Which Borla Exhaust System Is Right for Your C8 Corvette?
The C8 Corvette lineup- Stingray, Z06, E-Ray, and ZR1- each pairs with a Cat-Back system engineered around that specific platform's engine and factory valve hardware. Picking the right C8 Corvette exhaust comes down to three things: which C8 you have, which sound level you want, and whether your car has the factory NPP hardware Borla's system is built around. Every system is T-304 stainless steel and backed by the Million Mile Warranty. Here's how the pieces fit together. For full part numbers and fitment by generation, see the Corvette Exhaust Buying Guide.
Sound Levels: S-Type vs. ATAK® on the C8
Borla does not offer a Touring option for the C8. The Stingray Cat-Back is available in S-Type and ATAK®. S-Type is the more composed of the two, aggressive under throttle and refined at cruise. ATAK® is Borla's loudest and most aggressive sound level, still built on No Drone technology so it stays livable at cruise despite the added volume. The Z06 Cat-Back is available in ATAK® only.
Stingray, Z06, E-Ray, and ZR1: Which System Fits
Stingray
Part #140838 fits the 2020-2026 C8 Stingray with the 6.2L V8, automatic transmission, and factory NPP, covering both AFM valves ('20-'21) and DFM valves ('22-'26). The 2024-2026 fitment also covers the E-Ray. The system ships in two boxes.
Z06
The 2023-2026 C8 Z06 runs a 5.5L flat-plane crank LT6 V8, a different architecture from the Stingray's 6.2L. Its Cat-Back is ATAK® only, and its NPP valves are compatible with all factory exhaust modes. An optional tip assembly is coming soon.
E-Ray
The E-Ray shares the Stingray's Cat-Back system starting with the 2024 model year. Confirm exact fitment for your model year before ordering.
ZR1
The ZR1's LT7 is a twin-turbocharged version of the Z06's 5.5L V8, and Borla's Cat-Back is being tuned specifically for it, with SwitchFire® technology, No Drone technology, and full retention of the factory NPP dual-mode functionality. The system is still in Borla's release process. Sign up to be notified when it's available.
The Technology Built Into Every C8 System
Polyphonic Harmonizer
The Stingray and E-Ray share Borla's twin Polyphonic Harmonizer technology, applying the same principle as tuning multiple organ pipes together: pipes of different diameters and lengths are tuned to produce a signature S-Type or ATAK® sound, in a straight-through path that adds no performance loss.
SwitchFire™ X-Pipe
Where a standard X-Pipe lets exhaust flow from both banks collide head-on in the center, the C8's SwitchFire™ X-Pipe uses a crossover design that blends the exhaust and combustion frequencies from all cylinders instead.
Upgraded Valves
Borla designs and manufactures the C8's valves in-house, built to work with GM's AFM/DFM cylinder deactivation and NPP, and heat-cycle tested well beyond normal use before they ship.
No Drone
Every C8 system, on both S-Type and ATAK®, is built on No Drone technology, engineered to eliminate cabin resonance at any gear, speed, or RPM.
NPP and Valve Compatibility: Confirm This First
The featured Stingray Cat-Back (Part #140838) requires factory NPP and is not designed for cars without it. Borla also offers separate C8 systems for non-NPP cars, so confirm which one matches your car's factory equipment before ordering. Every C8 install requires valve actuator recalibration afterward, factor that into install time whether you're doing it yourself or booking a shop.
FAQ
Yes. Part #140838 includes AFM/DFM and NPP valves fully compatible with GM's active exhaust system, and all factory exhaust modes are retained. Valve actuator recalibration is required after installation.
The engine and the exit. The Z06's 5.5L flat-plane crank LT6 is a different architecture from the Stingray's 6.2L, and Borla's Z06 Cat-Back is tuned specifically around it. The Z06 also runs a center-exit design, unlike the Stingray's corner-mounted tips, so the routing itself is different, not just the sound level. It's ATAK® only, versus S-Type or ATAK® for the Stingray.
Yes, for 2024-2026 model years. Confirm exact fitment for your model year at borla.com before ordering.
No. Every C8 system, across both sound levels, is built on No Drone technology, engineered to eliminate resonance at any gear, speed, or RPM.
The Cat-Back itself is a standard exhaust install, but every C8 system requires valve actuator recalibration afterward. If you're not equipped to handle that step, plan on a shop that can.
