Understanding the Borla Cat-Back Exhaust System for the Genesis G70 3.3T

The Genesis G70 3.3T is already a formidable sports sedan, but many owners find that the factory exhaust system leaves performance and sound on the table. The Borla cat-back exhaust system is widely regarded as one of the best aftermarket upgrades for this platform. Before you hand over your credit card, it pays to understand exactly what goes into the cost. This breakdown covers everything from the base price of the system to installation, ancillary parts, and the real-world value you get in return. By the end, you will have a clear picture of the total investment—and the performance payoff.

Borla offers two primary cat-back systems for the G70 3.3T: the Borla S-Type (part number 140929) and the Borla ATAK (part number 140930). The S-Type is designed for a more refined, aggressive tone without drone, while the ATAK (Acoustically Tuned Applied Kinetics) delivers maximum volume and an uncompromised race-inspired sound. Both systems share the same T-304 stainless steel construction and mandrel-bent tubing, but the internal muffler and resonator designs differ, which influences the price.

What’s Included in the Box

When you purchase a Borla cat-back system for the G70 3.3T, the kit typically includes:

  • Two high-flow mufflers (center and rear) built with Borla’s patented Reflective Sound Cancellation technology
  • A polished T-304 stainless steel tip (dual 4-inch outlets on the S-Type, or larger 4.5-inch slash-cut tips on the ATAK)
  • Mandrel-bent 2.5-inch or 3-inch diameter tubing (the G70 3.3T system uses 2.5-inch from the downpipes to the Y-pipe, then 3-inch through the muffler section)
  • All necessary clamps and hangers (factory-style rubber isolators not included, but often reusable)
  • A limited lifetime warranty on the exhaust system (covered for the original purchaser against defects and corrosion)

The system is designed for a direct replacement of the factory cat-back section, from the catalytic converters rearward. It does not require welding in most cases—installation is bolt-on using the supplied band clamps.

Initial Cost: The System Itself

The largest single expense is, of course, the exhaust system. Prices fluctuate based on the retailer, current promotions, and whether you choose the S-Type or ATAK. Here is a realistic price range as of mid-2025:

  • Borla S-Type (140929): $1,250 – $1,600
  • Borla ATAK (140930): $1,400 – $1,850
  • Average retail across major suppliers: $1,350 – $1,700

These prices are for the complete cat-back system. Some retailers offer free shipping, but others add $30–$80 for oversized freight. Keep an eye on seasonal sales (Black Friday, Cyber Monday) and manufacturer rebates. Performance shops may also offer a slight discount if you buy and install with them.

For current pricing, check Borla’s official site or reputable performance retailers like Summit Racing and Hot Rod. Always confirm the part number for the 3.3T (not the 2.0T) because the exhaust routing differs.

Why the Price Variation Between S-Type and ATAK?

The ATAK system is typically $150–$200 more expensive than the S-Type. This premium comes from the more aggressive internal muffler design and the larger-diameter tips. Both systems use the same grade of stainless steel and the same manufacturing process, so the price difference is purely performance and sound tuning. If you prioritize a sound that turns heads every time you start the engine, the ATAK is worth the extra money. If you want a still-mean but more livable daily tone, the S-Type is the better value.

Installation Costs: DIY vs. Professional

Installation is the second-largest cost in the upgrade. You have two paths, each with its own price tag.

Do-It-Yourself Installation

Many G70 owners choose to install the Borla system in their home garage or on a lift with basic tools. The cost is essentially $0 in labor, but you need:

  • Tools required: Jack and jack stands (or ramps), 14mm and 15mm sockets, a socket wrench with extensions, penetrating oil (like WD-40 Specialist), and a torque wrench for the band clamps (typically 30–40 ft-lbs).
  • Skill level: Intermediate – the factory exhaust is often rusted or stuck; you may need an impact gun or a hacksaw to remove stubborn bolts.
  • Time: 2 to 4 hours for a first-timer, 1 hour if you have experience with cat-back installs on a G70.

DIY installation saves the labor fee, but it has hidden costs: you might need to buy new hardware if the factory nuts seize, and you risk damaging the new exhaust if you don't align it properly (causing rattles or leaks). Also, if you don't own a torque wrench or a lift, you must account for tool rental or purchase. Still, for a seasoned enthusiast, DIY is the most cost-efficient route.

Professional Installation

Hiring a muffler shop or a performance garage is the safer choice for most owners. The labor rate varies by region and shop:

  • Independent muffler shop: $100 – $200
  • Performance/import specialist: $150 – $300
  • Dealership (rarely recommended): $250 – $450

Most professional installations take 1 to 1.5 hours. Some shops will quote a flat fee for a cat-back install, which usually includes cutting off the factory exhaust (if bolts are rusted) and welding or clamping the new system. Always ask if the price includes any additional parts like new gaskets or hangers. A reputable shop will also check for leaks and ensure the tips sit evenly in the rear bumper cutouts.

Tip: When shopping for installation, ask if the shop has experience with the Genesis G70 specifically. The exhaust hanger locations on the G70 are unique, and some generic shops might struggle with alignment.

Additional Parts and Accessories

Rarely does a cat-back upgrade come without some incidental costs. While Borla includes band clamps and sometimes hangers (the rubber isolators are factory-captured), you may need to purchase or replace the following:

  • Exhaust gaskets (downpipe-to-midpipe connection): $15 – $30 for a pair. The factory gasket is single-use; Borla does not supply new ones. Reuse the old one only if it's still in perfect condition (rare).
  • Exhaust hangers (rubber isolators): $20 – $50 for a set of three. The factory rubber isolators can be reused, but they become stiff over time. Aftermarket polyurethane hangers (like those from Powerflex or other brands) reduce vibration transmission into the cabin.
  • Band clamps (if Borla clamps are lost or damaged): $10 – $30 per clamp. Borla uses a unique stepped design, but universal band clamps can work in a pinch.
  • Exhaust tip inserts or carbon fiber finishers: Optional cosmetic upgrades, $50 – $200.
  • Anti-seize compound and thread locker: $5 – $15.

Expect to spend an additional $50 to $100 on these small items if you need to replace gaskets and hangers. If you buy a complete gasket kit and upgraded isolators, the total can hit $120.

Hidden Costs: What You Might Not Budget For

Beyond the obvious, watch out for these potential expenses that can inflate your total investment:

  • Drone and sound deadening: The ATAK system, in particular, can introduce interior drone at highway cruising speeds (around 65–75 mph). If drone bothers you, you may want to add sound-deadening matting inside the trunk or rear wheel wells. A quality kit like Dynamat (about 36 sq. ft.) costs $70 – $150 and adds 2–3 hours of labor if you DIY.
  • Check engine light or O2 sensor issues: Rare with a cat-back (as it is downstream of the catalytic converters), but if your car has aftermarket downpipes or a tune, the exhaust system's airflow change can trigger a CEL. A simple O2 sensor spacer (defouler) costs $15 – $30.
  • Alignment of exhaust tips: Some G70 rear bumper valances have tight tolerances. If the tips rub the bumper or sit crooked, you may need to visit a shop to adjust the hangers—cost $20 – $60.
  • Emission inspection issues: Borla cat-back systems are street-legal in most states because they retain the factory catalytic converters. However, some local noise ordinances may flag the ATAK as excessively loud. A fix-it ticket could require reverting to stock for inspection—time and effort worth considering.

Performance Gains: What You Get for Your Money

Many enthusiasts wonder if the Borla cat-back is worth the price tag compared to cheaper alternatives. The claimed gains are modest but meaningful, especially when combined with other mods like a cold air intake or ECU tune.

Horsepower and Torque

Independent dyno testing on the G70 3.3T with the Borla S-Type shows:

  • Peak horsepower gain: 8–12 wheel horsepower (whp) over stock
  • Peak torque gain: 10–15 lb-ft at the wheels
  • Gains are most noticeable in the mid-RPM range (3,500–5,500 rpm)

The ATAK system typically shows slightly higher peak gains (10–15 whp) due to more aggressive muffler tuning and reduced backpressure. However, the difference is marginal—maybe 2–5 whp—and the real distinction is sound, not outright power.

Weight Reduction

The factory G70 exhaust system weighs approximately 45–50 pounds (including the heavy mid-pipe resonator). Borla’s cat-back is about 30–35 pounds, saving 10–15 pounds from the rear of the car. This weight reduction is minor but contributes to better handling feel and reduced unsprung mass near the rear axle.

Sound Quality

Sound is subjective, but Borla’s reputation is built on no-drone technology (Reflective Sound Cancellation) used in the S-Type. The ATAK, by contrast, has a more open muffler with less fiber packing, resulting in a louder, more aggressive tone with some interior resonance at certain RPMs. Both systems eliminate the stock exhaust’s muted, hollow sound and replace it with a deep, exotic V6 note. Cold starts are noticeably louder, and full-throttle pulls produce a scream that is race car-esque without being obnoxious.

Real-World Driving Feel

Seat-of-the-pants improvements are subtle. The car feels slightly more responsive off the line and pulls harder through the midrange, especially after 3,000 rpm. The exhaust also improves turbo spool timing fractionally—maybe a 100–200 RPM earlier spool. Combined with a tune (e.g., JB4 or ECU flash), the gains multiply. Many tuners report that a cat-back-like Borla is essential to realize full power from Stage 1 and 2 tunes.

Long-Term Value and Durability

Banking on resale value and longevity is a major factor in automotive upgrades. Here is how the Borla system pays off over time:

  • Resale value: A G70 3.3T with a Borla cat-back typically commands $500–$1,000 more on the used market compared to a stock example—especially if the buyer is an enthusiast. Documented professional installation and a receipt for the warranty transfer can sweeten the deal.
  • Corrosion resistance: T-304 stainless steel is the highest grade of stainless exhaust material. It resists rust and pitting even in northern climates with salted roads. Borla’s systems are known to outlast the car itself.
  • Warranty: Borla offers a limited lifetime warranty against defects and corrosion for the original owner. If you sell the car, the warranty typically does not transfer unless Borla has a specific program. Check their policy before buying used.

Comparing Costs: Borla vs. Competitors

Borla is not the only player in the G70 cat-back market. To justify the cost, it helps to see how it stacks up against alternatives:

Magnaflow Street Series

Approximately $900–$1,200. Uses 2.5-inch tubing and 5x11-inch oval mufflers. Sound is mild and less aggressive than Borla’s S-Type. Quality is good, but the construction is 400-series stainless steel (less corrosion-resistant). Magnaflow offers a limited lifetime warranty too.

Ark Performance Grip Exhaust

Priced around $1,100–$1,400. Ark uses 2.5-inch mandrel bends with a T-304 stainless muffler housing and polished tips. Sound is aggressive, similar to Borla ATAK but with a bit more drone. The Grip system has a removable silencer for noise control. Warranty is 1 year, much shorter than Borla.

ARK or MBRP

MBRP systems for the G70 run $800–$1,000. They use aluminized steel or 409 stainless steel. Sound is louder and more raw, but drone can be significant. The lower price is attractive, but the build quality and corrosion resistance do not match Borla.

Given Borla’s premium material, proven sound engineering, and lifetime warranty, the extra $300–$500 over budget options is often considered money well spent by long-term owners. For a short-term flipper, a cheaper system may be fine, but for anyone keeping the car for years, Borla is the safe bet.

Sample Total Cost Breakdown

Here is a realistic total cost for the entire upgrade, assuming professional installation, optional new gaskets, and a moderate tip alignment fee:

  • Borla S-Type exhaust: $1,350
  • Professional installation: $200
  • New exhaust gaskets (downpipe-to-midpipe): $25
  • Rubber hanger replacement set: $40
  • Tax (assume 8%): $108
  • Tip alignment adjustment (if needed): $30
  • Total estimated: $1,753

If you DIY and reuse all factory gaskets and hangers, your total could be as low as $1,458 (system plus tax). If you choose the ATAK and have the shop do everything with new gaskets and hangers, expect to pay closer to $2,050

These numbers are representative and may vary by location and shop rates. Always get a written quote before committing.

Conclusion

Upgrading your Genesis G70 3.3T with a Borla cat-back exhaust system is an investment in sound, performance, and driving pleasure. The upfront costs—ranging from roughly $1,200 for the system alone to about $2,000 for a turnkey professional installation with all ancillary bits—are justified by the quality of materials, the precision engineering behind the muffler design, and the long-term durability of T-304 stainless steel. The performance gains are real if modest, and the sonic transformation is transformative for a car that deserves to be heard. For owners who plan to keep their G70 for several years or intend to tune the engine further, the Borla cat-back is one of the most rewarding modifications available. Factor in the impact on resale value and the peace of mind from a lifetime warranty, and the cost breakdown becomes a clear case of getting what you pay for.

For more detailed installation guides and owner experiences, check out the Genesis G70 Performance Forum or videos on YouTube to see the system in action before you buy.