Quote:
Originally Posted by AlvinT@Borla
I thought I'd add clarification on our Borla UEL Header (PN-17284). The materials and fabrication techniques we incorporate are the result of over 30-years manufacturing successful products for the automotive aftermarket industry. We don't publicly share our R&D process online but I will say we fabricated multiple UEL headers in our development process including Dynojet dynamometer, flow-bench, and sound evalutions. Our process for the FR-S/BRZ is no different than any Borla R&D vehicle from the FordGT to the Shelby1000... We tailor each part to the vehicle with the same attention to detail.
Our production facility in Johnson City,TN capabilities include the ability and capacity to mandrel-bend single-piece austenitic stainless steel, minimizing welding joints for a stronger design. While our mandrel-bending is computer controlled for consistency, our welding is hand finshed. We've incorporated our successful multiflex-joint design (from the 2.5L STI header, PN-17217) to combat known vibrations in the boxer engine. This is an important design element that is needed should you keep it stock or upgrade to a high-performance tune.
The 17284 header is covered by our limited Million-Mile-Warranty.
Thanks for your interest in Borla!
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Certain sites have posted that the header does not fall under the warranty, but that clears it up for potential buyers. Thanks for that Alvin.
By no means am I questioning Borla's quality. I know of their track record with my '02 Camaro SS. It's a little early to tell how the other headers like JDL's EL and UEL will perform as well as Nameless Tri-Stepped Longtube header.
I understand the R&D process is usually behind closed doors for a massive corporation. These small exhaust shops have no problem explaining what they're working on, what stage they are in with the headers, and giving reasons why they did what they did. When you put Borla's collector in the UEL next to JDL's, you see quite a difference. Everything is hand made by these shops, including the mandrel bends. When you're purchasing a header, it's good to know as many details as possible even if you don't completely understand all the technical details. Plus, I like supporting small businesses with products made in the USA. (Yes, Borla is made in the USA as well too)
The flex joint design will be used in the other headers as well. It's good to know that people can buy the Borla UEL header though with a piece of mind. I do absolutely love the sound the Borla UEL produces. I haven't taken it off my list of potential headers, but I'm just waiting to see how the other headers perform or if they are similar.
When it comes down to it, Borla, Nameless, JDL, all products made in the USA. You really can't go wrong. Borla has always been a strong contender in several cars.