I’ve run with a 2-pipe mod (welded) for 3 years. Been very happy with this but was looking for a little bit more volume as well as improve the sound quality. The OEM has a very good while “simple” sound to my ears from a frequency stand point. It increases the OEM sound nicely but doesn’t add any tones if you get me.
For starter Borla’s customer service is top notch. Really nice and completely engaged all the way. Their European distributor (SPORTWAGENWERK-BORLA Europe) is amazing, customer care and communication model like nobody else. Should you be in Europe looking for Borla shipment, I’d say look no further.
Borla ATAK
All stainless, fair finish. Some welding mounts wasn’t perfect and alignment between pipes wasn’t in place. Borla took action and compensated for this. Cold start is louder than OEM Mod, no escape with a “race level” system and I personally enjoy the S65 cold start. Once cold start is over the sound is very nice, adding lower tones makes a more rich sound than OEM. Between 3-5rpm it has a glorious note with a nice howl the OEM is missing. After 5k the engine sound takes over (from cabin), which in my book should be the case or would be too loud. ATAK is significantly louder than my 2 pipe mod. Cruising down town is a pleasure for both driver and pedestrians (I like to hope), while on the high way in the long run I find it a tad busy.
Borla S-Type
Due to mentioned imperfection I got the chance to try also the S-Type which Borla nicely sent me. Fitment perfect this time. Cold start louder than ATAK. Massive bassy/low frequency noise. Once warm the bass continue to be significant up to 2.5k RPM. I believe this is due to Helmholtz chamber is missing while ATAK have it. Coming above 2.5k the bass goes away as expected, to leave a more muted sound. A bit naively I was hoping to keep the nice song of the ATAK but with slightly less volume. This is not the case, the tone is suppressed while the volume is fairly low.
Summary
The OEM Mod versus the money stand as the best, gives you plenty for close to nothing. Borla ATAK without doubt step the sound up both in volume and quality, it is simply a beautiful song coming out.
I’ll continue to get used to the increased volume. Meanwhile I keep my OEM mod as back up for the yearly inspection and should the ATAK go too harsh on my ears…
EDIT 24th April:
So after some time with the Borla's I have now gone back to my modded OEM. As indicated above although the ATAK produced a very nice tone it was simply too loud for me in the long run, particularly during high way drive. Can't help thinking its nice to be back to the OEM mod for now but I probably try another exhaust out another time.