I took delivery of my Borla exhaust yesterday and let me say it's everything I've ever wanted.
I should start off by saying when I originally took Delivery of my Stinger GT1 AWD, I did a muffler delete. The drone and the vibrations in the car were so unbearable that I had the stock mufflers put back on. It was so loud that I couldn’t even hear myself think - maybe that's just me being dramatic, but you get the point.
Before I talk about the Borla -
I'm not sure what all the fuss is about drone. Let's talk about the stock exhaust for a sec. I'm not sure if you guys noticed, but the stock exhaust has a bit of a hum to it at low RPM's (900 - 1800). It's more noticeable when dipping your foot into the throttle while cruising. Correct me if I'm wrong but that humming sound you hear is drone too, right? But I don't think anyone considers it as drone since it's so low.
Let's be honest here - Kia made the stock exhaust this quiet for a reason. If it were any louder, a lot of people would be saying it had a ton of drone coming from the factory. Shoot, they created the Bimodal exhaust for a reason don't ya think? If any of you guys did research on it, the valves open up when in Sport or based on throttle application. Kia knew what they were doing when they developed it (
Kia Stinger GT bi-modal exhaust video and details). When in Sport the car steers clear of the drone band.
Now let's get into the Borla -
- If you drive in Sport all the time around the city, then the Borla is for you. You wouldn't get any drone since you'll be out of the drone band (900 - 1800 RPM's). The only thing you'll hear is the harmonic sound of the exhaust. Obviously, if you accelerate from a stop you'll hear a deep growl. But that’s what we want! It’s a Borla for crying out loud.
Before getting the Borla, I was always the kind driver who would drive around the city in "Smart" mode trying to save on gas. But let's face it. If you get a Borla Exhaust your Smart mode days are over. You purchased this exhaust to hear the aggressive acceleration, upshifting and downshifting. This is what you paid $1,100 for, and this is exactly what you get in Sport mode.
Also, dial back to your experiences of seeing/hearing other cars on the road with loud exhausts. Upshifting and downshifting like a beast, making you wish you had the same. Well, now you got it. Do you think their RPM's were low while you were memorized by the sound of their exhaust? Nope.
- I understand that everyone wants to drive in Smart, Eco or Comfort while on the highway to save gas. I'm with you guys there. Once you're at your desired speed on the highway whether it's 55, 60, or 70; in either of these modes, there is no drone while coasting in 7th or 8th gear. You do hear a low pitch sound coming from the exhaust but it's very light and soft on the ears. This sound is expected because you upgraded your exhaust, duh. But it really does sound quite beautiful. I repeat this is only the case while coasting/putting minimal throttle to keep the car rolling at a constant speed.
Now, when you're at your desired cruising speed and you dip your foot into the throttle a bit, YES you will hear a loud humming sound. As many will call it - drone. It's not freakishly loud but it's not low either. Let's dial back to what I said earlier about the stock exhaust. When it was stock, we all heard the humming sound while dipping our foot into the throttle. But now that you have a Borla Exhaust, do the math. It's louder. If you ask me I really enjoy dipping my foot into the throttle especially when going through overpasses. Doing so reminds me and everyone around me on the highway that I have a beefy exhaust. And that's exactly what we're going for with the Borla.
- This is a very minor notice but if you're like me you notice. The center console vibrations (the armrest and the part where the shifter is). With the stock exhaust, there was always a little vibration when accelerating at low RPM's (within the drone band) or at a standstill in Drive. You'd notice it more if you have the ac or heat on. I haven't noticed any differences in vibration between stock and the Borla. Still the same old minimal vibration that the stock exhaust gives.
If you ask me I recommend getting the Borla. No need for any of the EVC exhaust systems. Not worth the extra grand in my honest opinion. Plus they aren't as loud as the Borla.
Let me know if you guys have any questions or any video requests. Also, I live in NYC if anyone is interested in hearing the exhaust in person before making the purchase.
P.S before adding the Borla, I got a ton of stares while driving around. Now it's just ridiculous (In a good way).
