Borla ATAK Muffler vs full Cat-Back System

Gunndy Gaming · January 5, 2022

Currently trying to decide between getting the full Borla S-Type Cat-back exhaust or just getting the Borla ATAK muffler to replace the OEM flapper and muffler while leaving the resonators. YouTube videos just usually don't do it justice, even when playing them back on high end home stereo to try and get a true feel. They can generally give you good representation of the exhaust tone; but not the true loudness as every phone/device microphone is different.

I know there are a lot of people who have the S-Type Cat back full exhaust installed, but every video I see seems to make me feel different about how loud this is in general. I'm looking for a pretty aggressive start-up growl, but want it to settle down to a low "purr" at idle and cruising speeds. I really only want the throaty growl at start up and on any aggressive launch or highway acceleration. I still want to be able to stand at the tailgate of my truck and carry on a casual conversation while my truck may be idling and/or warming up.

Anyone heard the full s-type vs atak crate muffler in person? It seems like the factory resonators do a really good job of quieting the idle/cruising volume while still allowing the loudness to come through when you give it some right foot.

M1ck3y · January 18, 2022

Since you have reservations about when and how loud it can be, I can tell you that you don't want to go with the atak. What your asking is subjective, everyone has a different perception of what constitutes loud. I think you'll be happiest if stay with the stock system

Coming from someone with headers/corsa sport.

Edited January 18, 2022 by M1ck3y

Gunndy Gaming · January 18, 2022

13 hours ago, M1ck3y said:

Since you have reservations about when and how loud it can be, I can tell you that you don't want to go with the atak. What your asking is subjective, everyone has a different perception of what constitutes loud. I think you'll be happiest if stay with the stock system

Coming from someone with headers/corsa sport.

I clearly will not be happiest sticking with the stock exhaust since I already stated that I do not like how quiet it is. I am soliciting subjective feedback from people on their thoughts on the difference between the s-type and atak mufflers and how significant a difference there is between them.

Various people have provided great links to sound clips I had not found yet and given feedback on how accurate and true to life the videos are to give me perspective. I understand that I'll never know the TRUE sound until I get it installed or am able to witness one personally in real life; but barring that option, I can at least move forward witht he most informed decision possible.

TNTSierra · January 18, 2022

12 minutes ago, Gunndy Gaming said:

I clearly will not be happiest sticking with the stock exhaust since I already stated that I do not like how quiet it is. I am soliciting subjective feedback from people on their thoughts on the difference between the s-type and atak mufflers and how significant a difference there is between them.

Various people have provided great links to sound clips I had not found yet and given feedback on how accurate and true to life the videos are to give me perspective. I understand that I'll never know the TRUE sound until I get it installed or am able to witness one personally in real life; but barring that option, I can at least move forward witht he most informed decision possible.

Get the full Borla or Corsa catback. That gets rid of the horrible flappers, and you won't have the drone. plus it free up a few extra HP/TQ. You are always risking having drone by just adding a muffler. Corsa and Borla do intensive research on their full catbacks.

I have the Corsa and its fantastic, and others who have the Borla say the same. Did it right the first time.

M1ck3y · January 18, 2022

2 hours ago, Gunndy Gaming said:

I clearly will not be happiest sticking with the stock exhaust since I already stated that I do not like how quiet it is. I am soliciting subjective feedback from people on their thoughts on the difference between the s-type and atak mufflers and how significant a difference there is between them.

Various people have provided great links to sound clips I had not found yet and given feedback on how accurate and true to life the videos are to give me perspective. I understand that I'll never know the TRUE sound until I get it installed or am able to witness one personally in real life; but barring that option, I can at least move forward witht he most informed decision possible.

That's great! I was just giving my opinion based on the information you provided. No one was replying to your thread and I didn't feel right leaving it ignored.

And why is everyone so hostile over here in the T1 section :freak:

Gunndy Gaming · January 19, 2022

5 hours ago, M1ck3y said:

That's great! I was just giving my opinion based on the information you provided. No one was replying to your thread and I didn't feel right leaving it ignored.

And why is everyone so hostile over here in the T1 section

Didn't mean to sound hostile at all, but to be honest it was your post that seemed a little overboard. It had the feeling of "if you can't handle a little noise, just stick with quiet stock setup" when I was pretty clear that I was looking to add growl without going overboard. So I apologize if my reply was a little salty.

I have 3" straight pipes with 3" headers and high flow cats on my camaro, so I am not opposed to being loud; but that's also my track car that I only drive on the road for fun. Not something I would want to drive on vacation or as a daily driver.

Maybe we both could have phased things differently to be a little clearer in our responses.

KevinTM · February 7, 2022

Get the Corsa!!! I had it on my 2019 and I just bought it again for my 2021. No drone and quiets up after start pretty quick. I used to be a Borla guy but its only Corsa for me now.

https://www.corsaperformance.com/collections/2021-chevrolet-silverado-1500-crew-cab-short-bed-5-3l-v8/products/3-0-dual-rear-exit-cat-back-exhaust-system-21028-sport-sound-level-no-tips

Philbert · February 8, 2022

23 hours ago, KevinTM said:

Get the Corsa!!! I had it on my 2019 and I just bought it again for my 2021. No drone and quiets up after start pretty quick. I used to be a Borla guy but its only Corsa for me now.

https://www.corsaperformance.com/collections/2021-chevrolet-silverado-1500-crew-cab-short-bed-5-3l-v8/products/3-0-dual-rear-exit-cat-back-exhaust-system-21028-sport-sound-level-no-tips

+1 on this.

Philbert · February 8, 2022

I had the atak muffler with the flaps removed and did not like the sound at all. In addition, drone was horrible between 50 and 75. Went with a full cat back Corsa sport and loved it until I got rid of the vehicle. Don't be pennywise, pound foolish as was I.

Gunndy Gaming · February 8, 2022

1 hour ago, Philbert said:

+1 on this.

Every video I've seen of the Corsa vs Borla exhaust I haven't like the Corsa exhaust note. The Borla seems to have a lower tone (around a C1) vs what it seems the Corsa puts out (seems closer to a E1 or F1).

TNTSierra · February 8, 2022

Then get the Borla. I can’t upload my Corsa Exhaust note for ya. File is too large it says.

It has a very aggressive start up note when cold. Takes down really quick. You can’t hear it on the highway cruising until you “step” on the gas. Then it gets very aggressive the higher the RPMs go.

Father was with me Saturday picking up his motorcycle and he has the flowmaster full system (drones terribly) and he couldn’t believe how quiet it was until you stepped on it. Then it “awakens”. It truly brings a smile to my face every time I step on it. Even after a year and half that it’s been installed.

My 2018 Gibson Dual sport had a very DEEP tone to it. Nice system also, but I’ll never go back now that I’ve had this Corsa. There is a reason almost all Corvettes have Corsa exhaust.

KevinTM · February 9, 2022

Interesting cause I always felt like the Corsa had a lower tone. To each their own though! Corsa barks when you want it too. Cant go wrong with Borla or Corsa.

Nautilus571 · March 7, 2022

I own a 2019 GMC Denali with the 6.2l L87. It came factory direct.with the Catback exhaust. I'm not sure which manufacturer it is and I'm not sure how to tell. I would like to get the OEM cold air intake but don't really want to spend $600. As to the sound, I can be at the other end of my house (about 150') and hear/fell it start up. When it drops to idle it has that pleasant ca-chuga that's not loud at all but you know it's there just waiting to let loose. At highway speeds the sound is a low but perceptible rumble. But believe when I say when you get on it you and everyone within earshot knows it. And yes, you can definitely feel it in the seat of your pants. This is by far the best sounding and fastest truck I have ever owned. It puts you in the seat when you punch it. Scared the wife a few times during passing maneuvers!

TxTruckMan · March 12, 2022

I had a Corsa Touring Cat Back a few years ago on my Yukon and loved it. Awesome, throaty sound on acceleration and quiet while cruising. My new AT4 came with the GM Performance Exhaust which is the Borla exhaust. It sounds ok, but is much quieter than I was expecting. If I had a choice I would go with the Corsa. It definitely sounded better. And FWIW, I prefer a quiet exhaust, but the Borla is too quiet if you want a performance exhaust. I only got the GMPE on this truck because I had no choice.

Badbird2000 · March 14, 2022

Anyone tow with the Corsa or Borla? I'm planning on buying an RST this year with the 6.2. Tow a 24' TT 5-6 times a year. Don't want it too rowdy when it revs, (keeps the family awake while i drive all day, makes them cranky, hahe) but i do enjoy being able to hear a slight rumble. I had Borla on my 4th gen F-body, it was great as a single guy, had a Borla XS on my F150, wasn't bad at all on the highway, but would not want it that loud now. I know, sound is subjective.