Borla Exhaust Experience and Initial Reviews (AMS Customer Service Review) longish
07-05-2003, 11:54 PM
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Borla Exhaust Experience and Initial Reviews (AMS Customer Service Review) longish
This short article will summarize my experience while purchasing the Borla exhaust system for my 2000 1.8tqms from AMS in Carson, Ca (310-763-8000 <a href="http://www.advancedmotorsport.com">Advanced Motorsport</a>).
(Part One Purchase)
I was shopping for a quiet, direct bolt on, budget minded exhaust. I decided 3" was too loud, so I started to shop the smaller diameter systems. I thought about doing a custom setup, but when I brought it to the local guy, it seemed like I knew more then him. Obviously, the second generation Borla system is very popular in this segment, and a relatively cheap price while compared to all the others. I initially thought I was going to go with AWE since I knew they were getting only second generation exhausts, but they ran out of my particular system "the day before". AWE sold the system for $529. They said they could put me on a back order list, but it would be 3 weeks. Once Derek at AMS got back to me, they told me that they had a Borla system in stock, but it was for a tip, and that it would fit on a manual with the adjustment of a few hangers. The negotiated price was $510 shipped. I assumed this was about $50 less then what I was going to get the system from AWE. The only problem with this is I am not guaranteed to get the second generation system and I didn't want to ask them to open the box only to confuse the deal. I went for the gamble and they shipped it out that day.
It took 7 days UPS ground for it to get from Carson, Ca to Gainesville, Fl. (90746 to 32608). The box arrives and I go to install it the next day (a Saturday). Come to find out, the exhaust hangers don't align, and the down pipe is completely different. (I regret not asking that question on AW before I took the deal). I wait until Monday and call AMS and Derek says he will call me back. A few hours later, he calls me and tells me that he'll have a new system dropped shipped from Borla to me, no charge. He told me it will be there by Thursday morning. So at this point, I'm thrilled, I don't mind waiting a few days and because it's almost like I got a $20 discount and free shipping for not waiting for AWE. (I'm NOT saying AWE is bad in any way, I've dealt with them successfully previously, that's why I wanted to take my business back there in the first place).
Thursday morning rolls around, and no package. I start to get nervous that it wasn't going to come, so I call Derek to see if he can hunt down a tracking number from Borla or something. I get him on the phone, and he said he'll call me back in an hour or two. Sure enough, he calls me back ASAP, and informs me that the new system is there at his shop in California, and not to me in Florida!
He then tells me that he is going to talk to his boss to find out what they should do, and he would call me back. A short while later, he calls me back and informs me to the resolution to the problem. He says that he is going to have the exhaust system out on FedEx Saturday delivery that after noon. He also told me that he will credit me back an additional $50 for the hassle. Furthermore, he confirmed that it is a generation two exhaust, rather then the first generation exhaust I had already received and hadn't fit. I am stunned by this reply, greatly appreciated Derek! Sure enough, Saturday rolls around and the exhaust arrives.
(Part 2 Installation)
The FedEx man woke me up Saturday morning knocking to deliver. I sign for it in my underwear, naturally. I pull the box in, brush my teeth, and I'm out the door to go get it installed. The local European place is open and I had already set an appointment when I knew I would be getting it in on Saturday. They quoted me 2 hours. I don't mind what they quote, I usually watch their every move when working on my car, and so if it wasn't reasonable, I complain. I had provided them with Catalytic converter nuts and bolts, as well as the necessary gasket. The installation went smoothly for the most part, but they got hung up on two parts. The top bolt on the Catalytic converter was free spinning when untightening, unlike the other two. Since it is hard to reach, they fought with it for a while, and ended up cutting the bolt off. They also had a problem with getting the spring mechanism that's near the flex joint back in. Lots of pushing and aligning for that. When aligning the tips under the rear pan, then had to clamp all the pieces together, and literally twists the exhaust to get the tips to not touch. When out on my test drive, I stopped by the gas station and picked up a 12 of bud to be nice. They appreciate that kind of thing, and it goes a long way next time. Also because I was leaving my stock exhaust there for a day or two until I could get my friend to pick it up in his truck.
(Part 3 Impressions and other thoughts)
Well certainly AMS went beyond the call of duty, which is what every customer wants and expect. I am actually a particularly a bitchy consumer, and Derek kept me in nothing but smiles. He calls you back quickly and when promised (find someone else who really does this). Someone obviously paid a lot to have the system shipped to me, not sure who. But from California to Florida, box dimensions 71x18x13, 43 lbs, 2 day priority Saturday delivery, I imagine it wasn't cheap ($150?). I am completely happy with AMS during this transaction, they handled me as an individual, rather then looking to just take my money. Also, when the second generation exhaust, I was greeted by a pretty nice stitched Borla hat ($12.99 off Borla.com). (exhibit A, pic from Borla.com)
<a href="http://borla.com/apparel/"><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/40817/twillcaps.jpg"></a>
The exhaust system sounds incredible. It is definitely quite mild, but in a very intimidating way. It doesn't really sound like a 4 cylinder, more like a race car. I am intoxicated by the sound! I am not totally thrilled by the tips. (See exhibit 2 picture from AWE.com)
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/40817/new_borla_sm.jpg">
I think they are a little bit too large. The first generation system that they sent me, the tips were different. They were a double tip type. They still looked good, but I think I like the way my OEM muffler tips look more. More classy, rather then sporty. Also, one noticeable design different between the two system is that they first generation, on the rear muffler, it's a one enter one exit design, with the tips split after the muffler exit. On the new system, it is single enter double exit to each tip separately. Seems to be a good revision.
Overall, I am happy with my purchase and I look forward for it to get colder out again so I can enjoy my new modification.
I will post more pictures (of both the new and old generation system) and new video clips tomorrow of the installed system. Any questions? Email me!
(Part One Purchase)
I was shopping for a quiet, direct bolt on, budget minded exhaust. I decided 3" was too loud, so I started to shop the smaller diameter systems. I thought about doing a custom setup, but when I brought it to the local guy, it seemed like I knew more then him. Obviously, the second generation Borla system is very popular in this segment, and a relatively cheap price while compared to all the others. I initially thought I was going to go with AWE since I knew they were getting only second generation exhausts, but they ran out of my particular system "the day before". AWE sold the system for $529. They said they could put me on a back order list, but it would be 3 weeks. Once Derek at AMS got back to me, they told me that they had a Borla system in stock, but it was for a tip, and that it would fit on a manual with the adjustment of a few hangers. The negotiated price was $510 shipped. I assumed this was about $50 less then what I was going to get the system from AWE. The only problem with this is I am not guaranteed to get the second generation system and I didn't want to ask them to open the box only to confuse the deal. I went for the gamble and they shipped it out that day.
It took 7 days UPS ground for it to get from Carson, Ca to Gainesville, Fl. (90746 to 32608). The box arrives and I go to install it the next day (a Saturday). Come to find out, the exhaust hangers don't align, and the down pipe is completely different. (I regret not asking that question on AW before I took the deal). I wait until Monday and call AMS and Derek says he will call me back. A few hours later, he calls me and tells me that he'll have a new system dropped shipped from Borla to me, no charge. He told me it will be there by Thursday morning. So at this point, I'm thrilled, I don't mind waiting a few days and because it's almost like I got a $20 discount and free shipping for not waiting for AWE. (I'm NOT saying AWE is bad in any way, I've dealt with them successfully previously, that's why I wanted to take my business back there in the first place).
Thursday morning rolls around, and no package. I start to get nervous that it wasn't going to come, so I call Derek to see if he can hunt down a tracking number from Borla or something. I get him on the phone, and he said he'll call me back in an hour or two. Sure enough, he calls me back ASAP, and informs me that the new system is there at his shop in California, and not to me in Florida!
He then tells me that he is going to talk to his boss to find out what they should do, and he would call me back. A short while later, he calls me back and informs me to the resolution to the problem. He says that he is going to have the exhaust system out on FedEx Saturday delivery that after noon. He also told me that he will credit me back an additional $50 for the hassle. Furthermore, he confirmed that it is a generation two exhaust, rather then the first generation exhaust I had already received and hadn't fit. I am stunned by this reply, greatly appreciated Derek! Sure enough, Saturday rolls around and the exhaust arrives.
(Part 2 Installation)
The FedEx man woke me up Saturday morning knocking to deliver. I sign for it in my underwear, naturally. I pull the box in, brush my teeth, and I'm out the door to go get it installed. The local European place is open and I had already set an appointment when I knew I would be getting it in on Saturday. They quoted me 2 hours. I don't mind what they quote, I usually watch their every move when working on my car, and so if it wasn't reasonable, I complain. I had provided them with Catalytic converter nuts and bolts, as well as the necessary gasket. The installation went smoothly for the most part, but they got hung up on two parts. The top bolt on the Catalytic converter was free spinning when untightening, unlike the other two. Since it is hard to reach, they fought with it for a while, and ended up cutting the bolt off. They also had a problem with getting the spring mechanism that's near the flex joint back in. Lots of pushing and aligning for that. When aligning the tips under the rear pan, then had to clamp all the pieces together, and literally twists the exhaust to get the tips to not touch. When out on my test drive, I stopped by the gas station and picked up a 12 of bud to be nice. They appreciate that kind of thing, and it goes a long way next time. Also because I was leaving my stock exhaust there for a day or two until I could get my friend to pick it up in his truck.
(Part 3 Impressions and other thoughts)
Well certainly AMS went beyond the call of duty, which is what every customer wants and expect. I am actually a particularly a bitchy consumer, and Derek kept me in nothing but smiles. He calls you back quickly and when promised (find someone else who really does this). Someone obviously paid a lot to have the system shipped to me, not sure who. But from California to Florida, box dimensions 71x18x13, 43 lbs, 2 day priority Saturday delivery, I imagine it wasn't cheap ($150?). I am completely happy with AMS during this transaction, they handled me as an individual, rather then looking to just take my money. Also, when the second generation exhaust, I was greeted by a pretty nice stitched Borla hat ($12.99 off Borla.com). (exhibit A, pic from Borla.com)
<a href="http://borla.com/apparel/"><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/40817/twillcaps.jpg"></a>
The exhaust system sounds incredible. It is definitely quite mild, but in a very intimidating way. It doesn't really sound like a 4 cylinder, more like a race car. I am intoxicated by the sound! I am not totally thrilled by the tips. (See exhibit 2 picture from AWE.com)
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/40817/new_borla_sm.jpg">
I think they are a little bit too large. The first generation system that they sent me, the tips were different. They were a double tip type. They still looked good, but I think I like the way my OEM muffler tips look more. More classy, rather then sporty. Also, one noticeable design different between the two system is that they first generation, on the rear muffler, it's a one enter one exit design, with the tips split after the muffler exit. On the new system, it is single enter double exit to each tip separately. Seems to be a good revision.
Overall, I am happy with my purchase and I look forward for it to get colder out again so I can enjoy my new modification.
I will post more pictures (of both the new and old generation system) and new video clips tomorrow of the installed system. Any questions? Email me!
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