Borla XR-1 Exhaust

Borla XR-1 Race Exhaust!

The Borla XR-1 Race exhaust is the highest flowing exhaust for the C5. It also is the loudest of all the exhausts. Since the XR-1 does not have any rear mufflers, by switching to this exhaust I eliminate over 40 pounds of weight from my C5.

I was lucky enough to purchase this exhaust 2nd hand and it only had a few thousand miles on it.

This is the Borla as shipped to me. Fortunately, all the needed accessories were included and the exhaust was in excellent condition.

These first few pictures show what the stock exhaust looks like from the bottom of the C5.

These pictures show the stock exhaust components after removal. The rear muffler just unbolts, the center section that contains the H pipe had to be cut off. The cut was made by lifting up the new Borla section (on a exhaust holder to line it up correctly) and marking the cut points with a marker.

Here we see the Borla after installation. The first picture shows the center section that has the resonator. You can see that there are pipe clamps that connect this to the factory exhaust. One thing I failed to remember is that the Borla XR-1 replaces the factory H pipe completely, thus rendering the possibility of using a x-pipe impossible. The last picture shows the rear pipes coming out of the rear. There are no rear mufflers with the Borla XR-1, saving approx. 40 pounds. This exhaust went on with only minor modifications (had to in large one of the bracket holes) and is very well constructed.

The first picture here shows the rear pipe and how it mounts to one of the sway bar bolts. To remove/install the exhaust, the rear sway bar needs to be removed. Remember, the bolts on the sway bar require specific torque, the top is different from the bottom. Check with GM for proper specs. The last two pictures are nice ass shots with the new Borla. Eat your heart out ricers!

So I guess your wondering about the sound? I have read many posts on the CorvetteForum about the sound of this exhaust and that it is "too loud" etc.

Let me say right now that this exhaust is absolutely awesome! It has a nice deep rumble at idle, but not loud enough to rattle windows or wake the neighbors. On acceleration, it screams! But still not loud like a big block that rattles windows.

On deceleration there is some nice gurgling and popping (that infamous race car sound). The only negative comment I can say is there is a resonance inside the cabin at around 2000 rpm's. Its not terribly bad, but it is noticeable. The Borla is also louder inside the cabin than the factory exhaust, but nothing a good CD can not take care of.

Acceleration feels fantastic! I will be surprised if the dyno does not show a HP increase. Will keep you informed when I hit the dyno!

Wanna hear that bad boy, click on the speaker!