Miata Mailing List: June 1994, Message #13
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   From: "Stephen H. An" 
Subject: Re: Borla Exhaust (Sound with turbo, and Trackbar Clearance)
   Date: Wed, 1 Jun 1994 16:07:52 -0400


Herb,

I installed the 2" Borla on my car (bought from Ken Buck, thanks Ken). No
problem with the Trackbar or my lowered BBR suspension. I paid $40 at
the local SPeedy for installation since I didn't want to deal with
exhaust work. (they told my girlfriend, who brought the car to them
$75, I phoned them and said it should cost between 30-40, they agreed
to $40). I also got back my stock exhaust in perfect order.

Soundwise, it makes the BBR car sounds like a stock car, maybe be
slightly louder and a bit better (more low bass). It sounds great at
idle, but no better when you whale on the gas or at high RPMs.  My
opinion may be very biased since I drive my 67 Duetto with dual Webers
daily these days, and there is no comparison in exhaust note, especially
on song. I miss not hearing the engine note when I get on or off throttle
like with the Alfa, but this may be instrinsic with fool injected cars.

Powerwise, it's bloody terrific, the turbo definitely spools up faster, 
I don't know what the gain is, all reports seems to indicate ~4 horses 
for the regular car, I think it does wonder for turbo spool up. It weighs
about 13 lbs which is roughly half the weight of the stock exhaust.

I have been running at 7lbs of boost with no observed ill-effect. I'd
like to talk to Al Staats about how high he runs his boost without additional
fuel injectors. I think the ECU will keep up, but I am not sure about fuel
delivery. 

It is the only stainless steel one out there, is it worth the price?? hmm?
is any of this madness worth it? 

Regarding MCA, it's a fine dedicated one marque magazine, but it does a lousy
job masquerading as a club. I'd like to see events (solo, tracktime, slalom,
social gathering, tours etc... free advertisements for members, tech hotlines,
libraries). I want to vote on the board members. I want to see the balance
sheet at year end.

I belonged at various times the Jaguar, BMWCCA, Porsche, currently
Alfa and Miata. The Porsche Club (PCA) would make you green of envy.
Just take a look at an issue of Panorama sometimes, a much more 
professional rag. IMHO. And 12 issues a year. And a local newsletter 
and a very active (Nor'Easter) local club.

I like Norm Garrett just fine. But I pay $25 for a subscription. 4 issues
a year, with mostly adverts and rehashed info, useful mostly for newbies.

- Steve.

    
    To Frank, Al, and others: Does the Borla exhaust have an excellent 
    exhaust note with the turbo in place?  Since I installed my turbo the 
    stock exhaust note essentially disappeared although I expected that 
    this would happen. Also, do you have the Technosports track bar?  If 
    so, does it make it difficult to install the Borla (i.e. does the 
    Borla pipe have sufficient clearance from the track bar).
    
    Thanks,
    
    Herb Samuels