Introduction: Why Install a Borla S‑Type Axle‑Back Exhaust?

Upgrading your vehicle’s exhaust system is one of the most rewarding modifications you can make. The Borla S‑Type axle‑back exhaust delivers a refined, aggressive tone without the drone of a straight‑pipe setup, all while adding a few ponies to the wheels. Built from T‑304 stainless steel and backed by Borla’s Million‑Mile Warranty, the S‑Type is engineered for both durability and sound quality.

This guide walks you through every step of the installation process, from gathering tools to performing the final sound check. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a first‑time wrench turner, following these instructions will help you achieve a clean, leak‑free fit that aligns perfectly with your bumper cutouts.

For more details on the system itself, visit the Borla S‑Type axle‑back product page.

Tools and Materials Needed

Having everything within reach before you lift the vehicle prevents unnecessary interruptions and keeps the job moving smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Socket set – 10 mm, 13 mm, 15 mm sockets (and extensions)
  • Wrench set – combination wrenches, including 13 mm and 15 mm
  • Jack and jack stands (or a lift)
  • Safety glasses and mechanics gloves
  • Penetrating oil (e.g., WD‑40 or PB Blaster) for stubborn fasteners
  • Rubber mallet – helpful for freeing exhaust hangers
  • Torque wrench – to tighten clamps to specification
  • Wire brush – to clean flanges and hanger rods
  • Borla S‑Type axle‑back exhaust system (verify part number for your vehicle)
  • Optional: exhaust hanger removal tool – makes detaching the rubber isolators easier

Check that all supplied hardware is present in the box: clamps, bolts, and any adapter pipes if required for your application.

Safety First: Preparing for the Install

Working under a vehicle carries inherent risks. Park on a level, solid surface and engage the parking brake. Chock the front wheels to prevent any unintended movement. When using a jack, always support the vehicle with jack stands rated for at least 1.5 times your vehicle’s weight — never rely on the jack alone.

Allow the exhaust system to cool completely if the vehicle has been driven recently. Hot metal can cause severe burns and makes fasteners more difficult to remove. Wearing safety glasses protects your eyes from falling debris, rust, and penetrating oil splatter.

Vehicle Preparation

With the vehicle safely lifted and supported, take a moment to inspect the underside. Look for any existing rust or damage on the factory exhaust components. Spray penetrating oil on every nut, bolt, and hanger you’ll be removing. Let it soak for at least five minutes — longer if the hardware is heavily corroded.

Clear the work area of any clutter so you have room to maneuver around the rear axle. If the exhaust tips are integrated with a rear valance or bumper diffuser, note how they are positioned to help you align the new system later.

Removing the Factory Exhaust

Identify the Connection Points

The stock axle‑back section begins after the rear axle. Look for the joint where the intermediate pipe meets the axle‑back assembly. This is typically a slip‑fit connection with a band clamp or a bolted flange.

Unbolt the Clamps and Flanges

Using the appropriate socket, loosen all clamps and bolts at the forward connection. If the fasteners are seized, apply more penetrating oil and let it work for a few minutes. A breaker bar or impact wrench can help break stubborn rust.

Release the Rubber Hangers

Each exhaust hangar consists of a metal rod attached to the chassis and a rubber isolator looped over a tab on the exhaust. Spray the rubber isolators with silicone lubricant or soapy water. With a gentle twist and pull motion (or using a hanger removal tool), slide the isolator off the exhaust tab. Avoid using excessive force, as tearing the isolator will require a replacement.

Lower the Stock Exhaust

Once all hangers are disconnected and the forward clamp is loose, support the exhaust section with one hand and slide it out from under the vehicle. The factory muffler and tips can be heavy, so use a helper if possible. Set the old exhaust aside — you may want to keep the stock hangers as spares.

Installing the Borla S‑Type Axle‑Back

Inspect the New System

Unpack the Borla S‑Type axle‑back and examine each component. Check that the stainless steel finish is free of scratches and that all welds are clean. Test‑fit the supplied clamps on the pipes to confirm they slide on easily.

Dry‑Fit the Assembly

Before tightening anything, loosely assemble the Borla system on the ground. Slide the clamps onto the pipes, then attach the muffler section to the tip section. This dry‑fit helps you understand how the pieces connect and ensures you have the correct orientation.

Install the Forward Connection

Raise the Borla axle‑back into position. Align the inlet pipe with the factory intermediate pipe. Use the supplied clamp or gasket (depending on your vehicle’s configuration) to create the initial connection. Hand‑tighten the clamp so the system can still move freely.

Attach the Rubber Hangers

One by one, push the rubber isolators onto the factory hanger rods, then loop the other end over the Borla’s hanger tabs. Work from the front of the system toward the rear. A small amount of soapy water on the isolator makes this step much easier.

Secure All Clamps

With the hangers in place and the system resting at the correct height, tighten every clamp to the torque specified by Borla (typically 35–45 ft‑lb, but verify in the included instructions). Over‑tightening can distort the pipes or strip the clamp threads.

Aligning the Exhaust Tips

Position the Tips in the Bumper Cutouts

This step determines the finished look of your installation. Have a helper observe from behind while you adjust the tips. The Borla S‑Type tips should sit centered left‑to‑right and extend evenly from the bumper. A gap of roughly ½ inch to ¾ inch between the tip and the bumper edge is typical, but check your vehicle’s body lines for reference.

Loosen and Reposition

If the tips are out of alignment, loosen the clamp at the muffler outlet and rotate the tip pipe until the angle matches the bumper contour. Minor adjustments in the hanger positions can also shift the side‑to‑side placement. Once aligned, re‑tighten the clamp.

Final Alignment Check

Bounce the vehicle slightly at the rear bumper to let the exhaust settle into its natural position. Recheck the tip alignment after the suspension settles. If everything looks good, move to the final checks.

Final System Check

Leak Inspection

Before lowering the vehicle, start the engine and let it idle. Place a hand (be careful of hot surfaces) or a piece of cardboard near each joint. Listen for hissing or feel for puffs of air. A soap‑and‑water solution sprayed on the joints will bubble if there’s a leak. Tighten any loose clamps and re‑check.

Sound Check

With the engine running, cycle through different RPM ranges — idle, 1500–2000 rpm, and a brief rev to 3000 rpm. The Borla S‑Type delivers a deep, “muscular” tone without excessive interior drone. If you hear metallic rattling, verify that the exhaust is not contacting the underbody, heat shields, or axle. Minor clearances can be adjusted by shifting the hangers or loosening and repositioning the pipes.

Road Test

Lower the vehicle, take it for a short drive, and listen again under load. Accelerate gently and then more aggressively to ensure the sound is consistent and free of unwanted vibrations. Pull over and re‑check all clamp tightness after the system has gone through a heat cycle.

Post‑Installation Tips and Break‑In Period

Like many performance exhausts, the Borla S‑Type may sound slightly metallic or “tinny” during the first 100–200 miles. As the stainless steel expands and contracts with heat cycles, the tone deepens and settles into its characteristic note. This is normal and not a cause for concern.

Periodically check the clamp bolts during the first week of driving. Thermal cycling can cause them to loosen slightly; re‑tightening ensures a permanent, leak‑free seal. For additional tuning and community advice, check forums such as Corvette Forum or your vehicle‑specific enthusiast board.

Maintenance and Long‑Term Care

Borla’s T‑304 stainless steel resists corrosion, but road salt, mud, and moisture can still cause surface discoloration over time. Wash the exhaust tips regularly with car soap and dry them thoroughly. For deeper cleaning, a stainless steel polish can restore the original luster.

Inspect the rubber hangers annually for cracks or excessive stretch. Worn hangers allow the exhaust to sag, which may lead to poor alignment or contact with the chassis. Replace them as needed with OEM‑spec parts.

If you live in a region prone to harsh winters, consider applying a light coat of anti‑seize to the clamp threads before installation. This makes future removal or adjustment much easier.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Tips are crooked after tightening. Loosen the final clamp, realign the tips while a helper holds them in position, and re‑tighten gradually. Slight misalignment is often caused by the hanger rods not sitting straight.

Excessive drone at highway speeds. The S‑Type is designed to be drone‑free, but if you experience droning, confirm that the system is not contacting the floorpan or that the sound is not being amplified by a removed trunk liner. If the issue persists, a Borla resonator or X‑pipe upgrade can further refine the note.

Rattle or buzz on startup. Check for contact between the exhaust pipe and the heat shield above it. A small gap — at least ¼ inch — should be maintained. Bend the heat shield slightly away if needed, or re‑position the exhaust.

Conclusion

Installing a Borla S‑Type axle‑back exhaust is a straightforward weekend project that transforms both the sound and feel of your vehicle. By following the steps outlined above — proper preparation, careful removal of the stock system, precise alignment of the tips, and thorough leak checking — you can achieve a factory‑quality fit that will last for years.

Beyond the installation, enjoy the process of personalizing your ride. The Borla S‑Type delivers a signature tone that turns heads without overwhelming the cabin, making every drive a little more exciting. Refer to the official Borla installation guides for vehicle‑specific torque values and diagrams, and consult your owner’s manual for any model‑specific considerations.

With proper care and periodic inspection, your Borla exhaust will continue to perform and sound great for the life of the vehicle. Now it’s time to hit the road and enjoy the fruits of your labor.