I've been trying for about a month now to get a Borla exhaust shipped from the states without it costing me the earth in shipping. The problem is that the box is too friggin' huge to be sent in the mail. I've emailed about 10 shops in the states, and responses have been varied, with shipping quoted anywhere from US$150-$450. Add US$595 for the exhaust and that's a lot of Koala bucks just to add 10kW and a sweeter engine note. What's my point?

I am wondering what it would cost to get a custom exhaust made and installed locally. Surely it would be under A$1000 that the above combo is looking like costing?

Also, the advantage of going with the Borla is that it is a known product and has recieved very positive reviews. Are you "rolling the dice" a bit if you get a custom job done locally? i.e. what if it doesn't sound how you wanted it, or worse yet, what if it made bugger all power or even lost you power?

If you took in some accurate specs or photo's of the Borla in to a decent exhaust shop, could they build you a damn good "replica" that did the same job?

I'm out of my depth here, but mad keen to give my '8 a more aggressive personality and hopefully pick up a few extra kW along the way. Zoom zoom!

 

I think $1000 (AUD) is getting off easy for a known animal. You could spend double that locally and still be unhappy with the result.

My biggest concern would be the possibility of it being crushed in transit.

I'm waiting for people to fit and comment on the racing beat exhaust.

 

Is this thing a "fast flow cat" ?

If so, doesn't that blow your dough on the exhaust, manafold etc warranty?

++dez;

 

The Borla system they're bolting on it the US is from the back of the cat only (called cat-back).

Should be ok on warranty.

 

if the standard cat is still installed, whats the benefit?

I thought the cat coverter was the source of all evil in the first place?

++dez;

 

Dez, don't hijack my thread. I'd like some more feedback on my original question from other members.

 

D.G.W,

I had a great exhaust made locally (Headers to cats, and cat-back) for my SS for under $1000. I sent you a PM.

I hope that gives me enough points to say the following without hijacking your thread

Although I don't have any empirical evididence to support my theory, I don't see much reason for the manufacturers to make the cats restrictive. My reasoning is the cats are one of the main things that helps reduce the emissons. It is a chemical reaction that is based around the surface area of the catalyst substrate. Have you looked at one in section. A fine, straight-through honeycomb, with a much greater total cross section than the pipe itself. More than enough to make up for the material inside. Now if the manufacturer were to skimp on the size of the cats, then the surface area for the reaction to take place would be reduced, and the car would spew pollutants.

Of course, if you stick any form of forced induction - all bets would be off. A lot more combustions gasses in that case - so a larger cat would definately be on the menu.

Anyway - it this is only Hymee thinking out loud. We will find out for sure one day, but it is not the first place I would be spending money looking for performance.

PS - if you get a change - have a look though a cat - you will see that it is not that restrictive.

Cheers,
Hymee.

 

DGW: --post Dez

 

Sorry, I didn't mean to be so blunt before. :o

I'm not looking at playing with the cat at all. I've just heard other people talking about removing them and so I assumed that this was done to gain some more power.

 

=;-)

 

I have had a exhaust fabricated in Melbourne that at least looks similar to the Borla unit but it is not a copy.

It makes the car sound mean at high revs and pretty much fits all the other talk about the Borla such as quiet at idle etc.

I don't know kw but am guessing at 5kw. I just wanted the sound though so no dyno figures.

Cost $600 in mild steel and approx $1500 stainless.

There is someone doing them in Sydney for a similar price as well.

I can email you details if you like.

 

Yes please. PM coming.

The thing that first attracted me to the Borla (and maintains my interest) is the sound it makes. The extra power is a bonus. Oh yes, and the spitting flames thing......