Borla Exhaust Systems and Mufflers

Borla builds each exhaust system using their patented straight-through and multi-core technology, which increases exhaust velocity to improve both power output and exhaust sound. The stainless steel they use is 300-series austenitic, which Borla notes is superior to the 400-series steel used by many competitors -- it resists corrosion better and holds its finish over a longer service life. Every system uses mandrel-bent tubing for smooth, uninterrupted flow through every bend in the pipe.

The lineup covers three main sound profiles : Touring, S-Type, and ATAK, each targeting a different level of aggression. Choosing the right one comes down to how you drive, where you live, and how much exhaust note you want on a daily basis.

Borla Touring vs S-Type vs ATAK: Which Should You Buy?

Touring (mildest sound)
The Touring is Borla's most street-friendly option. It adds a deeper, slightly more aggressive note than stock without drawing attention on a cold start or during highway cruising. If you want the Borla build quality and stainless steel construction without a noticeable sound change, the Touring is the right call.

• Mildest sound level in the Borla lineup
• Deeper tone than stock, not dramatically louder
• Minimal cabin drone at highway speeds
• Best for daily drivers who want quality over sound

S-Type (most popular)
The S-Type is Borla's best seller and the most common recommendation across enthusiast forums. It delivers a genuine performance exhaust note -- throaty and aggressive under acceleration -- while staying controlled enough at cruise speed that it doesn't become tiresome on a long drive. Most owners describe it as loud when you want it and tolerable when you don't.

• Mid-range sound level, Borla's most popular option
• Aggressive under acceleration, subdued at highway speeds
• Deep, throaty tone with no rasp or tinny quality
• Best for street performance builds and daily-driven cars

ATAK (loudest)
ATAK stands for Acoustically Tuned Applied Kinetics. Borla uses computer-controlled modeling to tune the internal core shapes and perforation patterns specifically for each vehicle application, producing the highest decibel levels in their lineup. It is genuinely loud on cold starts and under hard acceleration. Most forum owners love it for performance use but note it would be too aggressive for a subdivision or tight neighborhood.

• Highest sound level in the Borla lineup
• Computer-tuned internal core design specific to each vehicle
• More high-frequency chime and race character than S-Type
• Best for performance builds, weekend cars, and drivers who want maximum sound

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Borla S-Type, ATAK, and Touring?
The three differ primarily in sound level and character. The Touring is the mildest, adding a slightly deeper note without being noticeably louder than stock. The S-Type is Borla's most popular option and delivers a genuine performance exhaust note under acceleration while staying manageable at highway speeds. The ATAK is the loudest of the three, using Borla's Acoustically Tuned Applied Kinetics technology to produce the highest decibel levels in their lineup with a more race-oriented character.

Is Borla exhaust worth it?
Yes, for most builds. Borla is one of the few exhaust brands that backs every system with a million-mile warranty, which reflects the quality of their 300-series stainless steel construction. Compared to cheaper stainless exhausts that use 400-series steel, Borla systems are significantly more corrosion resistant and hold their finish longer. The dyno-tested performance gains are real on most applications, and the sound quality is consistently described as deep and refined rather than harsh or raspy.

What is cat-back vs axle-back exhaust?
A cat-back system replaces everything from the catalytic converter back, including the mid-pipe, resonator, and muffler. It gives the largest sound and performance improvement of the two because it replaces more of the factory exhaust. An axle-back system replaces only the section from the rear axle back, typically just the muffler and tips. It is easier to install and less expensive but produces a smaller change in sound and power output than a full cat-back.

Does Borla exhaust increase horsepower?
Yes on most applications. Borla's straight-through and multi-core technology reduces exhaust backpressure, which i