How to Choose Borla Exhaust Systems: Cat-Back, Axle-Back, ATAK vs S-Type vs Touring

Updated

Choose by two decisions, in this order: how much of the factory exhaust you want to replace (Cat-Back, Axle-Back, or SwitchFire X-Pipe) and how loud you want it (ATAK, S-Type, or Touring). Borla builds Cat-Back and Axle-Back systems for cars, trucks, and SUVs in those three sound levels, and covers its exhaust systems, mufflers, and headers with a Million-Mile Warranty. Confirm the exact part for your model year and engine before ordering, because fitment is vehicle-specific.

Step 1: Decide how much of the exhaust to replace

Option What it replaces Best when Trade-off
Cat-Back The exhaust from behind the catalytic converter to the tailpipe You want the fullest sound and flow change, and a complete bolt-on system Highest cost and the most installation work of the three
Axle-Back Only the rear section, from the axle back You want a clear sound upgrade with a simpler install Less change to overall flow than a Cat-Back
SwitchFire X-Pipe The front resonator, keeping the stock rear section You want a dramatic sound upgrade without a full system Not a full system; Borla positions it as an alternative to a Cat-Back in some applications

The SwitchFire is worth knowing about because it is a different kind of choice. Borla describes it as the world's first Polyphonic X-Pipe: it eliminates the turbulent center intersection of a standard X-Pipe, blends the combustion pulses from both sides of the engine, and further tunes sound through Polyphonic technology. Borla states the result is a more aggressive sound and improved power. In some cases, such as the 2015–2020 Mustang GT, Borla presents the SwitchFire as an alternative to a full Cat-Back: it replaces the front resonator and retains the stock rear section.

Step 2: Pick the sound level

Borla offers three sound levels across its systems:

  • ATAK: the most aggressive of the three. Borla's own video content pairs ATAK with high-output builds — the Ford Ranger Raptor, the F-150 Raptor R, the BMW M8, and the GR86/BRZ — which tells you where Borla expects this sound to land.
  • S-Type: the middle option. Borla's comparison videos set S-Type against ATAK and against the stock exhaust on the S650 Mustang GT and the F-150 Raptor R, so you can hear the gap between the two before deciding.
  • Touring: the most subdued of the three by Borla's naming, suited to buyers who want a deeper note without the top-end aggression of ATAK.

Borla's site also describes Polyphonic Harmonizing Technology, which it says creates power chords using centuries-old organ pipe formulas. Treat that as Borla's explanation of how it tunes sound character, not as a loudness rating — use the sound-level names for that.

A practical way to choose

  1. Start with your goal. Daily driver in a quiet neighborhood: Touring or S-Type. Weekend car where sound is the point: S-Type or ATAK.
  2. Watch the comparison videos on borla.com. Borla publishes ATAK-vs-S-Type-vs-stock clips for specific vehicles (S650 Mustang GT, F-150 Raptor R, and others). Hearing the same engine in all three states is the closest thing to an in-person listen.
  3. Check fitment for your exact vehicle. Use the site's "Select to find your exhaust" vehicle selector rather than assuming a system for a similar model fits.
  4. Decide Cat-Back vs Axle-Back vs SwitchFire using the table above, then confirm the sound level is offered for that system on your vehicle.

Matching systems to vehicles

Borla's featured content shows which platforms it builds for and what it emphasizes on each:

  • Ford Mustang (S650 GT): Active Exhaust, with ATAK and S-Type compared against stock.
  • 2015–2020 Mustang GT: SwitchFire as a Cat-Back alternative.
  • Ford Ranger Raptor and F-150 Raptor R: ATAK and S-Type systems for twin-turbo applications.
  • Ram 1500 RHO: S-Type and ATAK on the twin-turbo inline-six.
  • Chevrolet C8 Corvette: Borla notes that mid-engine cars are notorious for space and heat challenges and says it leads the industry in overcoming them — relevant if you own a mid-engine car and worry about fitment.
  • Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ: a single-exit ATAK system.
  • BMW M8: ATAK Cat-Back.
  • LS-series engines: ATAK and S-Type CrateMuffler options for engine swaps and builds.

This is a sample of what Borla highlights, not a full catalog. Your vehicle may have options not shown here, so the selector remains the authoritative check.

What the Million-Mile Warranty covers — and what to confirm

Borla states a Million-Mile Warranty for exhaust systems, mufflers, and headers. Before you buy, confirm two things on the product page for your specific part:

  • That the warranty applies to the exact product you're ordering — the headline covers systems, mufflers, and headers, so check your part falls in those categories.
  • The conditions attached to it. Borla's site summary does not spell out exclusions or claim requirements here, so read the warranty terms linked from your product page rather than relying on the headline alone.

Before you order: a short checklist

  • [ ] Vehicle selector confirms the part fits your model year, engine, and body style.
  • [ ] You've chosen Cat-Back, Axle-Back, or SwitchFire based on how much you want to replace.
  • [ ] You've chosen ATAK, S-Type, or Touring, ideally after watching the comparison video for your engine.
  • [ ] You've read the warranty terms for your specific part.
  • [ ] You know what installation involves for your choice — a Cat-Back is the larger job, an Axle-Back or SwitchFire the smaller one.

Pricing is not published in the material reviewed here, so check the product page or cart for current cost rather than assuming a figure.