tinyman392
Senior Member
- First Name
- Marcus
- Joined
- May 21, 2018
- Threads
- 14
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- 3,265
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- 2,082
- Location
- Illinois
- Vehicle(s)
- '18 Civic Type R (RR)
- Thread starter
- #1
Borla ATAK Catback Exhaust (FK8)
So the Borla ATAK exhaust for the FK8 isn't entirely the newest exhaust on the block, but I did want to write up my thoughts on it in general. The Borla ATAK exhaust system currently is available in 3 exhaust tip configurations:
Design
The overall design of the exhaust system is a 3 tip outlet to match a style similar to the stock FK8 setup with the exceptions being that each exhaust tip is the same size and the center exhaust sticking out slightly more than the two that flank it. The polished stainless steel and black ceramic (matte) finishes has more of a standard double-barrel tip while the carbon fiber tip has a unique look of having one pipe inside of the other. They're all striking designs and you really can't go wrong with any of them.
If you peak just underneath the rear diffuser of the FK8, you'll see the words "Borla ATAK" cut into a piece of metal in which the hangers attach to. Multiple circles are punched around this sheet which can make your trypophobia go on high alert if you're that type of person.
The center exhaust tip is clamped on which allows you to adjust the sound of the exhaust to your liking using one (or none) of the included silencer plates which restrict the opening of a center resonator. The original design of the exhaust is to have none of these plates installed as the center exhaust will become a PITA to install perfectly centered if one of these plates are installed (the clamp will also require much more effort to install as well).
Sound
My FK8 Type R is still running a stock downpipe currently, so take these subjective sound impressions with that in mind. Also keep in mind that the exhaust is only 2 days old at this point and probably nowhere near broken in. As stated at the end of the design section, the Borla exhaust system has 3 sounds that it can have based on the use (or lack thereof) of silencer plates which can be installed to control the resonator. They are ATAK, S-Type, and Touring.
The ATAK exhaust note has a bit of a distinctive whine to it while having an overall aggressive tone that kind of sounds like it's gurgling which is absolutely mad. It's loud, it's in your face, it lives up the the ATAK name. It also drones quite a bit while cruising. I'd consider the amount of drone to be moderate. It's tolerable, but I wouldn't want to deal with it personally. For a weekend car it might be doable, might (IMO).
If you put in the partially blocking plate you get what Borla calls the S-Type sound. It's a slightly toned down version of the ATAK exhaust note, but not as in your face. A good aggressive, yet sporty sound to it. It still has that faint whine to it but the main tones of the exhaust system shine through a little better. When you're on the gas it sounds great, when you're off of it... It'll drone, still. I'd consider this level of drone low, it's something that I'd say is tolerable for an everyday drive and perfect for a weekend car. It's a little annoying, but not overbearing.
The last silencer completely blocks the center exhaust pipe and gives you the tamest sound that Borla offers for the FK8. Overall it sounds like the stock exhaust except a little louder, more refined, complex, and toned to become it's own distinct thing. This particular setup drones no more than the stock exhaust does. If the stock FK8 sounded like this from the factory, it would be great.
Performance Gains?
I know I mentioned with the PRL intercooler I felt that the car didn't really have its sense of urgency or kick anymore which resulted in it creating very smooth power delivery, though did feel faster and more powerful.
With the exhaust, I feel a little more responsiveness and kick again in the lower-to-mid RPM ranges which is very welcome. It feels a like there is a little more power down low which is definitely a nice thing to have for daily driving. The exhaust is still brand new and I really haven't had it long to really test it out though, so take these impressions with a grain of salt.
Note that I'm not tuned, a tune would probably help both of these mods out power-wise.
Final Thoughts
I have to say I am happy with the exhaust, what it offers, and the price I got it for (none of the FK8 exhaust systems are really cheap to begin with). My ideal exhaust sound would basically be like the S-Type while on the throttle and the Touring while cruising. I feel like the only way for that to exist would be to have a pressure-based active resonator (maybe similar to Boost Logic's setup?). I do wish the silencer plates were a little less finicky to install. But otherwise, I'm very happy with the tone and sound that Borla gives and definitely would recommend it.
So the Borla ATAK exhaust for the FK8 isn't entirely the newest exhaust on the block, but I did want to write up my thoughts on it in general. The Borla ATAK exhaust system currently is available in 3 exhaust tip configurations:
- Polished Stainless Steel: $1200-1500
- Black Ceramic (Matte): $1300-1700
- Carbon Fiber: $1500-2000
Design
The overall design of the exhaust system is a 3 tip outlet to match a style similar to the stock FK8 setup with the exceptions being that each exhaust tip is the same size and the center exhaust sticking out slightly more than the two that flank it. The polished stainless steel and black ceramic (matte) finishes has more of a standard double-barrel tip while the carbon fiber tip has a unique look of having one pipe inside of the other. They're all striking designs and you really can't go wrong with any of them.
If you peak just underneath the rear diffuser of the FK8, you'll see the words "Borla ATAK" cut into a piece of metal in which the hangers attach to. Multiple circles are punched around this sheet which can make your trypophobia go on high alert if you're that type of person.
The center exhaust tip is clamped on which allows you to adjust the sound of the exhaust to your liking using one (or none) of the included silencer plates which restrict the opening of a center resonator. The original design of the exhaust is to have none of these plates installed as the center exhaust will become a PITA to install perfectly centered if one of these plates are installed (the clamp will also require much more effort to install as well).
Sound
My FK8 Type R is still running a stock downpipe currently, so take these subjective sound impressions with that in mind. Also keep in mind that the exhaust is only 2 days old at this point and probably nowhere near broken in. As stated at the end of the design section, the Borla exhaust system has 3 sounds that it can have based on the use (or lack thereof) of silencer plates which can be installed to control the resonator. They are ATAK, S-Type, and Touring.
The ATAK exhaust note has a bit of a distinctive whine to it while having an overall aggressive tone that kind of sounds like it's gurgling which is absolutely mad. It's loud, it's in your face, it lives up the the ATAK name. It also drones quite a bit while cruising. I'd consider the amount of drone to be moderate. It's tolerable, but I wouldn't want to deal with it personally. For a weekend car it might be doable, might (IMO).
If you put in the partially blocking plate you get what Borla calls the S-Type sound. It's a slightly toned down version of the ATAK exhaust note, but not as in your face. A good aggressive, yet sporty sound to it. It still has that faint whine to it but the main tones of the exhaust system shine through a little better. When you're on the gas it sounds great, when you're off of it... It'll drone, still. I'd consider this level of drone low, it's something that I'd say is tolerable for an everyday drive and perfect for a weekend car. It's a little annoying, but not overbearing.
The last silencer completely blocks the center exhaust pipe and gives you the tamest sound that Borla offers for the FK8. Overall it sounds like the stock exhaust except a little louder, more refined, complex, and toned to become it's own distinct thing. This particular setup drones no more than the stock exhaust does. If the stock FK8 sounded like this from the factory, it would be great.
Performance Gains?
I know I mentioned with the PRL intercooler I felt that the car didn't really have its sense of urgency or kick anymore which resulted in it creating very smooth power delivery, though did feel faster and more powerful.
With the exhaust, I feel a little more responsiveness and kick again in the lower-to-mid RPM ranges which is very welcome. It feels a like there is a little more power down low which is definitely a nice thing to have for daily driving. The exhaust is still brand new and I really haven't had it long to really test it out though, so take these impressions with a grain of salt.
Note that I'm not tuned, a tune would probably help both of these mods out power-wise.
Final Thoughts
I have to say I am happy with the exhaust, what it offers, and the price I got it for (none of the FK8 exhaust systems are really cheap to begin with). My ideal exhaust sound would basically be like the S-Type while on the throttle and the Touring while cruising. I feel like the only way for that to exist would be to have a pressure-based active resonator (maybe similar to Boost Logic's setup?). I do wish the silencer plates were a little less finicky to install. But otherwise, I'm very happy with the tone and sound that Borla gives and definitely would recommend it.
Granted no video really does any exhaust justice. Either way, you can't go wrong going either direction, the 27Won sounds absolutely stellar (from what I've seen in videos) when paired with a DP.
Thanks for vid!
