Borla vs Gibson Exhaust

[KillerXLT]

I have a 95 XLT 86,000 miles. It's going to need an exhaust soon. Is it worth doing an aftermarket exhaust? If so which one? The gibson or borla? Share your experiences with these exhaust.

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by KillerXLT
I have a 95 XLT 86,000 miles. It's going to need an exhaust soon. Is it worth doing an aftermarket exhaust? If so which one? The gibson or borla? Share your experiences with these exhaust.

Why not go with a custom made exhause made locally? You will save money as well as supporting the local economy.

 

[kvo]

The Borla is a stainless steel system and the Gibson is an aluminzed system, although you could also buy a stainless steel system from Gibson. Cost, sound, and the exit locations are the differences in my opinion.

I have the Gibson aluminized system with a lifetime warranty. Sounds very nice, just deep enough for me. It has a side exit.

The Borla has a deeper, almost crispier sound and it has a rear exit. It could be a problem if you go wheeling and have it smashed.

The Borla is a few hundred more than the Gibson, although if you search through the For Sale forum, you may find one for sale for a reasonable price. Both offers some increase in performance and gas mileage.

 

[ksfrogman]

I just installed the Borla exhaust system on my '96 Explorer V8. Since the Borla exhaust "hugs" the rear bumper, and is not any lower or posterior to the hitch, I'd be surprise if it ever gets smashed on anything.

I'm just a little disappointed that the exhaust mod is so quiet. Yes, it sounds deeper, but is mainly noticeable at low speeds. When I get moving, the tire and road noise seems to deaden the sound unless I step on the throttle hard.

 

[yob_yeknom]

go Borla!

I just recently installed a Borla. I LOVE it. Check the group buy forum and look for the thread about Borla. There is no group buy anymore, but it will tell you how to get a Borla if for your X for only $165.00
I would choose Borla because I've read here that the Gibson system backfires when you let off of the gas. If you can't get a Borla, go custom or Flowmaster. I've just read way too many bad things, here and other places, about the sound of a Gibson. (backfires and WAY too loud)

 

[kvo]

As an owner of a Gibson system, I must say that I have never experienced any symptoms as described, no backfire at anytime, I have had it next to my friend's Explorer with a Borla and mine sounded a little mellower than his Borla.

Regarding getting it smashed, my friend's Explorer with the Borla got his smashed out wheeling one day and he also had a tow hitch. It just so happened that there was a rock out croping after the ledge, got in the way and smacked, there goes the tailpipe! But I guess the tailpipe could be bent so that it's not sticking straight out back.

 

[SDMike]

Had my Gibson for about six years now, and it's been good to me. It has a very subtle rumble to it, not too loud, but loud enough to get a little attention. I am very satisfied with it and never had any problems with it.

SDMike

 

[yob_yeknom]

about coming out of the back

It creates less resistance to airflow by having the exhaust come straight out the back instead of having to make a sharp turn to exit out of the side. Less resistance = more power & better gas mileage.
Plus Borla has a really sweet looking tip.

 

[drmoore71]

yob-yeknom,

i will be ordering my borla first thing in the morning. one question, what kind of mileage increase should i be looking for? also, what does SWTESB mean in your sig?

 

[AgExplorer]

I'm guessing that SWTESB = The Empire Strikes Back.

 

[drmoore71]

oh, there it is!!! for the life of me, i couldn't figure that out. the reason i was confused is that i have personalized plates on my mustang that read SWTBBY--sweet baby. i was just going the wrong way in trying to identify it. thanks ag!

 

[yob_yeknom]

Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back
I love the Star Wars trilogy. That quote is the reason I ever even watched those movies. It's a really good quote in my opinion.

My gas mileage has went from 11.5mpg to 14.5mpg on cheap no name brand gas and from 17.5mpg to 21.0mpg on Shell brand gas. I use 87 octane. It also gave me a lot more power. I did also change the plugs, wires, and air filter at the same time I added the exhaust though.

Take my advice. Go to your local auto parts store and order a new gasket that goes in between the cat and the exhaust and new bolts that bolt it to the cat BEFORE you start the installation. Click here to read about how I installed mine. You'll read why.

 

[drmoore71]

thanks, john. i will get the doughnut gasket and the bolts before the install. 95xlt already sent me your instructions, so they will be out there with me when i do the install.