Thoughts on the Borla Gen 2 UEL?
 

So I have been putting off buying a header and it is pretty much all I lack for full STX prep. I was curious if anyone on the forum has any experience with the Gen 2 of the Borla headers yet? I remember the Gen 1's were pretty much first to market and had some problems. Does anyone have any comparative info of what they changed?

bump!

There has to be someone out there that can chime in.

From everything I've seen they're okay, but there's many better ones out there. The collector leaves a lot to be desired and won't make quite as much power as other UELs. Also we've seen a good amount develop cracks at welds as well as warped flanges.

Personally I'd rather spend a few hundred more for higher quality but at their price point they're hard to beat.

Thanks for the reply. The price point is, like you said, pretty hard to beat, especially if it gets the job done. I am considering pulling the trigger on one, but it may have to wait till next season, not sure.

Anyone else done an install or dyno of the gen 2 model yet? Any vendors have any thoughts on the changes, or thoughts on the cost/benefit ratio of this header versus others? I'd think sacrificing a pony or two to kill the torque dip at that price point may be the best bang for the buck, but not if the quality is too poor.

Go with the Tomei UEL Headers instead of the Borlas. The Borlas #2 UEL Headers look like they'll do the job, but their reputation is still inline from their first generation UEL Headers. I personally agree with buying something a little bit higher quality- it'll be worth it. Think longevity over "getting the job done."

Agreed, it really depends on what you're trying to get out of them. If you're looking for power and reliability, look to a different company. If you're looking for a cheap way to get the UEL rumble with a tad extra power then they may be right for you.

I'm of the mindset that my upgrades must be higher quality than OEM and I may as well do it right the first time. Doing it twice which ends up costing a lot more time, money and car downtime.

Don't do it. These are my 3rd and 4th replacement from Borla. I never even installed them. They send me 2 in a row damaged/cracked headers. Mind you the one I have installed is the 2nd one and it developed a leak as well. Total 4 of them, thank god I got my money back. Tomie header on it's way thanks to @CSG Mike.

Yup, it's very rare that we're willing to fully back a product with our reputation, and the Tomei headers are the first headers we've even been willing to sell, let alone recommend.

Don't hesitate to PM us for a quote; our next shipment is due soon.

I had seen the Tomei as well, and honestly this is why I was cross-shopping the Borla. Believe me I am a fan of quality parts, I run KW's and full Perrin after the header. I'll take your all's advice and look to the Tomei, for $75 more it is worth the difference for sure.

Don't rule out JDL either!

Also check out tsudo uel, it's the least expensive and quality is very good

My thoughts? It's still shit.

JDL is up at the top for me, but I am biased. My JDL UEL is showing no negative signs after a year and I still love it.

Anything is better than Borla at this point. Support your local businesses instead.

So I ended up giving the Borla gen 2 a shot. Was really impressed the the quality of the revised version, fitment was great. Had the car retuned, and dyno chart is below. Power-wise, car is K&N drop in, Perrin silicone tube, Borla gen 2, and Perrin all the way after that including overpipe, catted front-pipe (required for STX autocross class to maintain at least one cat) and resonated cat-back:

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/b...ps7072042d.jpg
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/b...psf99c68f6.jpg

The car is completely transformed with the dip being gone. Much better power delivery for autocross. The sounds came out completely fantastic with the Perrin as well. Not raspy, nice deep rumble, and perfect manageable on the highway with no drone:

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Blgur2Vi7I4&list=UU6780ugqgKbKwKs7vFqzwyQ"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Blgur2Vi7I4&list=UU6780ugqgKbKwKs7vFqzwyQ[/ame]