Borla Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much horsepower can I expect to gain?
An engine is an air pump, and BORLA's exhaust system allows the engine to pump and flow more uninterrupted air. The actual horsepower increase depends upon the fuel management system's ability to provide the right amount of fuel to match the extra air flow; 5 to 15% increases are not uncommon. Under racing conditions, our XR-1® collector mufflers actually make more horsepower than an open exhaust!
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Q. How does FLOW affect performance and sound?
BORLA exhaust systems’ patented, straight-through design increases exhaust gas velocity and moves more uninterrupted air through the engine. Since there are no restrictions, exhaust gases evacuate the cylinder completely, thereby allowing the new charge to come into the cylinder and create more power. The result is a larger volume of torque from the engine as well as an enhanced exhaust tonal quality.
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Q. Will I get better gas mileage?
Yes, a better performing engine uses less fuel more efficiently, increasing fuel economy under normal cruising conditions. BORLA’s patented flow through design and proper diameter mandrel bent tubing evacuate the exhaust gases out the system much faster and at a much greater temperature than factory exhaust. This results in performance gains in HP when you plant your foot and fuel economy at cruising speeds. And, the bigger the vehicle, the bigger the engine, the bigger the load, the bigger the savings in fuel. That's why UPS delivery trucks are Borla-equipped!
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Q. Why does it cost more?
The most commonly used metals in the manufacture of exhaust systems are rusty mild steel, aluminized steel or an inferior 409-grade of stainless. BORLA uses only Aircraft Quality T-304 Stainless Steel. It costs more than the other lesser grades of steel. To cut, bend and hand weld T-304 grade Stainless Steel takes special equipment too. Ask your local muffler shop if they can make a smooth, precision mandrel bend in a 2.50" 304 Stainless Steel pipe for you. You won't find many that can, and it won't be cheap. We also focus heavily on research and development to assure that the system fits, performs and sounds better than any other system on the market. Add to this pressure testing, our Million-Mile Warranty and the years of race winning technology that go into the systems made at BORLA, and you will see why we have so many loyal, repeat customers. A BORLA is actually very cost effective when you take into account the fact that most exhaust systems will need replacement within 18 months to 4 years while a BORLA exhaust is designed to last the life of your vehicle.
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Q. What does it sound like?
BORLA Cat Back™ systems have a deeper, throatier tone than stock. Our engineers take care in designing and tuning the systems with the mellow sound of power, aggressive yet elegant. Picture yourself driving down the road and turning up the bass on your stereo system but not changing the volume. That's what Borla sounds like!
For More Information, Please Visit: http://www.borla.com/faqs/
Monday, January 8, 2007
Internal Combustion Engine
Borla Internal Combustion Engine
An exhaust system conveys burnt gases from an internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is a heat engine in which the burning of a fuel occurs in a confined space called a combustion chamber. This exothermic reaction of a fuel with an oxidizer creates gases of high temperature and pressure, which are permitted to expand. The defining feature of an internal combustion engine is that useful work is performed by the expanding hot gases acting directly to cause movement, for example by acting on pistons, rotors, or even by pressing on and moving the entire engine itself.
This contrasts with external combustion engines, such as steam engines, which use the combustion process to heat a separate working fluid, typically water or steam, which then in turn does work, for example by pressing on a steam actuated piston.
The term Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) is almost always used to refer specifically to reciprocating engines, Wankel engines and similar designs in which combustion is intermittent. However, continuous combustion engines, such as Jet engines, most rockets and many gas turbines are also internal combustion engines.
The parts of an engine vary depending on the engine's type. For a four-stroke engine, key parts of the engine include the crankshaft (purple), one or more camshafts (red and blue) and valves. For a two-stroke engine, there may simply be an exhaust outlet and fuel inlet instead of a valve system. In both types of engines, there are one or more cylinders (grey and green) and for each cylinder there is a spark plug (darker-grey), a piston (yellow) and a crank (purple). A single sweep of the cylinder by the piston in an upward or downward motion is known as a stroke and the downward stroke that occurs directly after the air-fuel mix in the cylinder is ignited is known as a power stroke.
A Wankel engine has a triangular rotor that orbits in an epitrochoidal (figure 8 shape) chamber around an eccentric shaft. The four phases of operation (intake, compression, power, exhaust) take place in separate locations, instead of one single location as in a reciprocating engine.
A Bourke Engine uses a pair of pistons integrated to a Scotch Yoke that transmits reciprocating force through a specially designed bearing assembly to turn a crank mechanism. Intake, compression, power, and exhaust all occur in each stroke of this yoke.
An exhaust system conveys burnt gases from an internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is a heat engine in which the burning of a fuel occurs in a confined space called a combustion chamber. This exothermic reaction of a fuel with an oxidizer creates gases of high temperature and pressure, which are permitted to expand. The defining feature of an internal combustion engine is that useful work is performed by the expanding hot gases acting directly to cause movement, for example by acting on pistons, rotors, or even by pressing on and moving the entire engine itself.
This contrasts with external combustion engines, such as steam engines, which use the combustion process to heat a separate working fluid, typically water or steam, which then in turn does work, for example by pressing on a steam actuated piston.
The term Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) is almost always used to refer specifically to reciprocating engines, Wankel engines and similar designs in which combustion is intermittent. However, continuous combustion engines, such as Jet engines, most rockets and many gas turbines are also internal combustion engines.
The parts of an engine vary depending on the engine's type. For a four-stroke engine, key parts of the engine include the crankshaft (purple), one or more camshafts (red and blue) and valves. For a two-stroke engine, there may simply be an exhaust outlet and fuel inlet instead of a valve system. In both types of engines, there are one or more cylinders (grey and green) and for each cylinder there is a spark plug (darker-grey), a piston (yellow) and a crank (purple). A single sweep of the cylinder by the piston in an upward or downward motion is known as a stroke and the downward stroke that occurs directly after the air-fuel mix in the cylinder is ignited is known as a power stroke.
A Wankel engine has a triangular rotor that orbits in an epitrochoidal (figure 8 shape) chamber around an eccentric shaft. The four phases of operation (intake, compression, power, exhaust) take place in separate locations, instead of one single location as in a reciprocating engine.
A Bourke Engine uses a pair of pistons integrated to a Scotch Yoke that transmits reciprocating force through a specially designed bearing assembly to turn a crank mechanism. Intake, compression, power, and exhaust all occur in each stroke of this yoke.
Borla Exhaust System
Borla Exhaust System
An exhaust system conveys burnt gases from an internal combustion engine and typically includes a collection of pipes. In the most basic sense, the exhaust system simply vents waste gases from the engine. Depending on the overall system design, the exhaust gas may flow through a turbocharger to increase engine power, a catalytic converter to reduce air pollution, and a muffler to reduce noise.
Manifold or header
In most production engines, the manifold is an assembly designed to collect the exhaust gas from multiple cylinders and combine those flows into a single pipe. Manifolds are often made of cast iron in stock production cars, and may incorporate material saving design techniques. Most production manifold designs are manufactured to use the least amount of metal, to occupy the least space necessary, or have the lowest production cost. These design restrictions often result in a design that is cost effective but that does not do the most efficient job of venting the gases from the engine. Inefficiencies generally occur due to the nature of combustion engines and their multiple cylinder banks. Since cylinders fire at different times, exhaust leaves them at different times. This time difference can create pressure waves when gases emerging from one cylinder are not completely vacated through the exhaust system by the time another does. This creates a back pressure and restriction in the engine's exhaust system that can restrict the engine's true performance possibilities.
A header is another name for a manifold, but which specifically refers to an enhanced manifold that has been designed for performance. During design, engineers will create a manifold without regard to weight or cost but instead for optimal flow of the exhaust gases. This design results in a header that is more efficient at scavenging the exhaust from the cylinders. Headers are generally circular steel tubing with bends and folds calculated to make the paths from each cylinder's exhaust port to the common outlet all of equal length, and joined at narrow angles to encourage pressure waves to flow through the outlet, and not back in the direction of the other cylinders. In a set of tuned headers the pipe lengths are carefully calculated to enhance exhaust flow in a particular engine RPM range.
Headers are generally manufactured by aftermarket automotive companies, but sometimes can be purchased from the high performance parts department at car dealerships. Generally, most car performance enthusiasts purchase aftermarket headers made by companies solely focused on producing reliable, cost effective, and well designed headers specifically for their car. Headers can also be custom designed by a custom shop. Due to the advanced materials that some aftermarket headers are made of, this can occasionally cost a lot of money. Luckily, exhaust is one system of a car that can be custom built for any auto, and generally non-specific to the motor or design of your car. The only requirement for producing a performance exhaust system is designing a header that properly makes a solid connection to the engine. This is usually accomplished by correct sizing in the design stage, and the selection of a proper gasket type and size for the engine.
Headers are also called Extractors in Australia
Cat-back
Cat-back (also cat back and catback, and more recently axle back) refers to the portion of the exhaust system from the outlet of the catalytic converter to the final vent to open air. This generally includes the pipe from the converter to the muffler, the muffler itself, and the final length of pipe to open air.
Cat-back exhaust systems are a very popular aftermarket performance enhancement. They generally use larger diameter pipe than the stock system. Good systems will have mandrel-bent turns that allow the exhaust gas to exit with as little back pressure as possible. The mufflers included in these kits are often glasspacks, again to reduce back pressure. If the system is engineered more for show than functionality, it may be tuned to enhance the lower sounds that are lacking from high-RPM low-displacement engines.
For More Information, Please Visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exhaust_system
An exhaust system conveys burnt gases from an internal combustion engine and typically includes a collection of pipes. In the most basic sense, the exhaust system simply vents waste gases from the engine. Depending on the overall system design, the exhaust gas may flow through a turbocharger to increase engine power, a catalytic converter to reduce air pollution, and a muffler to reduce noise.
Manifold or header
In most production engines, the manifold is an assembly designed to collect the exhaust gas from multiple cylinders and combine those flows into a single pipe. Manifolds are often made of cast iron in stock production cars, and may incorporate material saving design techniques. Most production manifold designs are manufactured to use the least amount of metal, to occupy the least space necessary, or have the lowest production cost. These design restrictions often result in a design that is cost effective but that does not do the most efficient job of venting the gases from the engine. Inefficiencies generally occur due to the nature of combustion engines and their multiple cylinder banks. Since cylinders fire at different times, exhaust leaves them at different times. This time difference can create pressure waves when gases emerging from one cylinder are not completely vacated through the exhaust system by the time another does. This creates a back pressure and restriction in the engine's exhaust system that can restrict the engine's true performance possibilities.
A header is another name for a manifold, but which specifically refers to an enhanced manifold that has been designed for performance. During design, engineers will create a manifold without regard to weight or cost but instead for optimal flow of the exhaust gases. This design results in a header that is more efficient at scavenging the exhaust from the cylinders. Headers are generally circular steel tubing with bends and folds calculated to make the paths from each cylinder's exhaust port to the common outlet all of equal length, and joined at narrow angles to encourage pressure waves to flow through the outlet, and not back in the direction of the other cylinders. In a set of tuned headers the pipe lengths are carefully calculated to enhance exhaust flow in a particular engine RPM range.
Headers are generally manufactured by aftermarket automotive companies, but sometimes can be purchased from the high performance parts department at car dealerships. Generally, most car performance enthusiasts purchase aftermarket headers made by companies solely focused on producing reliable, cost effective, and well designed headers specifically for their car. Headers can also be custom designed by a custom shop. Due to the advanced materials that some aftermarket headers are made of, this can occasionally cost a lot of money. Luckily, exhaust is one system of a car that can be custom built for any auto, and generally non-specific to the motor or design of your car. The only requirement for producing a performance exhaust system is designing a header that properly makes a solid connection to the engine. This is usually accomplished by correct sizing in the design stage, and the selection of a proper gasket type and size for the engine.
Headers are also called Extractors in Australia
Cat-back
Cat-back (also cat back and catback, and more recently axle back) refers to the portion of the exhaust system from the outlet of the catalytic converter to the final vent to open air. This generally includes the pipe from the converter to the muffler, the muffler itself, and the final length of pipe to open air.
Cat-back exhaust systems are a very popular aftermarket performance enhancement. They generally use larger diameter pipe than the stock system. Good systems will have mandrel-bent turns that allow the exhaust gas to exit with as little back pressure as possible. The mufflers included in these kits are often glasspacks, again to reduce back pressure. If the system is engineered more for show than functionality, it may be tuned to enhance the lower sounds that are lacking from high-RPM low-displacement engines.
For More Information, Please Visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exhaust_system
Borla - After-Market Exhaust Parts
Manifolds
Switching from an exhaust manifold to exhaust headers will decrease the amount of back pressure and in turn increase the high-end power of the engine. This is because manifolds take the exhaust gas and shove it into the exhaust pipe as quickly and cheaply as possible. Manifolds are usually made of cast iron, and the exhaust needs to make an almost 90 degree turn after exiting the port then travel down a short pipe to the catalytic converter. Headers are more expensive than a manifold since they generally use a series of specially bent and sized pipes to gently merge the exhaust from each cylinder into a larger pipe, just before the catalytic converter.
Catalytic converters
Catalytic converters create back pressure since they need to force the exhaust through a catalyst in a honeycomb shape, and therefore decrease high end engine power. However, they are required by law, and many modern catalytic converters only produce 1-3 psi of back pressure. This amount of pressure will not decrease the high-end power of an engine much.
Mid-pipe
Equalization
Crossovers
Glasspacks
Glasspacks employ two tubes, an inner perforated one, and an outer solid one. Between these tubes, there is sound insulation. These mufflers decrease back pressure and don't decrease the decibel level much. Glasspacks can be used to give the engine a deeper "throaty" sound.
Silencers
Silencers also use two tubes, but the smaller tube extends towards the engine INSIDE the larger tube. When the sound wave hits the barrier between the smaller tube and the larger one, it bounces back and cancels out (a little bit). The exhaust exits through the smaller pipe. See image on external site... Silencers decrease the volume of the exhaust, but also decrease high end power (but they don't hurt low end torque).
Resonators
Resonators are basically sections of exhaust pipe that expand to a larger diameter and allow the sound waves to bounce off the walls and cancel out. Resonators are similar to an Expansion chamber, only for 4 stroke engines. They do not produce much back pressure.
Stock mufflers
Stock mufflers typically bounce sound waves off of the back, front, and sides to cancel out sound. They also increase back pressure, but are very effective at reducing the sound levels.
Exhaust piping
The piping that connects all of the individual components of the exhaust system is called the exhaust pipe. Contrary to popular belief, a larger diameter exhaust pipe is not always better. If the the pipe gets too large, the exhaust gases will cool down, and become more dense and therefore require more force to propel them out of the pipe. Too much cooling of the gas can lead to an increase in back pressure. And the risk that the larger pipe might not fit under the car as intended (you could break/damage it in a pothole).
Switching from an exhaust manifold to exhaust headers will decrease the amount of back pressure and in turn increase the high-end power of the engine. This is because manifolds take the exhaust gas and shove it into the exhaust pipe as quickly and cheaply as possible. Manifolds are usually made of cast iron, and the exhaust needs to make an almost 90 degree turn after exiting the port then travel down a short pipe to the catalytic converter. Headers are more expensive than a manifold since they generally use a series of specially bent and sized pipes to gently merge the exhaust from each cylinder into a larger pipe, just before the catalytic converter.
Catalytic converters
Catalytic converters create back pressure since they need to force the exhaust through a catalyst in a honeycomb shape, and therefore decrease high end engine power. However, they are required by law, and many modern catalytic converters only produce 1-3 psi of back pressure. This amount of pressure will not decrease the high-end power of an engine much.
Mid-pipe
Equalization
Crossovers
Glasspacks
Glasspacks employ two tubes, an inner perforated one, and an outer solid one. Between these tubes, there is sound insulation. These mufflers decrease back pressure and don't decrease the decibel level much. Glasspacks can be used to give the engine a deeper "throaty" sound.
Silencers
Silencers also use two tubes, but the smaller tube extends towards the engine INSIDE the larger tube. When the sound wave hits the barrier between the smaller tube and the larger one, it bounces back and cancels out (a little bit). The exhaust exits through the smaller pipe. See image on external site... Silencers decrease the volume of the exhaust, but also decrease high end power (but they don't hurt low end torque).
Resonators
Resonators are basically sections of exhaust pipe that expand to a larger diameter and allow the sound waves to bounce off the walls and cancel out. Resonators are similar to an Expansion chamber, only for 4 stroke engines. They do not produce much back pressure.
Stock mufflers
Stock mufflers typically bounce sound waves off of the back, front, and sides to cancel out sound. They also increase back pressure, but are very effective at reducing the sound levels.
Exhaust piping
The piping that connects all of the individual components of the exhaust system is called the exhaust pipe. Contrary to popular belief, a larger diameter exhaust pipe is not always better. If the the pipe gets too large, the exhaust gases will cool down, and become more dense and therefore require more force to propel them out of the pipe. Too much cooling of the gas can lead to an increase in back pressure. And the risk that the larger pipe might not fit under the car as intended (you could break/damage it in a pothole).
Choosing The Right Borla Performance Exhaust
Choosing The Right Borla Performance Exhaust
Today, choosing performance exhaust can be confusing. A common misconception is that "bigger is better". Many enthusiasts, and manufacturers too, seem to feel that very large diameter pipes are the only way to go for muscle car performance, while we at BORLA have found for street use, big pipes just take energy out of the exhaust, both by slowing down exhaust gas velocity and by cooling off the gases. While exhaust may leave the port at 1500 degrees or more, at the tailpipe it’s down to 150 degrees -- a sign energy has been lost. Velocity and uninterrupted flow are the real performance-making factors.
Furthermore, it is the low frequency range that has energy (the sound you can feel inside the car); big pipes increase the low frequencies, making an uncomfortable roaring or droning sound. A BORLA exhaust system, on the other hand, is designed for less restriction, keeping the velocity and frequency high so the main sound is behind the tailpipe.
Late model cars and trucks are computer controlled to such an extent that it may take a period of time (600-800 miles) before the computer reprograms to reflect the improved flow characteristics of your new BORLA exhaust system.
The distinctive look of BORLA’s unique Intercooled Tips™ are a common sight on show cars as well as the hottest street cars around the world. In fact, we offer the broadest line of emissions legal exhaust; and, as long as the OE catalytic converter location is maintained, installation of a BORLA will not affect your factory warranty.
It is recommended to have your BORLA professionally installed; however, if you choose to do it yourself, anticipate approximately two hours for a system install and approximately six hours for header installation. Compare the shipment contents with the ship list before you begin, and make sure the tip(s) line up, working and tightening toward the front of the vehicle.
BORLA doesn’t stop with unsurpassed technology. We engineer and manufacture all our exhaust products in the USA of aircraft-quality T-304 stainless steel and back our street exhaust with a Million-Mile Warranty.
BORLA supports "Tread Lightly!" and reminds you: When you go off-highway, go easy on the environment.
For More Information, Please Visit: http://www.borla.com/about/
Today, choosing performance exhaust can be confusing. A common misconception is that "bigger is better". Many enthusiasts, and manufacturers too, seem to feel that very large diameter pipes are the only way to go for muscle car performance, while we at BORLA have found for street use, big pipes just take energy out of the exhaust, both by slowing down exhaust gas velocity and by cooling off the gases. While exhaust may leave the port at 1500 degrees or more, at the tailpipe it’s down to 150 degrees -- a sign energy has been lost. Velocity and uninterrupted flow are the real performance-making factors.
Furthermore, it is the low frequency range that has energy (the sound you can feel inside the car); big pipes increase the low frequencies, making an uncomfortable roaring or droning sound. A BORLA exhaust system, on the other hand, is designed for less restriction, keeping the velocity and frequency high so the main sound is behind the tailpipe.
Late model cars and trucks are computer controlled to such an extent that it may take a period of time (600-800 miles) before the computer reprograms to reflect the improved flow characteristics of your new BORLA exhaust system.
The distinctive look of BORLA’s unique Intercooled Tips™ are a common sight on show cars as well as the hottest street cars around the world. In fact, we offer the broadest line of emissions legal exhaust; and, as long as the OE catalytic converter location is maintained, installation of a BORLA will not affect your factory warranty.
It is recommended to have your BORLA professionally installed; however, if you choose to do it yourself, anticipate approximately two hours for a system install and approximately six hours for header installation. Compare the shipment contents with the ship list before you begin, and make sure the tip(s) line up, working and tightening toward the front of the vehicle.
BORLA doesn’t stop with unsurpassed technology. We engineer and manufacture all our exhaust products in the USA of aircraft-quality T-304 stainless steel and back our street exhaust with a Million-Mile Warranty.
BORLA supports "Tread Lightly!" and reminds you: When you go off-highway, go easy on the environment.
For More Information, Please Visit: http://www.borla.com/about/
Borla Performance
Borla Performance
BORLA is committed to providing world class exhaust products which surpass the expectations of our customers. To that end, our facility is complete with a state-of-the art test and development center where we are continually improving our manufacturing efficiency and standards. We have pioneered a variety of improvements in the design of performance exhaust systems. Alex Borla currently holds three US patents for innovative exhaust system technology, and the company has won numerous "Best New" product awards in the industry. Every BORLA header and Cat-Back™ system is made from T-304 stainless steel (superior to 409 or aluminized steel) employing mandrel-bent tubing, all-welded construction, and is designed for accurate fit and easy installation. Nearly 30 years experience and special merge collector technology provide the ultimate in power and endurance.
The performance advantages of a BORLA are widely recognized. The top engine builders in the racing world rely on BORLA exhaust for maximum performance. In fact, BORLA is at the forefront of the movement toward responsible racing with our full line of patented, award and race-winning racing mufflers that not only maintain a race engine’s power, but in some instances actually add power. This technology is incorporated into BORLA exhaust for the street, providing 7-10% increased horsepower and torque when you plant your foot, and improved gas mileage at cruising speeds.
For More Information, Please Visit: http://www.borla.com/about/
BORLA is committed to providing world class exhaust products which surpass the expectations of our customers. To that end, our facility is complete with a state-of-the art test and development center where we are continually improving our manufacturing efficiency and standards. We have pioneered a variety of improvements in the design of performance exhaust systems. Alex Borla currently holds three US patents for innovative exhaust system technology, and the company has won numerous "Best New" product awards in the industry. Every BORLA header and Cat-Back™ system is made from T-304 stainless steel (superior to 409 or aluminized steel) employing mandrel-bent tubing, all-welded construction, and is designed for accurate fit and easy installation. Nearly 30 years experience and special merge collector technology provide the ultimate in power and endurance.
The performance advantages of a BORLA are widely recognized. The top engine builders in the racing world rely on BORLA exhaust for maximum performance. In fact, BORLA is at the forefront of the movement toward responsible racing with our full line of patented, award and race-winning racing mufflers that not only maintain a race engine’s power, but in some instances actually add power. This technology is incorporated into BORLA exhaust for the street, providing 7-10% increased horsepower and torque when you plant your foot, and improved gas mileage at cruising speeds.
For More Information, Please Visit: http://www.borla.com/about/
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