Borla Exhaust Install (Step by Step)

Borla Exhaust Step by Step Install 5th Gen 4Runner

Borla Exhaust Overview, Sound and Full Install on 5th Gen 4Runner

We previously had an article written by the man, Blue Ox Off Road (Jeff) who installed a Borla Exhaust. This was a very early install on the website. Today, we are going to be writing a post on Jeannette’s (my girls) 2016 SR5 premium.

After we installed the MagnaFlow exhaust a while back, we fell in love. We did initially have some problems with the exhaust rattling at idle but it has since worked its self out. After a couple years of running that exhaust, we were ready for an exhaust on our other 4Runner.

The MagnaFlow has a pretty deep, throaty, beefy, growling sound which I personally love. For our other 4Runner, we wanted to go with something a little more mellow. The choice was between Borla, Gibson or aFe. After writing our article on these exhaust systems, we decided on Borla.

Borla is an exhaust that will give you much of the same power benefits of a MagnaFlow while keeping the loud growl to a minimum. Jeff said it best in his article from awhile back, Borla is the gentleman’s exhaust.

It is all personal preference, but I really feel like the Borla is the Goldilocks of exhaust systems, it will work for most owners out there. Between all of the systems out there, Borla might be the mildest.

The best exhaust system?

There is no one “best” option when it comes to an exhaust system. This is completely personal preference. If you are looking for deeper, meaner, beastly growl then you should go with the MagnaFlow. If you are looking for something a little more subtle, go with the Borla.

Borla Exhaust System

• The Exhaust: Check Today’s Price
• Metric Socket Set
• Torque Wrench
• WD-40 (General Lube)
• Jack & Jack Stands Help

Step #1: Remove Spare Tire

Start by removing your spare tire. I don’t think we need to write a step by step on this one but if someone wants us too, we can. Removing the spare tire will give you much more room to work with underneath. If you do not have your car on a lift, removing your spare tire is a key step in providing space for the install.

Step #2: Loosen Flange Bolts

The Flange Bolts are pretty straight-forward. Just crack everything loose for now but do not remove the actual bolts. You want everything loose before you pull it all apart.

Step #3: Lube up those Isolators

This is an absolute must. Grab a can of WD-40 or whatever you have handy and go to town. You can use a small screwdriver to lift the insides of the rubber isolators in order to fit some lube in between the isolator and the metal sleeve. After you have you coated the inside of the isolators, rotate the isolators around a little bit so you can spread the lube around.

Step #4A: Crack Bolts on Muffler Tail Pipe

This first bolt is easy. There is plenty of room for you to crack this first bolt. On the other end, the bolt is welded to the exhaust pipe, so your only option for grip is one nut, up top.

Step #4B: Crack Inside Bolt on Muffler Tail Pipe

The second bolt on the other side is a bit more tricky. You need a long extension bar to get any type of grip on this nut. Take your time and twist hard and SLOW, you will get it.

Step #5: Remove Tail Pipe

Step #6: Disconnect Last Isolators & Remove Tail Pipe

IMPORTANT NOTE: Remove silver bracket before removing the tailpipe. This will make your life a little easier.

Step #7: Install New Tail Pipe

Step #8: Ring Clamp Muffler & Tail Pipe

I have this as a step before throwing on the muffler, even though the muffler is pictured here with the tail pip assembly.

Step #9: Install New Muffler

Step #10: Connect Muffler to Flange Bolts

Install Complete!

Installed – Playing at the Lake

Last two are not Borla shots, just cool shots from the same day.