Borla or MBRP: Which Exhaust Should I Pick?

If you’ve ever gone down the rabbit hole of exhaust mods, you already know the deal—videos don’t tell the whole story, sound clips can be misleading, and forum opinions? Loud but inconsistent. When it came time to upgrade the exhaust on our 2021 Mustang GT, I wanted something that sounded right, made honest power, and didn’t make me hate life on the M5 during peak hour.

That search narrowed itself pretty quick: Borla vs. MBRP. Two heavy hitters in the performance exhaust game. Both make legit systems for everything from Mustangs and Camaros to RAM trucks and Rangers. But they’re not the same animal.

Let’s break it down.

🔧 Borla Exhaust Systems — Precision Engineering with an American Backbone

Pros:

• Made in the USA: Unlike most exhaust companies that outsource manufacturing, Borla builds their own mufflers in-house in California. That means tighter quality control and consistently better welds, fitment, and materials.

• T-304 Stainless Steel across the board—not just tips. That’s top-shelf corrosion resistance, especially for coastal cities or cars that see all-weather use.

• Multiple Sound Options: Touring, S-Type, and ATAK. Whether you want refined aggression or all-out bark, there’s a system to match your taste and tolerance.

• No Drone Tuning: Borla puts real effort into eliminating drone at cruising speeds. You’ll hear it on the Old Pac, but not on your way to work.

Cons:

• Premium Pricing: You’re paying for quality—and the Borla badge. It’s not the budget option.

• Availability in Australia can be hit or miss depending on your platform, and sometimes you’re stuck waiting on shipping delays or dealing with third-party suppliers. Lucky with REVRUNNERS, we hold stock, so shipping times are quick, wherever in Australia.

US Manufacturing Matters: Why Borla Still Building Their Own Mufflers Counts

Here’s something worth spotlighting—Borla still manufactures their own muffler cores in the US, and they’re one of the last major exhaust brands doing it. That might not sound sexy, but in an age of mass outsourcing, it matters.

It means when you buy Borla, you’re getting a system built under one roof—from the internal flow design to the final TIG weld. That kind of in-house control shows up in the finished product—both in the sound tuning and long-term durability. And for anyone who’s had a cheap muffler rot out in two years, that peace of mind is worth something.

🔧 MBRP Exhaust Systems — Affordable Muscle with a Deep, Dirty Growl

Pros:

• Aggressive Sound: If you want that deep, rowdy exhaust tone without going straight-pipe obnoxious, MBRP hits the sweet spot. Especially on V8 platforms.

• More Affordable: Dollar-for-dollar, MBRP gives you a lot of sound and flow for less money. That makes it a go-to for builds where the budget needs to stretch across intake, tune, and suspension too.

• Multiple Material Grades: Aluminized steel, T-409, or full T-304 stainless depending on your needs and wallet. Smart for off-roaders or anyone modding on a stepped budget.

• Easy Install: MBRP systems are generally bolt-on friendly with solid instructions. No drama, no cutting.

Cons:

• Drone Can Happen: Especially in mid-grade systems, highway drone is a common complaint on long commutes or motorway runs.

• Less Refined Tuning: You’ll get loud and deep, but not always the surgical precision of a Borla. Some systems can sound a bit boomy depending on engine and setup.

• Fitment Variability: While generally good, some users report needing minor tweaks to get everything aligned perfectly.

🔥 Popular Platforms — Borla vs. MBRP

 

🏁 Our Take — Which One’s Right for You?

If your build is aimed at precision, longevity, and refined sound—Borla’s your bet. Yes, it’ll cost more, but it’ll feel engineered, not just loud.

If you’re chasing raw tone, budget-friendly gains, and a system that rips out of the box—MBRP delivers. Especially for daily-driven street cars or trucks that aren’t coddled.

Whichever you choose, both brands can transform your car’s character. Just make sure the rest of your setup (tune, intake, headers, cats) plays well with your choice—and don’t forget to factor in local volume laws, especially if you’re running around Sydney’s more revenue-focused stretches of tarmac. Either way, being at a point where you are deciding either of these brands are exciting times, your car will never sound the same!