Borla ATAK Exhaust System Sound Review: Does This Aftermarket Mod Truly Deliver?
Ever wonder what it’s like to start your car and have it sound like you’ve just woken up a sleeping dragon? That’s the promise of a performance exhaust, and the Borla ATAK is one of the most famous names in the business. We’re cutting through the noise to see if this system is the ultimate sound upgrade or just a loud gimmick. Here’s what every car enthusiast should know before hitting “buy.”
In short: The Borla ATAK is a premium, aggressively loud cat-back exhaust system designed for drivers who want maximum sound without the interior drone. It’s praised for its deep, muscular tone, top-tier build quality, and head-turning presence, though its high price and very loud volume won’t suit everyone.
Key Takeaways:
- The Borla ATAK provides an extremely aggressive, “rowdy” exhaust note that’s loudest in its class, especially on cold starts and at high RPMs .
- A key engineering feat is its multi-core technology, which delivers a big sound outside the car while keeping cabin drone to a minimum for comfortable cruising .
- It’s a high-quality, all-stainless steel system known for precise fitment, but it comes with a premium price tag .
- The ATAK is significantly louder and more aggressive than its Borla S-Type sibling and competitors like the AWE exhaust, which offers a much tamer alternative .
How Does an Exhaust System Transform Your Car’s Sound?
Is an exhaust system more than just a fancy noisemaker? Absolutely. It’s the voice of your car’s engine. The stock exhaust on most cars is designed to be quiet and tame, using restrictive mufflers and resonators. A performance cat-back exhaust system (which replaces everything from the catalytic converter back) reshapes that voice. By optimizing airflow and using specially tuned mufflers, it unlocks a deeper, fuller, and more powerful sound that reflects your engine’s true character.
Borla’s ATAK Technology: Engineering the Roar
Borla doesn’t just make pipes; they engineer sound. The ATAK line uses what they call multi-core technology. Think of it as a sophisticated sound chamber inside the muffler. This technology is designed to achieve two critical goals:
- Amplify the aggressive tone: It creates that loud, screaming, head-turning exhaust note when you accelerate hard.
- Cancel out drone: It targets and reduces the low-frequency boom that resonates inside the cabin at steady highway speeds, a common flaw in cheaper exhausts .
One forum user who compared it directly to another high-end brand put it simply: “The unique tuning… is even more effective… as they didn’t have to make it higher pitched to create no drone” .
The Real-World Sound Experience: From Cold Start to Redline
So, what’s it actually like to live with an ATAK? Reviews from Mustang, TRX, and F-150 owners paint a clear picture:
- Cold Start: This is the ATAK’s dramatic introduction. It fires up with a violent, rumbling roar that settles into a deep idle after 10-15 seconds. As one owner joked, it’s potent enough to “set off car alarms” in parking garages . A TRX owner stated it was the clear winner at startup, sounding like you “awoke a sleeping dragon” compared to tamer systems .
- Normal Cruising: Around town, you’re greeted with a constant, deep rumble. It’s very present but manageable. On the highway, the anti-drone engineering shines. Owners consistently report minimal intrusive noise, allowing for normal conversation and music listening .
- Full Throttle (WOT): This is where the ATAK earns its name. Stomp the gas, and the system transforms from a rumble to a screaming, high-RPM roar. One reviewer described the sensation perfectly: “It has a deep note and then a ‘holy $hut’ sound when you mat the gas” . Another said it makes you smile “like the first time I saw big tits” .
Borla ATAK vs. The Competition
Choosing an exhaust often means comparing top brands. Here’s how the ATAK stacks up against two other popular options based on owner experiences.
| Feature/Model | Borla ATAK | AWE Exhaust (Touring) | Solo Performance Mach (Shorty) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Sound Profile | Extremely aggressive, loud, screaming at high RPM. Deep and rowdy. | Deeper, more subdued tone. Focused on being quieter than stock on highway. | Deep, aggressive muscle car tone. Designed to be deeper, not raspy. |
| Best For | Drivers who want the loudest possible sound without cabin drone. | Daily drivers who want a refined, deep rumble without excessive volume. | Enthusiasts seeking a deeper, fuller version of the stock Hemi sound. |
| Drone Control | Excellent. Multi-core tech specifically targets and eliminates drone. | Excellent. Known for a very quiet cabin at cruising speeds. | Excellent. Uses “J-pipes” (helmholtz resonators) to cancel drone . |
| Relative Volume | Loudest | Quietest (of these three) | Middle Ground (Louder than stock, quieter than ATAK) |
| Notable Owner Feedback | “Puts a smile on my face every time I start the truck.” | “The AWE is quieter than OEM while driving down the highway.” | “I love the sound of how deep it is now so I don’t want it to sound raspy.” |
Visualizing the Sound Spectrum
The chart below illustrates the general volume positioning of these systems based on consensus from forum reviews and comparisons. The Borla ATAK consistently sits at the top for outright volume.
Chart illustrating the general volume level of different exhaust systems based on aggregated owner feedback from forums and reviews.
Installation, Quality, and Final Verdict
Installation Difficulty: Most DIY-minded owners report a 2-4 hour install using standard hand tools and jack stands. The systems are noted for precise fitment, often described as bolting on “like a glove” . The main challenge is usually adjusting the polished exhaust tips for perfect alignment.
Build Quality: This is a universal strong point. The ATAK is constructed from aircraft-quality T-304 stainless steel (even the hangers), promising a lifetime of corrosion resistance. The welds are clean, and the overall finish is exceptional, justifying its premium cost .
A high-quality exhaust like the Borla ATAK isn’t just about noise; it’s about enhancing the mechanical symphony of your engine without ruining daily comfort.
The Bottom Line: Who Should Buy the Borla ATAK?
Buy the Borla ATAK if:
- You want the loudest, most aggressive exhaust note available for your vehicle.
- You value engineering that delivers big sound outside the car without drone inside.
- You appreciate top-tier, lifelong build quality and are willing to pay for it.
Look elsewhere if:
- You want a subtle or only moderately louder upgrade.
- You have strict noise concerns with neighbors or local laws.
- Your budget is tight, as this is one of the most expensive systems on the market.
Ultimately, the Borla ATAK delivers exactly what it promises: an uncontrolled, American V8-inspired roar. It turns every cold start into an event and every acceleration into a thrill. Just be prepared for the attention—both good and bad—that comes with it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the Borla ATAK too loud for daily driving?
It depends on your tolerance. It’s very loud on startup and hard acceleration, but cruising is manageable due to minimal drone. If you make many phone calls on the highway or prefer a quiet cabin, consider the tamer Borla S-Type .
2. Does it cause horrible interior drone?
No, controlling drone is one of the ATAK’s key engineering successes. Owners across different car models consistently report little to no annoying cabin resonance at highway speeds .
3. Will I need a tune after installing it?
For a cat-back system like the ATAK, a tune is generally not required for the engine to run safely. However, a tune can help maximize any small performance gains and refine throttle response.
4. How does it compare to just doing a muffler delete?
The ATAK is louder and more refined than a simple delete. A muffler delete often creates a raspy, boomy, and drone-heavy sound, while the ATAK provides a deeper, fuller, and engineered tone .
5. Is the installation something I can do myself?
Yes, for many with basic mechanical skills, a good set of jack stands, and the right tools (like a 24mm deep socket for some hangers). Allow a weekend afternoon, and watch a model-specific install video first .
Which performance upgrade are you considering for your ride—are you going for a roar like the ATAK, or something more subtle? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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