amy011079

Anybody heard this? What are the hp gains? I'm just curious. Thanks!

mmarshall

Have you already changed systems? The reason I ask is that you stated on one of the other forums that the exhaust line was melting the wires going to your tailights and blowing the fuses.

amy011079

No, I haven't done this yet. And that was someone else that had that problem not me, I still have stock exhaust. I was just trying to help him figure out why his fuses were blowing.

mmarshall

OK, amy....I'm not an expert in this area. Others in the forum could probably give you exact HP and torque numbers, but the stock IS (215 HP, 218 ft-lb. torque) has a pretty good-size 3" coke-can pipe out the back and a good-sized pipe underneath to start with. The Boorla system would probably give you a few more horses overall. Keep in mind, though, that for most driving functions, torque is actually more useful than HP. Torque is what you actually accelerate with, and the increase in torque would be unclear, since freer-flowing exhaust usually makes more of a difference in top-end HP at high revs, not low-end torque.
But, not being an expert in after-market exausts, I'll defer to the experts here inthe column.

amy011079

Well, I know that. But in most ads for stuff you see HP rather than torque which is why I specified HP instead. Of course every IS is different as well so I may gain more then the next person. Who knows, but I just wanted a general idea. My main concern is the sound of the exhaust and how it will be on the car. I don't want a fart can sound. But thank you for your input!

flipside909

Like most Borla exhausts, they sound great, but they have that annoying drone during cruising speeds.

Perhaps the Carson Tuned exhaust may be in your preferences?

rollin300

I think they sound good...But if u want more info and a clip ask ASTROLUX at is300.net hes got the exhaust installed on his car and it sounds great.

Tanin

Although I don't have personal experience with the IS300 system, I do have the Borla cat-back system on my E46 (I volunteered to be a guinea pig for the new Borla system when they were looking) While they had my car I had the opportunity to speak with the company on the development and design of their products and was extremely impressed with every aspect. The Borla system is top notch. They know their business and it shows.

The sound of the OEM ZHP exhaust although slightly different than SP (IMO) wasn't loud. I honestly don't think the Borla made the car any louder but it did lower the tone. It has a very even, low growl that doesn't overstate. I had the BB Tri-Flo on my '01 330i and although it was beautiful and sounded awesome (to a fault) I wanted something a little more subtle. With the BB Tri-Flo exhaust I had to compromise interior sound levels and resonance at certain speeds. In the past 2 months I have tried every gear and RPM and have yet to hear any compromise.

The Borla system increased HP and TQ and it nearly doubled exhaust flow (CFM). Another added bonus is the Borla is also lighter than OEM.

I installed a CAI and combined with the Borla it sounds even better.

wjbertrand

I've got the Borla cat-back system on my IS. It's definitely louder than OEM but it's a nice mellow sound until you get up to high RPM and wide open throttle at which point it has a nice snarl to it. Borla's web site claims 5 to 15% power increase, so taking the worst case that's about 10 hp. I've seen Borla dealers quoting between 8 and 12 hp with similar increases in torque. I haven't seen a dyno curve, but to the seat of the pants it feels like most of the gain is at higher RPMs. I can't detect any significant low end losses though. Someone said they drone, but I do not have any droning with my system. You can hear it when you press the gas pedal though.

The fit and quality of the system seems very high. It's all 304 Stainless and is guaranteed for a million miles. I love the look of the exhaust tip, it's an oval shape with a bevel cut and rolled end. If fits the cut out in the rear bumper perfectly. You can check out the appearance of my system here:

http://community.webshots.com/album/63774749qvWKyL

An additional selling point for me is that Team Lexus uses Borla exhausts in their racing IS300. If it's good enough for Team Lexus, it's good enough for me.

TCM080903

saw it on astrolux's car this past weekend at a meet...looks sweet.

_DAG_

Hey, i've heard that the Borla exhaust is a better product for american cars, and that for an IS300 it's good to get the HKS hiper or Carson Tuned exhaust. Good luck.

G2FAST

I've heard good things about the HKS, does anyone have a shop in Socal to pick one up?

TCM080903

i don't know much about borla exhausts (except that they first gained market share in the domestic market, before moving to imports like hondas, etc.), but how can you (technically / factually) state that the borla isn't as "good" for our cars as the Hiper or Carson Tuned? i'm just curious...thanks!

flipside909

Carson Toyota. 800 90-TOYOTA. Ask for Bobby or Steve.

_DAG_

Hey, TCM080903,
Yeah that's cool and all. I'm just repeating what i've heard from Jason at JPImportz (i think), and that's to stay away from Borla. But i'm sure the differences are minimal. But yeah i am interested to know if there's some actual facts to back up that Borla could be inferior to other brands. Thanks.