Borla and MagnaFlow are two of the best-known names in performance exhaust. Both build stainless cat-back and axle-back systems, and both are known for a deep, clean note rather than a raspy one. The real decision is how loud you want the car, how much you care about warranty terms and what is actually made for your vehicle. This guide compares the two so you can pick with confidence.
The short answer
| Borla | MagnaFlow | |
|---|---|---|
| Sound choices | Touring (mild), S-Type (middle), ATAK (loudest) | Street, Touring and Competition series, each with its own exterior and interior sound label |
| Stainless grade | T-304 stainless, stated for its systems | 409 stainless named on the Competition and Touring pages; Street pages say stainless without a grade |
| Drone control | "No Drone" technology on all three sound levels | Systems tuned for interior and exterior sound, with straight-through mufflers |
| Warranty | Million Mile Warranty for the original purchaser | Limited lifetime construction warranty, plus a 1-year finish warranty on some kits |
| Best known for | Three clear sound steps, T-304 construction | Wide vehicle coverage, deep resonant "MagnaFlow sound" |
| Also sells | Mufflers and resonators | Catalytic converters, mufflers and off-road systems |
If you want a ladder of volume levels and a very long warranty from one maker, Borla is easy to shop. If you want a broad catalog and a straight-through, resonant sound, MagnaFlow is a strong match. Many buyers would be happy with either one on the same car.
Sound: how loud will it be?
Neither brand publishes decibel numbers on the pages we checked, so treat any figure you see on a forum with care. What they do publish are qualitative levels. Borla describes Touring as the mild daily-driver option with a deep, refined tone and near-stock cabin comfort, S-Type as the middle step that is aggressive under hard acceleration and composed at cruise, and ATAK as its loudest, race-inspired note. Borla says all three share the same T-304 stainless construction and its No Drone technology.
MagnaFlow labels each system with an exterior and an interior level. The Touring Series pages we saw list moderate exterior and mild interior sound. Competition Series pages list aggressive exterior and moderate interior sound and describe a motorsport-inspired system. The Street Series is described as balancing power and sound, and the label varies by vehicle: one Street Series cat-back we checked is rated aggressive outside and moderate inside. Read the label on the exact part number, not just the series name.
A rough mapping is that Borla Touring and MagnaFlow Touring sit at the quiet end, S-Type and Street sit in the middle and ATAK and Competition sit at the loud end. That is a starting point only, because the sound also depends on your engine, the pipe layout and whether the system is an axle-back or a full cat-back.
Materials and construction
Borla states that its systems use T-304 austenitic stainless steel and says it resists corrosion and heat better than T-409 or aluminized steel. That is Borla's own comparison, and we did not find independent test data, so read it as a manufacturer claim. You can see the grade called out on products like this T-304 stainless exhaust tip.
MagnaFlow lists 409 stainless on its Competition and Touring pages, with mandrel-bent tubing, and says its systems are built with CNC robotic manufacturing. The Street Series page lists stainless steel pipes without naming a grade. A 409 stainless exhaust is a normal choice for many aftermarket systems and typically holds up well in daily use, but it can develop light surface discoloration over time. If you live where roads are salted, that is worth knowing before you buy either brand.
Warranty
Borla's Million Mile Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the original purchaser, on the vehicle the product was first installed on. It is not transferable, claims need proof of purchase, and it excludes road hazards, improper installation, lack of maintenance and misuse. Shorter terms apply to some parts such as black coatings, tip finishes and moving parts like valves.
MagnaFlow states a limited lifetime construction warranty on the systems we checked, and some kits add a 1-year finish warranty. Both warranties have exclusions, so read the policy for the exact part before you rely on either. A warranty also does not replace correct installation: have the system fitted so that hangers and clearances are right.
Vehicle coverage and what each brand sells
Availability depends on the vehicle, and that often settles the choice. Borla does not offer every sound level on every application. For example, on a recent Silverado 1500, Borla lists Touring and S-Type for the 5.3L V8 and adds ATAK for the 6.2L V8. Some Borla axle-backs come in only one level. Look at the actual kits for your engine: this Borla S-Type cat-back for the 6.6L Silverado and Sierra, the Borla ATAK cat-back for the Challenger Hellcat and this S-Type axle-back for the Camaro SS are examples. More are on our Borla exhaust systems page.
MagnaFlow covers a wide range of cars and trucks and also has an Overland Series for trucks and SUVs aimed at off-road use. We carry both brands: Borla systems, and MagnaFlow catalytic converters, which brings us to emissions.
Emissions and California
A cat-back or axle-back system sits behind the factory catalytic converter, so it does not replace the converter itself. Borla says its street cat-back systems are emissions-legal in all 50 states for that reason, but that is the manufacturer's statement and some Borla parts, such as certain header adapters, are marked as not CARB certified. Always check the specific part number.
Catalytic converters are different. MagnaFlow makes CARB compliant converters that are built to a California Executive Order, and each one lists an EO number. MagnaFlow says the converter may be installed only on vehicles listed in that order, and that its federal (EPA) converters are not legal for sale, installation or use in California, Colorado or New York. If you are replacing a converter, such as this MagnaFlow CARB compliant universal converter, match the Executive Order to your vehicle first.
How to choose
- Start with fitment. Pick a system listed for your year, engine and body style before you compare brands.
- Pick the volume first. Quiet commuter: Borla Touring or MagnaFlow Touring. Noticeable but livable: Borla S-Type or a Street Series. Loud: ATAK or Competition.
- Check the label on the part. MagnaFlow shows exterior and interior levels per part number; Borla shows the sound level per kit.
- Think about ownership. Borla's warranty follows the original buyer, so it is less useful if you plan to sell the car with the system.
- Check legality where you live. Confirm CARB or local noise rules, especially for converters.
- Compare what is in the box. Tips, hangers, clamps and axle-back vs cat-back scope vary.
Common questions
Is Borla louder than MagnaFlow?
It depends on the level. Borla ATAK is its loudest and MagnaFlow Competition is aggressive, so those are close in intent. Borla Touring and MagnaFlow Touring are both on the mild side. Compare the labeled level for your vehicle.
Will either exhaust drone on the highway?
Both brands say they tune against drone. Borla states No Drone technology on all its sound levels, and MagnaFlow tunes interior sound. Results still vary by vehicle, so read owner feedback for your model.
Do I need a tune after installing a cat-back?
Usually not for a cat-back on its own, but check the maker's notes for your vehicle. Some modern engines and active valve systems have specific instructions, so follow the installation sheet.
Are Borla and MagnaFlow cat-backs legal in California?
A cat-back that leaves the factory converter in place is generally treated differently from a converter, but legality is part-specific. Check the manufacturer's statement for your part number, and note that converters must match a CARB Executive Order.
Not sure which level fits your vehicle? Compare the actual kits above, and read our Borla vs MBRP cat-back comparison or the complete guide to choosing an exhaust system for more background.
Where to buy
Shop Borla parts, MagnaFlow parts. We are an authorized dealer for every brand we sell, shipping is free anywhere in the USA, and returns are accepted within 60 days (unused, in the original packaging) and return shipping is free. Not sure what fits your vehicle? Contact our support team and we will help you check before you order.