through the rear with very little cabin noise. Quality piece with a great warranty.

spt_impreza · 05-31-2002, 06:06 PM

cant find sound clips......

spt

Barry · 06-01-2002, 02:28 AM

Sound clips at www.borla.com

dolbnyc1 · 06-08-2002, 03:29 PM

I think the reason Borlas resonate, may be because they use
stainless steel packing, so you have exhaust viberations
in the packing, which is metal, and it resonates in the packing
as apposed other mufflers that use fiberglass or something
just a thought
who knows, i like it

WRXURV8 · 06-11-2002, 07:30 PM

$400.....I got hosed by Borla. I ordered it from them the week it came out and paid $630. It was worth every penny. The car sounds scarey. The sound at idle is awesome. It sounds like the car has a huge aftermarket cam and burbles like a V8. It makes those annoying kids in their Civics and Integras run home crying to their mothers.

holdtight · 08-16-2002, 03:24 PM

I had a Borla cat back exhaust on my '97 OBS. My experience agrees with what I read hear. Nice low and deep. Not at all like a Civic or others cars you hear this thing sounds v8 like. I scared the hell out of people by blipping my throttle. Parents would grab on to their kids. And this is from a stock 2.2l motor with just a k&n filter. I am talkin in the present tense that car is gone totalled my a hit from a mustang. I may get a Borla cat back for my 02 WRX Wagon. I think the sound is a function of the boxer engine. I would recommend the exhaust to anyone with a Subie. However now with the WRX I can back up the sound with real power.

dolbnyc1 · 08-18-2002, 04:05 PM

I totally agree with the terrorizing of other cars near you kids
and pedestrians, people with other exhaust like the sound
of this cat back, better than some turbo back's
it's kick butt, especially with my injen CAI

mizar · 08-22-2002, 05:34 PM

Wow.. installed mine last night..

best 375$ I ever spent.

Was one of the easiest installs ever.. everything fit.. no rattles, no leaks.

I was worried about the clearance with the OEM rear underspoiler.. but it fits like a champ.

and the sound.. wow.

talk about making the car sound as fast as it actually is.. real good burble at low rpm.. nice whine at about 6k rpm.

Thanks to the guys at Rennick for getting it to me quickly with no dings or scratches.

WRXURV8 · 08-22-2002, 06:13 PM

Has anyone installed a new up-pipe or down-pipe with their Borla Cat Back yet? I have been wanting to eliminate all of my Cats with an HKS down-pipe and a PDE up-pipe. If so, how is the sound, performance, etc?

forced4 · 08-24-2002, 08:21 PM

2000 miles with the Borla system. No complaints. Nothing has broken or worn out. The only thing that bothers me is that I didn't have it on the entire time I owned by WRX

forced4

jreat · 09-06-2002, 06:01 PM

I am glad you all like your Borla. I have one on my 2001 Cougar and it sounds awsome. I was trying to decide between the following. I really like my borla on my cougar but did not know if the performance was as good with the WRX. Let me know what you think. Thanks

Borla catback
Blitz Nur-Spec Catback
Tanabe Racing Medallion

I have a poll going

My Exhaust Poll

RexInNCA · 10-02-2002, 01:26 AM

I've had my Borla for about 3 months now. Great sound. Deep - V8 sounding. A little loud but bearable until three weeks ago when I installed a catless downpipe - Bosal to be exact.

Damn thing is really loud now. Performance is awesome but heck, wish there was something to tone down the sound when travelling at 70mph.

Kinda of mixed about this setup now. Looks are great but long distance driving is now a little irritating.

dolbnyc1 · 10-02-2002, 09:44 PM

I was thinking about getting that DP too
Have you driven in any car with a turbo back
I was wondering how loud they are compared to the borla cat back, because i think the borla is loud
I can't imagine how loud it must be now
all of these people getting the turbo XS turbo back
and they say "oh its not much louder than stock"
thats crazy.
do you have an upipe too?

RexInNCA · 10-03-2002, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dolbnyc1
I was thinking about getting that DP too
Have you driven in any car with a turbo back
I was wondering how loud they are compared to the borla cat back, because i think the borla is loud
I can't imagine how loud it must be now
all of these people getting the turbo XS turbo back
and they say "oh its not much louder than stock"
thats crazy.
do you have an upipe too?

I have not seen the Turbo XS Turbo back. The key to quieting down the sound is a resonator and the muffler. The Borla does not have a resonator (like the stock cat back) and the muffler doesn't seem to muffle anything. I have ridden in a turboback before - didn't ask what brand. It was definitely not as loud as my setup. It wasn't as quiet as stock. The stock is pretty damn quiet. I guess it really depends what type of material they have inside the TurboXS muffler and whether they have a resonator chamber or not. It can make a huge difference.

dolbnyc1 · 10-03-2002, 02:40 PM

Does it sound good loud?
or is it borderline not so good loud?
I like the way the borla sounds, I was just wondering with the DP
even though its louder is still a pleasant loud?
atleast for a short while.
also is it arrest me know loud, like you are afraid to drive near a cop?

thanks

WRXURV8 · 10-03-2002, 03:21 PM

I think the Borla sounds perfect. Although, I couldn't imagine it with a Catless DP or UP. I would love to get an UP and DP, but I think that the sound would get annoying after a half hour car ride. Besides, my car is Sonic Yellow, and that enough gets too much attention from the authorities. BTW, I always feel on the highway that the WRX needs a 6th gear. I think the droaning sound if there were a 6th gear wouldn't be so bad as the revs would be lower. Any opinions?

DetroitWRX · 11-10-2002, 08:42 AM

I went to a Porsche Oktoberfest and people loved the way it sounded. When a guy that has a 911 turbo can’t stop saying how much he likes your cat back system you know it’s cool.
Thehighway droning did bother me at first.
This fixed it though.
A. I got use to it
B. Got better speakers and drown the sound out more
C. Put the scrap Dynomat from when I did my doors in the wheelwell, this helped a good deal I am thinking about doing the whole wheel well and floor with it.

Now I am very happy with my setup, if I removed any cats though I would probably install a resonator. I also picked the Borla up for $330 used, but it’s all stainless so used is just five minutes away from looking like new with polish.
Rob

Egan · 11-14-2002, 03:02 PM

I installed the Borla system a couple of weeks ago. I have the Vishnu up-pipe and the Stromung 3rd cat eliminator pipe, so I'm running with only the DP cat. Yes, it is loud. I love the sound when you start this thing up - it sounds positively evil

!

The sound while cruising definitely drones. It also sounds like a damn lawnmower or motorcycle exhaust from in the cabin. Anyone else's sound like this or might I have an exhaust leak? From outside it doesn't sound like I have a leak, but it may just be while I'm moving/have a load on the engine. I torqued all of the components to spec.

I'll have to try the Dynomat idea for the cargo area. Thanks Rob.

If anyone wants to see the pics: http://mikeegan.stormpages.com/Borla.html

rckdya · 11-17-2002, 05:01 AM

anyone know what the performance gai is on a wrx with borla cat back?

05-22-2002, 10:06 PM	#1
forced4 Scooby Guru Member Sales Rating: (9) Member#: 13304 Join Date: Dec 2001 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Answer is Miata, Z06 or CTS-V. Vehicle: 2002 WRX WRB De Re Metallica	Borla Cat Back Well I just purchased and installed my Borla cat back on my WRX wagon. Materials were of good quality and the pieces fit well. Stainless steel piping (2.5") and a polished tip/muffler. 4" tip. Installation took about leisurely hour and was simple. Remove stock components from last cat and replace with Borla system. The tip is nice but not too big. Just right. I would like to have had a twin tip but this will do. Plenty of clearence underneath and I do have the diff cover too. The Borla muffler is significantly smaller than the stock unit. Ground clearance is the same or better. OK the sound. OMG! This kicks a$$! A deep burble/lope at idle and a louder tone under acceleration. Nice pop once in awhile when letting off the gas too. NOT RICEY! I REPEAT, NO RICE! That was a concern of mine before I received it along with the tip being too big but I am very pleased. I bought it from Renick Motorsports for $400 shipped. Good deal. I can also email files if you want but they are somewhat large. All in all, a great sound from a quality muffler for a good price! forced4 * Registered users of the site do not see these ads. Last edited by forced4; 04-10-2003 at 10:33 PM.

08-16-2002, 03:24 PM	#12
holdtight Scooby Newbie Member Sales Rating: (0) Member#: 1629 Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Baltimore, MD	Borla Borla I had a Borla cat back exhaust on my '97 OBS. My experience agrees with what I read hear. Nice low and deep. Not at all like a Civic or others cars you hear this thing sounds v8 like. I scared the hell out of people by blipping my throttle. Parents would grab on to their kids. And this is from a stock 2.2l motor with just a k&n filter. I am talkin in the present tense that car is gone totalled my a hit from a mustang. I may get a Borla cat back for my 02 WRX Wagon. I think the sound is a function of the boxer engine. I would recommend the exhaust to anyone with a Subie. However now with the WRX I can back up the sound with real power.

08-24-2002, 08:21 PM	#16
forced4 Scooby Guru Member Sales Rating: (9) Member#: 13304 Join Date: Dec 2001 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Answer is Miata, Z06 or CTS-V. Vehicle: 2002 WRX WRB De Re Metallica	update 2000 miles with the Borla system. No complaints. Nothing has broken or worn out. The only thing that bothers me is that I didn't have it on the entire time I owned by WRX forced4

11-17-2002, 05:01 AM	#25
rckdya Scooby Newbie Member Sales Rating: (0) Member#: 27320 Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Greenwood / Missouri Vehicle: 2003 WRX Sonic Yellow	performance gain anyone know what the performance gai is on a wrx with borla cat back?

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05-26-2002, 12:41 AM	#3
Tex-WReX2 Guest Member#:	Looking good Will! John

05-27-2002, 08:16 PM	#4
forced4 Scooby Guru Member Sales Rating: (9) Member#: 13304 Join Date: Dec 2001 Chapter/Region: RMIC Location: Answer is Miata, Z06 or CTS-V. Vehicle: 2002 WRX WRB De Re Metallica	Thanks! I am happy...my mileage will be suffering for awhile though

05-29-2002, 10:05 PM	#5
Dayf Scooby Newbie Member Sales Rating: (0) Member#: 14348 Join Date: Jan 2002 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Simi Valley, Ca. Vehicle: 06 Evo MR Graphite Grey	I wasnt able to find any sound files.. just pics. Can you post one up here?

05-30-2002, 10:23 AM	#6
Arnie-1 Scooby Newbie Member Sales Rating: (0) Member#: 17619 Join Date: Apr 2002	Does the borla have any vibration or resonance at around 2500 to 3500 rpm that is annoying. I have had other mufflers that do this and it is not acceptable Also, do you have the sound files? Arnie

05-31-2002, 06:03 AM	#7
Barry NASIOC Supporter Member Sales Rating: (1) Member#: 11554 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Jones Beach, NY-- Spring Vehicle: 2011 STI WRB SEDAN	Arnie-1> I found cabin noise to be a bit much and added a Dynomax Bullet muffler as a resonator.......scroll down on follwing link............http://www.dynomax.com/mufflers.stm The beautiful Borla sound now exits through the rear with very little cabin noise. Quality piece with a great warranty.

05-31-2002, 06:06 PM	#8
spt_impreza Scooby Specialist Member Sales Rating: (0) Member#: 3004 Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Edmonton, CANADA	cant find sound clips...... spt

06-01-2002, 02:28 AM	#9
Barry NASIOC Supporter Member Sales Rating: (1) Member#: 11554 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Jones Beach, NY-- Spring Vehicle: 2011 STI WRB SEDAN	Sound clips at www.borla.com

06-08-2002, 03:29 PM	#10
dolbnyc1 Scooby Newbie Member Sales Rating: (0) Member#: 11599 Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Las Vegas, NV Vehicle: 02 wrx blue	I think the reason Borlas resonate, may be because they use stainless steel packing, so you have exhaust viberations in the packing, which is metal, and it resonates in the packing as apposed other mufflers that use fiberglass or something just a thought who knows, i like it

06-11-2002, 07:30 PM	#11
WRXURV8 Scooby Specialist Member Sales Rating: (2) Member#: 14848 Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Philadelphia Vehicle: 2007 Tribeca TS w/ 20" OZ's	$400.....I got hosed by Borla. I ordered it from them the week it came out and paid $630. It was worth every penny. The car sounds scarey. The sound at idle is awesome. It sounds like the car has a huge aftermarket cam and burbles like a V8. It makes those annoying kids in their Civics and Integras run home crying to their mothers.

08-18-2002, 04:05 PM	#13
dolbnyc1 Scooby Newbie Member Sales Rating: (0) Member#: 11599 Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Las Vegas, NV Vehicle: 02 wrx blue	I totally agree with the terrorizing of other cars near you kids and pedestrians, people with other exhaust like the sound of this cat back, better than some turbo back's it's kick butt, especially with my injen CAI

08-22-2002, 05:34 PM	#14
mizar Scooby Specialist Member Sales Rating: (0) Member#: 20293 Join Date: Jun 2002 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: NW Indiana Vehicle: 03 wrx 1820 makes my area tingle	Wow.. installed mine last night.. best 375$ I ever spent. Was one of the easiest installs ever.. everything fit.. no rattles, no leaks. I was worried about the clearance with the OEM rear underspoiler.. but it fits like a champ. and the sound.. wow. talk about making the car sound as fast as it actually is.. real good burble at low rpm.. nice whine at about 6k rpm. Thanks to the guys at Rennick for getting it to me quickly with no dings or scratches.

08-22-2002, 06:13 PM	#15
WRXURV8 Scooby Specialist Member Sales Rating: (2) Member#: 14848 Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Philadelphia Vehicle: 2007 Tribeca TS w/ 20" OZ's	Has anyone installed a new up-pipe or down-pipe with their Borla Cat Back yet? I have been wanting to eliminate all of my Cats with an HKS down-pipe and a PDE up-pipe. If so, how is the sound, performance, etc?

09-06-2002, 06:01 PM	#17
jreat Scooby Newbie Member Sales Rating: (0) Member#: 22281 Join Date: Aug 2002 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Grand Rapids, MI Vehicle: 2002 WRX Impreza Pearl Blue	I am glad you all like your Borla. I have one on my 2001 Cougar and it sounds awsome. I was trying to decide between the following. I really like my borla on my cougar but did not know if the performance was as good with the WRX. Let me know what you think. Thanks Borla catback Blitz Nur-Spec Catback Tanabe Racing Medallion I have a poll going My Exhaust Poll

10-02-2002, 01:26 AM	#18
RexInNCA Scooby Newbie Member Sales Rating: (0) Member#: 22518 Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: SF Bay Vehicle: 2005 STi Silver	I've had my Borla for about 3 months now. Great sound. Deep - V8 sounding. A little loud but bearable until three weeks ago when I installed a catless downpipe - Bosal to be exact. Damn thing is really loud now. Performance is awesome but heck, wish there was something to tone down the sound when travelling at 70mph. Kinda of mixed about this setup now. Looks are great but long distance driving is now a little irritating.

10-02-2002, 09:44 PM	#19
dolbnyc1 Scooby Newbie Member Sales Rating: (0) Member#: 11599 Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Las Vegas, NV Vehicle: 02 wrx blue	I was thinking about getting that DP too Have you driven in any car with a turbo back I was wondering how loud they are compared to the borla cat back, because i think the borla is loud I can't imagine how loud it must be now all of these people getting the turbo XS turbo back and they say "oh its not much louder than stock" thats crazy. do you have an upipe too?

10-03-2002, 02:40 PM	#21
dolbnyc1 Scooby Newbie Member Sales Rating: (0) Member#: 11599 Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Las Vegas, NV Vehicle: 02 wrx blue	Does it sound good loud? or is it borderline not so good loud? I like the way the borla sounds, I was just wondering with the DP even though its louder is still a pleasant loud? atleast for a short while. also is it arrest me know loud, like you are afraid to drive near a cop? thanks

10-03-2002, 03:21 PM	#22
WRXURV8 Scooby Specialist Member Sales Rating: (2) Member#: 14848 Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Philadelphia Vehicle: 2007 Tribeca TS w/ 20" OZ's	I think the Borla sounds perfect. Although, I couldn't imagine it with a Catless DP or UP. I would love to get an UP and DP, but I think that the sound would get annoying after a half hour car ride. Besides, my car is Sonic Yellow, and that enough gets too much attention from the authorities. BTW, I always feel on the highway that the WRX needs a 6th gear. I think the droaning sound if there were a 6th gear wouldn't be so bad as the revs would be lower. Any opinions?

11-10-2002, 08:42 AM	#23
DetroitWRX Scooby Specialist Member Sales Rating: (4) Member#: 18777 Join Date: May 2002 Location: Fredericksburg, VA Vehicle: 2002 WRX Wagon Sedona Red Pearl	I went to a Porsche Oktoberfest and people loved the way it sounded. When a guy that has a 911 turbo can’t stop saying how much he likes your cat back system you know it’s cool. Thehighway droning did bother me at first. This fixed it though. A. I got use to it B. Got better speakers and drown the sound out more C. Put the scrap Dynomat from when I did my doors in the wheelwell, this helped a good deal I am thinking about doing the whole wheel well and floor with it. Now I am very happy with my setup, if I removed any cats though I would probably install a resonator. I also picked the Borla up for $330 used, but it’s all stainless so used is just five minutes away from looking like new with polish. Rob

11-14-2002, 03:02 PM	#24
Egan Scooby Specialist Member Sales Rating: (0) Member#: 12670 Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Granite Bay, Kalifornia Vehicle: 01 M Coupe, 05 Legacy GT, 05 Titan	I installed the Borla system a couple of weeks ago. I have the Vishnu up-pipe and the Stromung 3rd cat eliminator pipe, so I'm running with only the DP cat. Yes, it is loud. I love the sound when you start this thing up - it sounds positively evil ! The sound while cruising definitely drones. It also sounds like a damn lawnmower or motorcycle exhaust from in the cabin. Anyone else's sound like this or might I have an exhaust leak? From outside it doesn't sound like I have a leak, but it may just be while I'm moving/have a load on the engine. I torqued all of the components to spec. I'll have to try the Dynomat idea for the cargo area. Thanks Rob. If anyone wants to see the pics: http://mikeegan.stormpages.com/Borla.html

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