Borla Exhaust for Mustang GT: Is It Worth the Spend?

When it comes to enhancing your Ford Mustang GT, few upgrades offer the immediate impact and visceral thrill of a new exhaust system. It's not just about the roar; it's about unlocking potential, optimising engine efficiency, and truly personalising your ride. While the pursuit of the ultimate exhaust can lead to a significant investment, for a vehicle as iconic as the Mustang GT, that expenditure often translates into unparalleled driving satisfaction. Among the myriad of choices available, the cat-back exhaust system stands out as a proven performer, striking an excellent balance between performance gains and a captivating auditory experience.

This article delves deep into whether Borla, a name synonymous with high-end automotive parts, lives up to its reputation for the Mustang GT. We'll explore various Borla offerings, scrutinise their build quality, dissect their sound profiles, and assess their impact on your Mustang's performance. Furthermore, we'll cast an eye over a formidable competitor and provide a comprehensive buying guide, ensuring you're equipped with all the knowledge needed to make an informed decision for your beloved pony car.

Is Borla a Good Choice for Your Mustang GT?

Borla has long been a revered name in the automotive aftermarket, with a storied past crafting components for prestigious marques like Rolls-Royce and Ferraris. Today, their expertise extends to the formidable Mustang GT, offering exhaust systems that are undeniably on the more expensive side of the spectrum. But why the premium price tag? The answer lies in their unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and performance.

The Borla Legacy of Quality

Borla's reputation is built on a foundation of superior materials and meticulous engineering. Each cat-back system, irrespective of its specific designation, is constructed with mandrel-bent tubing and austenitic stainless steel, specifically the aircraft-grade T-304 variant. This material choice is paramount, offering significantly greater corrosion resistance compared to other stainless steel types, ensuring exceptional durability and longevity for years to come. Borla’s commitment is so strong, they even back their products with a 'million-mile oath', a testament to their confidence in the robust build.

Borla ATAK Cat-Back Exhaust System

For Mustang GT owners seeking a significant boost in both performance and sound without altering the catalytic converter, the Borla ATAK cat-back exhaust presents an compelling option. Borla's design philosophy here centres on unrestrictive mufflers, allowing exhaust gases to flow freely. This results in a truly magnificent, aggressive sound that is both powerful and refined. Expect not only an exhilarating exhaust note but also tangible performance improvements, including enhanced power output for the same fuel consumption. While it's an excellent choice for daily drivers who crave an exciting auditory experience, some dedicated sports car enthusiasts might lean towards even more extreme options on the market.

• Pros: Exceptional durability, superb exhaust sound, premium build quality, increased performance, improved fuel economy.
• Cons: High price point.

Borla "S-Type" Cat-Back Exhaust System

The Borla "S-Type" exhaust is often precisely what a Mustang GT owner desires when looking for a noticeable yet balanced change in their vehicle's performance and acoustic profile. The "S-Type" designation originates from its unique mufflers, celebrated for their balanced sound creation. It strikes a perfect harmony, producing a note that is neither overly loud nor too subdued, making it 'just right' for many. Like all Borla cat-back exhausts, components are crafted from aircraft-grade T-304 stainless steel, upholding Borla's renowned million-mile commitment to longevity. This system also features Borla's multi-core technology, engineered to deliver superior flow performance compared to conventional straight pipes, leading to increased power generation and higher torque. The package often includes a split angle-cut phantom tip, offering a subtle yet impactful aesthetic enhancement to your Mustang's rear.

• Pros: Improved aesthetic, potentially increases engine life, balanced "S-Type" mufflers for sound, aircraft-grade stainless steel, often one of the more accessible Borla options.
• Cons: Exhaust sound enthusiasts seeking extreme volume may find it too quiet.

Borla Standard Cat-Back Exhaust System

Representing Borla’s quintessential exhaust offering, this standard cat-back system encapsulates all the hallmark features that the brand is celebrated for, albeit typically at the higher end of the price spectrum. Its construction is, as expected, of the highest calibre, utilising T-304 stainless steel which far surpasses ordinary aluminised steel builds in terms of resilience and lifespan. The polished silver finish is designed to maintain its lustre with proper care for years. When it comes to exhaust sound, this system has arguably cemented Borla's legendary status in the aftermarket. It has even been lauded as the best sounding exhaust for specific models, such as the 2017 Mustang GT. Designed with universal parts, installation is remarkably straightforward. Furthermore, for those who appreciate the visual impact of a quad-tip rear setup, this system delivers. Performance-wise, the less restrictive Borla mufflers are proven to yield double-digit horsepower increases, making it a compelling upgrade for any Mustang GT owner.

• Pros: Universal parts for easy installation, arguably the best exhaust sound, premium build quality, significant increase in horsepower.
• Cons: Very expensive.

Borla Aggressive ATAK Rear Section Exhaust

Shifting focus from a complete cat-back to a rear section, the Borla Aggressive ATAK exhaust system lives up to its name, especially for a Mustang. Its aggressive character stems from both its striking looks and, more significantly, its commanding sound. Constructed from the same aircraft-grade stainless steel, this system produces a loud, attention-grabbing sound that, remarkably, manages not to be irritating. Beyond the aesthetics, it incorporates multi-core and straight-through technology, which synergistically boost horsepower and torque. Moreover, it enhances your engine’s exhaust velocity, translating into more power from less fuel and, consequently, improved fuel economy. While its robust nature and formidable sound make it a perfect fit for sports and performance cars like the Mustang, its aggressive profile and higher cost might not be ideal for those primarily using their vehicle for daily commuting.

• Pros: Aggressive aesthetic, robust build quality, produces a powerful and attention-grabbing sound, increases performance, improves fuel consumption.
• Cons: Not ideal for daily drivers, sound might be perceived as problematic by some.

Beyond Borla: Other Premium Exhaust Options

While Borla certainly stands as a titan in the exhaust market, there are other reputable brands that offer compelling alternatives, providing a broader spectrum of choices for Mustang GT enthusiasts.

Corsa Exhaust Systems

Corsa is a formidable competitor to Borla, with a solid track record of delivering quality and earning customer trust—a crucial factor when investing hundreds of pounds in a single automotive component. Corsa exhaust systems mirror Borla’s commitment to superior construction, utilising the same highly regarded T-304 stainless steel, ensuring years of dependable service regardless of road conditions, provided it's properly maintained. Corsa exhausts often feature a custom-tuned design that visually enhances the Mustang’s already assertive stance, with the stainless steel maintaining its untarnished appearance over time.

A standout feature of Corsa exhausts is their emphasis on sound. They incorporate patented Reflective Sound Cancellation technology, meticulously engineered to eliminate unwanted sound reflections and deliver a much clearer, more refined exhaust note. While the tone is distinctly aggressive, it's a characteristic that many Mustang GT owners will undoubtedly appreciate. Beyond the captivating sound, Corsa systems also provide tangible performance gains for your engine and a noticeable improvement in fuel economy. An additional benefit is their 'No Drone' technology, which effectively eliminates the annoying monotone hum often associated with some aftermarket exhaust solutions, ensuring a pleasant driving experience even on long journeys. This combination of aggressive tone and drone-free comfort makes Corsa a very attractive option.

• Pros: Custom-tuned design, T-304 stainless steel construction, better exhaust gas flow, aggressive yet refined tone, patented No Drone and Reflective Sound Cancellation technology.
• Cons: The aggressive sound might take some getting used to if accustomed to the stock exhaust.

Borla S-Type Cat-Back: The Daily Driver's Choice (Elliptical Mufflers)

Borla's S-Type exhausts are particularly popular among Mustang GT owners who use their cars as daily drivers rather than exclusively as high-performance track machines. These systems are not designed to produce ear-splitting volumes but instead to deliver a pleasant, refined sound that doesn't irritate those around you. This specific S-Type cat-back system features Borla's S-Type mufflers with an elliptical shape, differing from the cylindrical variants. While this difference doesn't significantly impact overall performance, it does contribute to a nuanced variation in the sound profile, though the decibel level remains consistent. The build quality and design adhere to Borla's signature high standards, with T-304 austenitic stainless steel reinforcing its million-mile durability claim, meaning fewer trips to the workshop. Its patented multi-core technology and straight-through design ensure superior airflow while maintaining a controlled, less restrictive sound. With a 2.5-inch pipe diameter and two angle-cut tips at the rear, it may not boast the visual flair of quad-tip systems, but its focus remains on a tasteful sound and everyday usability.

• Pros: Durable build quality, improves fuel economy, perfect for daily drivers, refined exhaust sound.
• Cons: May not offer the aggressive visual appeal of other exhausts with more tips.

Borla S-Type Cat-Back: Quiet Power for the Mustang GT

Movies often depict Mustang GTs with overtly loud exhausts, but the reality is that many powerful Mustangs embrace a more understated acoustic profile. This is precisely where the S-Type exhaust from Borla finds its niche. It caters to those who desire the iconic Mustang rumble without the excessive volume. This S-Type system delivers a sound that is "just right"—noticeable and engaging, yet not overwhelmingly loud, making it ideal for daily driving scenarios. Borla's long-standing customers consistently praise the premium build quality across their exhaust line. Constructed from aircraft-grade stainless steel, the integrity of its design remains uncompromised by everyday road conditions, embodying Borla’s hallmark durability. Visually, this S-Type might slightly disappoint those expecting a quad-tip setup, as it typically features only two rear angle-cut tips. However, any minor visual trade-off is more than compensated by Borla’s renowned performance. With their patented multi-core and straight-through technology, your Mustang GT's engine benefits from increased lifespan and enhanced performance, thanks to significantly improved airflow.

• Pros: Excellent build quality, multi-core technology for performance, refined yet present exhaust sound, improved airflow increases engine performance and lifespan.
• Cons: Fewer rear tips compared to some other options.

Comparative Overview of Mustang GT Exhausts

Choosing the Right Exhaust for Your Mustang GT: A Buying Guide

Selecting the perfect exhaust system for your Mustang GT involves understanding various factors that contribute to its performance, sound, and overall value. Here's what to consider before making your purchase:

Cat-Back or Axle-Back Exhaust System, Which One?

The choice between a cat-back and an axle-back exhaust system is fundamental. Our list primarily focuses on cat-back systems for good reason. A cat-back system connects to your vehicle's exhaust system just after the catalytic converter and extends to the rear. While generally more expensive than axle-back options, cat-backs are longer and are engineered to provide significantly better airflow. They often feature X-pipe or H-pipe designs, particularly popular with 2018+ Mustang GT models, which are renowned for producing superior sound and tangible performance gains. In contrast, axle-back systems are a more budget-friendly choice if your primary goal is an upgrade in sound and aesthetics. However, it's crucial to note that axle-back systems typically offer no significant performance gain.

Single Side or Double Side?

An exhaust system can be either single-sided or double-sided (often referred to as 'dual exhaust'). A single-side system routes all exhaust gases through one pipe from the manifold to the rear of the vehicle. Dual-pipe systems, conversely, split the exhaust flow into two pipes, often exiting on both sides of the vehicle, which can offer a more balanced aesthetic and, in some cases, enhanced exhaust flow and sound characteristics.

Turbo Back

If your Mustang GT (or any other performance vehicle you own) utilises turbochargers, a turbo-back exhaust system might be of interest. This type of system connects directly after the turbocharger, efficiently channelling the remaining exhaust gases out of the vehicle. Turbo-back exhausts are predominantly favoured by owners and drivers of performance cars, designed to maximise the efficiency and sound profile of turbocharged engines.

Pricing Considerations

Exhaust system prices can vary widely based on type, brand, and features. We can broadly categorise them into three tiers:

• Budget-Friendly (£100-£300): In this range, you'll typically find very basic single exhaust systems, often comprising just pipes and clamps, with mufflers usually not included.
• Mid-Range (£300-£500): This tier offers average cat-back and side systems. While most side systems here are single, some dual exhaust options may be available. Mufflers might be included in various models within this price bracket.
• Premium (£500-£5000+): This is where the top-tier options reside. Prices can fluctuate significantly depending on advanced features and brand prestige. All the latest and most advanced cat-back systems fall into this category. For a high-performance vehicle like the Mustang GT, investing around a thousand pounds for a premium exhaust system is often considered a reasonable expenditure. Leading brands such as Borla, Corsa, and Flowmaster predominantly offer products within this premium range, and it's here you're most likely to find the best exhaust system for your Mustang GT.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mustang GT Exhausts

Do all 2019 Mustang GTs have active exhaust?

No, active exhausts were available as an option for all Mustang GT vehicles from 2018 onwards, including the 2019 model year. They are not standard on all variants.

Does Flowmaster exhaust increase horsepower?

Yes, less restrictive mufflers, such as those found in Flowmaster's 10-series, are a proven method for increasing horsepower. It's possible to see an increase of up to 15 HP at the wheels, with resonator removal also contributing to these gains.

What is the difference between a Mustang GT and GT Premium?

The GT Premium model includes all the features of the EcoBoost Premium package, in addition to its GT-specific enhancements. Another significant benefit of the GT Premium is its availability in both fastback and convertible body styles.

Does a Mustang GT need premium petrol?

While your Mustang GT engine can run on both regular and premium petrol, using regular fuel may lead to a slight loss in performance. Tests have shown that regular petrol can reduce your engine's horsepower. For instance, an engine rated at 420 HP might only yield around 400 HP when running on regular petrol. So, while you save a bit on fuel costs, you sacrifice some power.

What is the cheapest way to increase horsepower?

The most straightforward and cost-effective ways to boost your vehicle's horsepower include upgrading the cold air intake system. Additionally, installing a less restrictive muffler, such as those offered by Flowmaster, can also contribute to horsepower gains.

Does TRD exhaust add horsepower?

TRD (Toyota Racing Development) exhausts typically offer modest horsepower gains, usually in the single digits. While they can improve performance, the increase isn't substantial.

What's the best sounding exhaust for Mustang GT?

Borla is widely recognised for producing some of the best-sounding exhausts on the market. Specifically, the Borla ATAK Cat-back exhaust system is often cited as the best-sounding option for the 2017 Mustang GT.

Final Words

Choosing the right exhaust for your Mustang GT is a deeply personal decision, influenced by your driving style, desired sound profile, and budget. Each of the systems reviewed here, particularly the diverse offerings from Borla, presents a compelling case for being the ultimate upgrade. From the aggressive roar of the ATAK to the refined balance of the S-Type, Borla consistently delivers on its promise of performance and sound. We hope this comprehensive guide has illuminated the strengths of each option, empowering you to select the perfect exhaust that truly amplifies the spirit of your Mustang GT.

Spotlight: Borla Axle-Back Exhaust System 11953

The BORLA® Axle-Back exhaust system 11953 is specifically engineered to fit 5.0L Mustang GT models that are NOT equipped with the Active Valve Performance Exhaust feature. This system features dual 4-inch polished T-304 stainless steel tips, providing a striking visual upgrade. Acoustically, it delivers the highly sought-after S-Type sound, offering that perfect balance of aggression and refinement. Designed for versatility, this system is suitable for both coupe and convertible Mustang GT models, making it a versatile choice for a broad range of owners.

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