Borla GM Exhaust

[Tek74]

After three months of running the super quiet factory exhaust, two months of deciding what cat back exhaust system to go with, and one month of gritting my teeth about the $1200 shipped cost, I finally pulled the trigger on ordering a GM factory Borla Touring exhaust system with the proprietary AFM flapper valve to diminish the V4 drone.

 

I went with the straight back duals (#19303333) and chrome tips (#19303347). I could have gotten the standard Borla set up for $950 shipped, but I kept thinking that I would have buyer's remorse, especially after hearing so many forum member complaint about the V4 drone on other systems they have, especially at freeway speed. I figured it was just best to follow the painful philosophy of Buy Once Cry Once.

 

One or two other forum members that when went the same GM-Borla setup said they couldn't be happier, so I'm thinking I made the right decision. My last vehicle was a Trailblazer with a medium loud Flowmaster exhaust, so the super quiet factory exhaust on my 1500 has been boring me to death. I don't want a super loud exhaust, but I'm feigning for some exhaust music. Once received and installed, I will report back with a pic and review.

[FishinJ]

I put the GM Borla with the duels out the side. It makes a great sound and when you set the cruise control, you can barely hear it. Love the sound. Your gas millage will go down at first.

 

I did the work myself and listened to one of the fellow member and they had some pics. Jack the truck up (Body not the axle) as high as you can and drop or remove the spare tire. This creates lots of room to pull it back and clear the cross member, then you just twist and pull it out forward. Or you can just cut it up and make it easy. Also be sure the spray & lubricate the hangers real good to make it easier to get the pins out and then back in.

[Tek74]

Interesting on the MPG loss. Do you think it went down due to you pressing the gas pedal more to hear it more because it was new? Did the MPG go back to normal after break in?

 

I'm on the fence about doing the install myself. A local reputable shop will do it for $100.

After just changing the oil, installing an Airaid MIT, and replacing the front/rear gold emblems for black ones, I'm a little burnt out.

[FishinJ]

Interesting on the MPG loss. Do you think it went down due to you pressing the gas pedal more to hear it more because it was new? Did the MPG go back to normal after break in?

 

I'm on the fence about doing the install myself. A local reputable shop will do it for $100.

After just changing the oil, installing an Airaid MIT, and replacing the front/rear gold emblems for black ones, I'm a little burnt out.

 

Only went down because my foot was in it a lot more and longer...lol Now that I've settled down I think it's the same and there is no change in MPG.

 

If the shop is only charging $100, I say go for it and they'll have it done and no time. It took me 2 - 3 hours and had one of my boys help twist and rotate it to get it out. Doing it alone would be a PIA but putting the Borla in is easy because it comes in 3 pieces.

 

BTW, I always do my mods first thing on the weekend before my wakes up but she usually catches me and says "are you working on your truck again". I think the next thing will be to put a 1.5" - 2" level on it.

[Tek74]

I think the next thing will be to put a 1.5" - 2" level on it.

 

Yeah....the exhaust shop said $100 or $150 worst case scenario.

I'm still on the fence about a Motofab 1.5" level kit myself. Not sure if I really want/need it.

[chuckl1218]

Yeah....the exhaust shop said $100 or $150 worst case scenario.

I'm still on the fence about a Motofab 1.5" level kit myself. Not sure if I really want/need it.

I usually do my own, but this time it was nice watching the shop!

[Monsta 99]

This was one of the options I really should have got keep us posted on install thanks.

[SierraMyst]

So my truck with the factory exhaust has a tin can drone at times when cruising or lightly accelerating and the truck is V4 mode.

 

Anyone else have this?

 

Does the Borla/GM exhaust eliminate this?

 

Just wondering.

[chuckl1218]

So my truck with the factory exhaust has a tin can drone at times when cruising or lightly accelerating and the truck is V4 mode.

 

Anyone else have this?

 

Does the Borla/GM exhaust eliminate this?

 

Just wondering.

 

Did not experience what you describe, but there is ZERO drone with the GM Borla system.

[SierraMyst]

Could someone explain the difference between the touring exhaust vs the s model?

 

Any differences between the rear outlet or the side swept. Or is it just a matter of preference?

[small bloke]

I'm happy with my choice of the GM Borla exhaust. Expensive yes, but just the right amount of bark and tone for me. I can hear when V4 mode kicks in (around town), but it is not offensive at all.

[chuckl1218]

Could someone explain the difference between the touring exhaust vs the s model?

 

Any differences between the rear outlet or the side swept. Or is it just a matter of preference?

 

The GM "Performance" Borla is the touring sound which is a mild growl, but deep tone upon start and during acceleration. GM Borla touring comes in two models. One model has a single side exit with double tips. The other is a rear exit. As far as I know it is a matter of preference. The GM Borla is the only Borla model with the "flapper". Borla also makes a sport or s model which is much louder and atak model which is the loudest. So, touring is mild, sport is louder and atak is loudest.

[muddkatt]

 

Any differences between the rear outlet or the side swept. Or is it just a matter of preference?

I prefer the side exit exhaust. If you ever tow a trailer, having the exhaust blow in your face during hook up is aggravating. Then you have exhaust "residue" that gets on the trailer and its contents.

I also like the fact that when you are passing a car that is driven by someone that is slow poking down the road, you can get their "attention" when the pipes are pointed at their car.

[GMCSierra4x4]

Side exhaust is definitely the preferred option if tow, go up steep inclines or dips (like driveways) or go off road. I have dragged rear exhaust tips on the ground with a previous truck. Of course, a lift kit will solve the problem. I do not like my exhaust tips in the water when loading/unloading a boat.

[quail hound]

Just an fyi, shop Chevy parts has the gm/ Borla systems for sale for $999. They're only listed in the Chevy section but both trucks use the same part # so it doesn't matter. I just ordered one. Does anyone have any pics of the tips you buy separately? Do they say Borla on them? Again the tips for the system are only in the Chevy section and I don't want something with a bow tie showing up for my GMC.