Borla-GM Touring Exhaust (Review)

Tek74 · November 6, 2015

Vehicle: 2015 Silverado 1500 Z71 with 5.3L engine

I just purchased a Borla-GM Touring catback exhaust (#19303333) with chrome tips (#19303347), and had a reputable performance exhaust shop do the install for $150 yesterday. I went with the GM version instead of the regular Borla version, as the GM version has the internal flapper valve to address Drone Sound when the Ecotec3 engine activates the AFM and switches from V8 to V4. I also went with it because it uses Borla's Touring muffler, which is a bit calmer than the S-Type. My last vehicle had a medium-loud Flowmaster exhaust. It was nice for a while, but after a few years, I eventually got a little bit annoyed by the louder sound and wished it was about 25% quieter exhaust note, especially on the freeway.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with the end result of this new Borla-GM exhaust. It's got a nice mild throaty growl without being annoying. Now it sounds less like a luxury car and more like a truck if you know what I mean. And there is no noticeable drone sound at any RPM, so I guess the flapper valve works.

About 1-2 weeks before I added the Borla exhaust, I installed an Airaid Modular Intake Tube (MIT). It made the stock engine a little bit louder, so I'm guessing that it also enhanced the new exhaust sound a little bit. I'm sure if I added a Cold Air Induction (CAI) it would enhance the sound a little bit more, but after reading a great deal about how high-flow after filters let a tad bit more crap into the air tube and engine, I'm probably gonna keep the stock air box, especially since I hit dirt roads once in a while. I intend to keep this truck for about 15 years, so I want to treat her right.

Anyways, I like everything about the Borla except for the price. F-me sideways. They are expensive. If it wasn't for the internal V4 flapper valve, I doubt I would have gone with Borla due to cost. It's just that I have no plans to Tune the engine until the 5yr powertrain warranty expires, so I needed a catback exhaust that worked for me in the mean time. The super quiet factory exhaust was driving me frigging nuts. Way too boring...!!!

Silver ice 6.2 · November 6, 2015

The price was a little high for my taste.. so I did my own version using a borla muffler.. leaving my adaptive valve behind the muffler. And 3 inch manderal bend stainless steel pipe. With some all stainless steel tips that look better than corsa.. and sounds amzing. For less than $500 installed.. I have very little helicopter sound.. VERY little. I'm 100% satisfied!! High recommend this to anyone. I drove a 6.2 with that gm borla and it was quiet.. mine is way louder and sounds better imo.. so that's why I couldn't spend $1,200 on a kit that with the final result wouldn't of made me happy

Tek74 · November 6, 2015

Yeah, exhaust loudness is really preference. I wanted medium loud in my early 30's, but in my early 40's, I just want a nice low growl. Any more than 10% louder and I would think it was annoying. Does that mean I'm getting old?

Silver ice 6.2 · November 6, 2015

Yeah, exhaust loudness is really preference. I wanted medium loud in my early 30's, but in my early 40's, I just want a nice low growl. Any more than 10% louder and I would think it was annoying.

Mine is quiet at cruise... I will make some videos. Of cold start. Some reving. And highways speed. And maybe a little burnout

FishinJ · November 10, 2015

Congrats on the new exhaust. I love the sound of my Borla.

CptMcSaug · November 10, 2015

Video????

Tek74 · November 11, 2015

Video????

Sorry, but I'm not that high-tech. I don't even have a Smart Phone.....just a regular Cell Phone. But a You Tube search on "Silverado Borla Touring" will give you some sound videos.

On thing I did forget to mention was that the nice exhaust sound comes on around 1500rpm, and carries nice until 2500-3000rpm when it shifts.