Horsepower Gains From Borla Axlebacks

[IngotSilverSnake]

I am ready to put some axleback mufflers on the 2012 Shelby. I think I will go with Borla S-Type or ATAKs. I added Flowmaster American Thunders to my 2012 5.0 but the drone was terrible. This will be my first mod and the Shelby is completely stock otherwise. My question is, what horsepower gain can I expect from changing mufflers? Here is what Borla says on their web site:

 

Q. How much horsepower can I expect to gain?

An engine is an air pump, and BORLA's exhaust system allows the engine to pump and flow more uninterrupted air. The actual horsepower increase depends upon the fuel management system's ability to provide the right amount of fuel to match the extra air flow; 5 to 15% increases are not uncommon. Under racing conditions, our XR-1® collector mufflers actually make more horsepower than an open exhaust!

 

If this is true, I can expect a 27.5 HP to 82.5 HP gain. I have a hard time believing even the low number with no other mods. Has anyone added Borla mufflers with no other mods and done a dyno to check the actual HP gains?

Edited August 5, 2012 by IngotSilverSnake

[jskup1]

Nothing feels different in the "butt dyno." I can't see changing out just the mufflers gaining more than 5HP. The restrictions will still exist in the exhaust manifolds and cats.

[MJN]

On the plus side I beleive you also save some weight from the oem mufflers hehe!

[SteelTownStang]

... gains, if any, are negligible.

[Crushinator]

The stock mufflers weigh 17lbs each. The only thing you'll "gain" is less weight. All in all, you might lose 10 lbs total. Don't expect much gain in power

from just changing the axleback exhaust. You may gain 5, and you may lose 5.

[Ezareth]

Have a pair of Borla S-Types on order as well. The ATAK sounds a bit overagressive.

[IngotSilverSnake]

Thanks everyone. Your comments track exactly with what the guys on fordgt500.com are saying. I am re-thinking what I am going to do. If I go with the Borlas it will probably be the S-Types. Don't want the sound to be too loud.

 

Ezareth: Let us know how you like the S-Types once you get them installed.

[axo250]

Have a pair of Borla S-Types on order as well. The ATAK sounds a bit overagressive.

 

 

I have the S-Types on order also. I talked to Borla this past Thursday and I was told a run of our exhausts were being made Friday and would ship out this Monday. So if you got your order in before COB Thursday, be looking for them this week or early next. Sorry to get a little off topic.

[jskup1]

Just put the s-types on last week. Lethal actually had them in stock when everyone else seems to have them backordered. Sound is awesome. Throaty under throttle with no noticable drone.

[svt13]

any drone on high way?

[MJN]

I also have the "s" on mine and could not be any happier. No drone at all to me just a nice rumble

[SteelTownStang]

Note: some think that the ATAKs are louder, they're not... just a higher pitch whereas the S-types are lower/deeper. I heard them both in person on GT500s and they both sound great, but don't decide between the two thinking one is louder or quieter than the other as only the tone is different.

 

I'd describe the ATAKs as sounding more exotic and broader acoustically at various levels of the throttle, i.e., the pitch fluctuates at different RPMs.

 

The S-types are throatier and sound more consistent throughout the power band, i.e., the tone remains the same; only the volume changes with the RPMs.

 

While the following Borla exhaust review is based on the 5.0, it still illustrates a good representation of the sound differences between all three exhausts (Touring, S-types, & ATAKs):

 

 

Edited August 6, 2012 by SteelTownStang

[IngotSilverSnake]

Note: some think that the ATAKs are louder, they're not... just a higher pitch whereas the S-types are lower/deeper. I heard them both in person on GT500s and they both sound great, but don't decide between the two thinking one is louder or quieter than the other as only the tone is different.

 

I'd describe the ATAKs as sounding more exotic and broader acoustically at various levels of the throttle, i.e., the pitch fluctuates at different RPMs.

 

The S-types are throatier and sound more consistent throughout the power band, i.e., the tone remains the same; only the volume changes with the RPMs.

 

While this Borla exhaust review is based on the 5.0, it still illustrates a good representation of the sound differences between all three exhaust (Touring, S-types, & ATAKs):

 

 

 

Good post. I saw this video previously and was leaning toward the S-Types because of it. Your post and others above (thank you all) confirm my final choice will be the S-Type.

[SteelTownStang]

Good post. I saw this video previously and was leaning toward the S-Types because of it. Your post and others above (thank you all) confirm my final choice will be the S-Type.

 

 

Thanks. Let us know your evaluation once installed.

[Jadavis525]

 

 

Good post. I saw this video previously and was leaning toward the S-Types because of it. Your post and others above (thank you all) confirm my final choice will be the S-Type.

 

 

+1 just what I was looking for to make a decision!

 

J

[Ezareth]

I have the S-Types on order also. I talked to Borla this past Thursday and I was told a run of our exhausts were being made Friday and would ship out this Monday. So if you got your order in before COB Thursday, be looking for them this week or early next. Sorry to get a little off topic.

 

 

Nice, thanks! Did you order direct from Borla or a reseller? Mine was $700 through autoanything.com, unfortunately they delayed shipment until 8/25 a day after I placed the order last week. I'm going to check the sites again this week and see if I can get a sooner (and cheaper) delivery.

 

Note: some think that the ATAKs are louder, they're not... just a higher pitch whereas the S-types are lower/deeper. I heard them both in person on GT500s and they both sound great, but don't decide between the two thinking one is louder or quieter than the other as only the tone is different.

 

I'd describe the ATAKs as sounding more exotic and broader acoustically at various levels of the throttle, i.e., the pitch fluctuates at different RPMs.

 

The S-types are throatier and sound more consistent throughout the power band, i.e., the tone remains the same; only the volume changes with the RPMs.

 

While the following Borla exhaust review is based on the 5.0, it still illustrates a good representation of the sound differences between all three exhausts (Touring, S-types, & ATAKs):

 

 

Yeah I watched that video last year with my wife and we both decided the S type sounded best. The ATAK just sounds like it is unnatural in my opinion.

Edited August 6, 2012 by Ezareth

[svt13]

Can someone tell me which borla muffler makes the sound of Jay leno's FGT?

 

http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/2005-ford-gt/1239296

 

The 13 now is pretty much the exact same as engine as the FGT so shouldn't the exhausts sound similar? idk cause I never heard a FGT properly only seen one pass by for 2 seconds in my area and definitely dont remember what it sounded like.

[svt13]

Nice, thanks! Did you order direct from Borla or a reseller? Mine was $700 through autoanything.com, unfortunately they delayed shipment until 8/25 a day after I placed the order last week. I'm going to check the sites again this week and see if I can get a sooner (and cheaper) delivery.

 

 

 

Yeah I watched that video last year with my wife and we both decided the S type sounded best. The ATAK just sounds like it is unnatural in my opinion.

 

 

Attack sounds nice on the v6s

[Ezareth]

Can someone tell me which borla muffler makes the sound of Jay leno's FGT?

 

http://www.jaylenosg...ford-gt/1239296

 

The 13 now is pretty much the exact same as engine as the FGT so shouldn't the exhausts sound similar? idk cause I never heard a FGT properly only seen one pass by for 2 seconds in my area and definitely dont remember what it sounded like.

 

 

Ehh the 13 bears less resemblance than the 11-12s to the FGT as it is a 5.8 instead of a 5.4. All that aside the exhaust notes will sound very little like a mustang since it is a mid-engine car with a completely different exhaust system, supercharger and other internals.

[SteelTownStang]

The 13 now is pretty much the exact same as engine as the FGT so shouldn't the exhausts sound similar? idk cause I never heard a FGT properly only seen one pass by for 2 seconds in my area and definitely dont remember what it sounded like.

 

 

 

As already mentioned, the FGT more closely resembles the 11-12 GT500 with an aluminum 5.4, not the 5.8. The FGT also has a completely different exhaust set-up…

[Ezareth]

Just switched my order to another company that had an S-types in stock for $680 shipped. Hope to get it on this weekend. Now I just need to find a proper recording setup. One thing I hate is most videos have terrible audio. I wonder if putting a microphone in the engine compartment would sound good in a video.

[svt13]

Ehh the 13 bears less resemblance than the 11-12s to the FGT as it is a 5.8 instead of a 5.4. All that aside the exhaust notes will sound very little like a mustang since it is a mid-engine car with a completely different exhaust system, supercharger and other internals.

 

 

Yes I know this. But the 12 shelby and 13 even with the bore don't sound THAT much different. Plus the I know the FGT has a twin screw type sc correct? Does the sc effect the exhaust noise? I thought it just makes the whining sound? Why do the internals or if the engine is in the middle of the car or front of the car effect the exhaust note? Also what kind of exhaust system did the FGT have? I doubt it was anything hi tech or electronic.

[axo250]

I ordered mine through Lethal Performance and got them for a little under 700. Bolt on muscle had them the cheapest at $656 but I wanted to buy from a smaller place. They price matched but I had to pay sales tax.

 

Ezareth- you have me curious if borla delayed on making the exhaust. I'll call them after while to see. I'm surprised you found one in stock for that price. I searched for a while and couldn't find any. Where'd you order from?

[SteelTownStang]

Yes I know this. But the 12 shelby and 13 even with the bore don't sound THAT much different. Plus the I know the FGT has a twin screw type sc correct? Does the sc effect the exhaust noise? I thought it just makes the whining sound? Why do the internals or if the engine is in the middle of the car or front of the car effect the exhaust note? Also what kind of exhaust system did the FGT have? I doubt it was anything hi tech or electronic.

 

 

Off topic, but the shape and design of the FGT is completely different, which will change the exhaust tone regardless of the engine. Just going from an X to an H on the GT500 changes the tone. Going with something like this will dramatically change the sound: http://www.fordracingpartsdirect.com/FRPP_Borla_Ford_GT_Performance_Muffler_Kit_p/m-5230-gt.htm

[Ezareth]

Yes I know this. But the 12 shelby and 13 even with the bore don't sound THAT much different. Plus the I know the FGT has a twin screw type sc correct? Does the sc effect the exhaust noise? I thought it just makes the whining sound? Why do the internals or if the engine is in the middle of the car or front of the car effect the exhaust note? Also what kind of exhaust system did the FGT have? I doubt it was anything hi tech or electronic.

 

Exhaust is impacted by just about everything on the car which is why every car has a distinctive sound. Intake definitely has an impact on exhaust as well as timings etc. And yeah if you think about how much the sound changes travelling the length of the underside of your car compared to how short of a distance it has on the FGT there is no way the notes will sound very similar.

 

I ordered mine through Lethal Performance and got them for a little under 700. Bolt on muscle had them the cheapest at $656 but I wanted to buy from a smaller place. They price matched but I had to pay sales tax.

 

Ezareth- you have me curious if borla delayed on making the exhaust. I'll call them after while to see. I'm surprised you found one in stock for that price. I searched for a while and couldn't find any. Where'd you order from?

 

 

I got mine from partsgeek.com which didn't appear in google shopping but did as an organic search. Their site said they only had (1) in stock and I already got my tracking number on the same day, and it still says (1) in stock so maybe they have several. They definitely didn't show up a day ago so they must have just got some in. I ordered from boltonmuscle and they cancelled my order 4 days later after telling me they were "Out of stock". They still have the part on their site but probably still have no stock. AJUSA I know is a reputable company and I've used them in the past and I think they just got some in as well.

[MJN]

It is just like David Borla said in one of the vids, its like tunning a organ, pipe length, size, and bends all effect the tone.

[axo250]

 

Exhaust is impacted by just about everything on the car which is why every car has a distinctive sound. Intake definitely has an impact on exhaust as well as timings etc. And yeah if you think about how much the sound changes travelling the length of the underside of your car compared to how short of a distance it has on the FGT there is no way the notes will sound very similar.

 

 

 

I got mine from partsgeek.com which didn't appear in google shopping but did as an organic search. Their site said they only had (1) in stock and I already got my tracking number on the same day, and it still says (1) in stock so maybe they have several. They definitely didn't show up a day ago so they must have just got some in. I ordered from boltonmuscle and they cancelled my order 4 days later after telling me they were "Out of stock". They still have the part on their site but probably still have no stock. AJUSA I know is a reputable company and I've used them in the past and I think they just got some in as well.

 

Called Borla this evening and got my tracking number. Exhaust shipped from Kingsport, TN manufacturing facility Monday. Supposed to be on my door tomorrow! Woot woot!

 

On a related note, Borla customer service has been some of the best people to deal with. I have been really pleased with their promptness and helpfulness. Somewhat hard to come by nowadays.

[Ezareth]

I am now the proud owner of two Borla Exhausts

 

The first company I ordered from said they'd ship on the 24th so I cancelled the order and got from partsgeek. I got an email from the first company today that said "Sorry your part has shipped we can't cancel your order". That's the price you pay for using small internet companies. Grrr...

[IngotSilverSnake]

I am now the proud owner of two Borla Exhausts

 

The first company I ordered from said they'd ship on the 24th so I cancelled the order and got from partsgeek. I got an email from the first company today that said "Sorry your part has shipped we can't cancel your order". That's the price you pay for using small internet companies. Grrr...

 

 

That is a great excuse to get another Shelby!

[Brad Barnett]

Good post. I saw this video previously and was leaning toward the S-Types because of it. Your post and others above (thank you all) confirm my final choice will be the S-Type.

I just installed the Borla Multi Core (got them from SPP when had 15% off sale) and I think they sound great. I thought the others were a little too loud for me. I talked to Borla and the guy I talked to said the Multi Core were more mild but not th drone of the others. I still hear the "drone" but not much louder than stock but sure sounds better when you put your foot in it. Just my 2 cents. If you are going to put them on yourself I would get the directions on line from Borla first and read them several times. My 2010 was a little harder than the 11-12's I guess but I just took my time and I really like them. Good luck.