Real Gains: How Much Horsepower Does a Borla Exhaust Add?

Ask anyone at a car meet about easy ways to get more power, and aftermarket exhausts pop up more than turbo myths at a street race. But here’s a quick truth bomb: simply bolting on a new exhaust won’t magically turn your daily driver into a dragstrip monster. But Borla exhaust systems? They’ve earned a reputation for real, measurable gains—not just louder sounds. Let’s dig deep into the specifics, cut through all the internet noise, and see what you can honestly expect if you drop some cash on one.

How Does a Borla Exhaust Add Horsepower?

So, what’s actually going on when you switch out your factory exhaust for a Borla? The stock exhausts on most vehicles get choked up with narrow piping, tight bends, and heavy mufflers that muffle both sound and performance. Borla exhausts tackle these issues with larger-diameter pipes, smooth mandrel bends, and lightweight stainless steel construction. Those mods aren’t just about style. They reduce back pressure, clear out exhaust gases faster, and help your engine breathe way easier. This, in turn, boosts horsepower and torque.

But don’t just take it from rumor mills and forum warriors. There’s real science behind this. Engines work like air pumps: the easier they inhale and exhale, the better they run. With a Borla system, spent gases escape quicker, making room for that fresh air-fuel mix to burn strong. Factory setups prioritize quietness and emissions, not peak power. Borla’s engineering flips those priorities, aiming straight at performance.

Exact numbers always depend on your vehicle and engine. On a naturally aspirated V8, a cat-back Borla exhaust can net anywhere from 7-15 extra horsepower. Some turbocharged setups pick up even more—think 15-20 horsepower—because turbos really love less back pressure. Even on a modest four-cylinder, you’ll often see at least a 3-5 horsepower jump. The more your stock setup strangles the engine, the stronger Borla’s effect.

What about the dyno? Some published tests on F-150 V8s, Camaro SS, and Challenger R/T show average rear-wheel horsepower gains of 10-18 HP with a Borla cat-back. The trick is, your car needs to be healthy and you’ll see best results when you pair it with a high-flow air intake or performance tune. Don’t expect miracles if you’re running on bald tires and clogged air filters.

A cool bonus? Borla systems are built from T-304 stainless steel, not the cheaper stuff. This means you’re not just buying sound and power—you’re investing in a piece that’s built to last, probably longer than your car itself. And, unlike sketchy universal pipes, Borla makes vehicle-specific kits for a perfect fit with no rattling headaches.

What Sets Borla Apart From Other Exhaust Brands?

Now comes the big question: Why Borla over MagnaFlow, Flowmaster, or any of the other household names flooding TikTok and car forums? The Borla difference mostly comes down to tuning and construction quality. Their pipes are mandrel-bent—translation: smooth, consistent diameter, no crushed sections, so exhaust flows like water down a slip-n-slide. Compare that with crush-bent pipes you get at most muffler shops, and the airflow difference is obvious even to a non-gearhead.

Borla also doesn’t just make “loud” exhausts for the sake of being a neighborhood nuisance. They work obsessively on tuning the sound so your car doesn’t drone at highway speeds, and instead sings when you’re on the gas. Actual sound engineers work at their HQ in Tennessee, endlessly dialing in the perfect mix. The company even offers multiple sound levels—Touring, S-Type, ATAK—so you can pick the growl that fits your taste and local noise rules.

And here’s a kicker for those who care about warranty drama: Borla systems are 50-state legal, meet emissions requirements, and are often covered by a “million mile warranty.” Not joking—they literally call it the Million Mile Warranty, backing up the T-304 steel promises. You just need to make sure you’re installing it to spec, not hacking up your catalytic converters (that’s where you’d start getting into legal issues).

Another major benefit is weight savings. Compared to stock, Borla cat-back systems can shave 10-15 pounds off your vehicle’s weight. That’s not earth-shattering, but combine it with the power bump and you’re giving your car a noticeably snappier feel, especially on quick throttle blips or fast gear changes. Fewer pounds to haul means slightly better acceleration and just a bit more fun every time you stab the pedal.

Borla doesn’t just churn out parts; they test them hard. Their setups get hundreds of hours in the test lab, and independent shops run them through real-life paces on tracks and dynos. That’s why you see Borla gear on everything from SEMA builds to IMSA racing machines—and on plenty of street rides that just want a taste of that motorsport feel.

How to Maximize Power Gains With Borla

Alright, you’ve decided you want the power and the sound. But before you just slap on a Borla and call it a day, let’s talk about getting the most bang for your buck. The single biggest thing that determines your horsepower gain? The weakest link in your intake and exhaust chain. No exhaust can do its job if your intake is choking things at the front end or if your car is starved of fresh air due to a filthy air filter. If you’re truly after every last pony, start by cleaning up your whole airflow path.

Pair your Borla exhaust with an upgraded, high-flow air intake. This classic combo lets your engine gulp in more air and expel it faster—boosting results on both sides. On modern cars, a tune or an ECU flash lets the engine’s computer adapt to higher flow rates. Tuners can unlock a few more horsepower by making sure your fuel and ignition maps keep up with the added volume.

Another thing to consider: type of exhaust system. Do you go axle-back (just behind the rear wheels), cat-back (from the catalytic converter back), or the full deal with headers? Cat-back systems are the Borla sweet spot: easier to install than headers, but way more gains than just a muffler swap. If you’re already running a turbo or looking to extract every last ounce for weekend track days, consider matching the exhaust with Borla’s high-flow headers. That’s when you’ll see the upper limits, especially on big V8s or track-prepped cars.

Installation is surprisingly straightforward. Most Borla kits are bolt-on—no welding required for most applications. All you need are some basic hand tools, car ramps, and a buddy to hold the pipes steady. Real talk: If you can change your own oil, you can do a Borla swap in a Saturday afternoon. Just double-check fitment with your exact year and model on Borla’s site; they design for tight tolerances, so guesswork is minimal.

To squeeze out every last bit of performance, don’t forget to:

• Double-check for exhaust leaks (they kill horsepower and make your car run rich).
• Use new gaskets to seal the deal during install.
• Torque all bolts to spec so stuff doesn’t come loose.
• Break in the system; stainless steel “seasons” and will sound a bit different after a few hundred miles.

If you’re trying to keep things stealth, Borla Touring systems only add a little bark and almost no drone. If you want to wake the neighbors, ATAK is where you go wild—no holding back on the decibels or the horsepower bump.

Real-World Results: What Drivers Experience With Borla

No nonsense: What do actual drivers say once all the hype settles down and the pipes are bolted up? The first thing they notice isn’t always the extra horsepower, but the newfound urgency you feel when you jab the throttle. Cars rev more freely, and shifts—especially on manuals—feel snappier. People who keep a sharp eye on their dash often see a tiny bump in MPG if they drive gently, too. That’s the engine operating more efficiently, not just making noise.

Many F-150 and Silverado owners report that their trucks pull noticeably harder, especially while towing or merging on the freeway. Dodge Challenger crowds love the bass-heavy rumble and often see their 5.7 Hemis picking up a half-tenth in the quarter mile with just the cat-back and a tune. Mazda MX-5 and WRX owners, even with smaller four-bangers, feel a sharper throttle and less lag coming out of corners.

One of the coolest details you’ll pick up from real-world users: installation really is as drama-free as the manuals promise. No need for welding, no chopping or custom fabricating. If you’ve ever tried to fit a “universal” eBay exhaust, you’ll appreciate just how much hassle Borla’s pre-fit systems save you. Plus, the rust resistance of T-304 stainless is no joke. In salty winter states, factory pipes rot out in a few years; Borla’s almost always outlast the vehicle. That million-mile warranty isn’t just bluster—they rarely get claims.

Some drivers mention an unexpected bonus: better resale value. If you keep your stock exhaust and include it in the sale, buyers see Borla as a plus, not a hack job. A name-brand system that’s professionally installed signals you care about the car—not just about making noise.

But is there a downside? Two things to keep in mind. First, sound is subjective. Some folks find the louder Borla models wake them up on the morning commute, and that’s not always what they want from their daily ride. Pick your sound carefully. Second, those extra ponies come at a cost—not just for the system, but maybe for insurance. Always check with your insurer about modifications.

Borla’s reputation didn’t just happen. Every gain is the result of tight engineering, top-shelf materials, and relentless real-world testing. Ask anyone who’s put one on, and they’ll tell you the gains you feel go beyond just a few horsepower—it’s about loving every drive, every time you start up.

So there it is: Borla exhausts absolutely add honest HP, and how much depends on your setup. Give your car one and you’ll get more than just a boost in power. You’ll grab a slice of that racing spirit, daily.