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Mustang Exhaust System Buying Guide
The Borla Ford Mustang Exhaust Buying Guide
Every generation. Every variant. Cat-Back and Axle-Back systems in S-Type, ATAK®, and Touring.
Borla has engineered exhaust systems for the Ford Mustang across every generation from the Fox Body era through the current S650. Whether the goal is a refined daily driver tone, the classic Borla S-Type character, or the maximum output of ATAK®, there is a system built specifically for the engine and chassis of your Mustang.
This guide covers every current Mustang variant: the GT, EcoBoost, Dark Horse, Shelby GT350, Shelby GT500, V6, Cobra, and Boss 302. Use the navigation below to jump to your model, or browse by system type and sound level.
In This Guide
- Borla Sound Levels
- Hear It for Yourself
- Why Borla
- Tip Finish Options by Variant
- Cat-Back vs. Axle-Back
- Mustang Exhaust Systems by Variant — GT, EcoBoost, Dark Horse, GT350, GT500, V6, Cobra, Boss 302
- Mustang GT
- Mustang EcoBoost
- Mustang Dark Horse
- Mustang Shelby GT350
- Mustang Shelby GT500
- Mustang V6
- Mustang Cobra
- Mustang Boss 302
- Frequently Asked Questions
Borla Sound Levels
All Borla Mustang systems use No Drone technology — patented multi-core muffler design that eliminates cabin resonance at highway cruise RPM across all three sound levels. Sound level availability varies by variant.
Touring
Mild · Daily Driver
Deeper and richer than stock. Composed at cruise, slightly more present under throttle. Available on GT and EcoBoost.
S-Type · Most Popular
Aggressive · Versatile
The classic Borla tone. Aggressive under throttle, refined at cruise. Available across most Mustang variants.
ATAK®
Maximum · Race-Inspired
Acoustically-Tuned Applied Kinetics. Maximum volume, full-bodied exhaust note. Available on GT, Dark Horse, GT350, GT500, and more.
Hear It for Yourself
Sound demo videos for the 2024–2026 Mustang GT (Active Exhaust), Dark Horse, and EcoBoost. Additional variant videos available at borla.com.
2024–2026 Ford Mustang GT | Active Exhaust
2024–2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
2024–2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost
Why Borla
- No Drone Technology: Borla's patented multi-core muffler design eliminates the resonance frequencies that cause cabin drone at highway cruise RPM. All sound levels, including ATAK®, are engineered to be comfortable on long drives.
- T-304 Stainless Steel: Every Borla system is built from T-304 austenitic stainless steel, the same alloy grade used in aerospace applications, with superior corrosion and heat resistance compared to T-409 or aluminized alternatives.
- Vehicle-Specific Engineering: Every system is calibrated to a specific year, make, engine, and drivetrain. No universal fitment. Each system is tuned for the acoustic and flow characteristics of its exact platform.
- 50-State Street Legal: All Borla Cat-Back systems begin downstream of the factory catalytic converter, leaving emissions hardware completely intact.
- Million Mile Warranty: Every Borla exhaust system is backed by the Million Mile Warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship for the original owner.
- Made in the USA: Every system is designed, engineered, and manufactured in the United States.
Tip Finish Options by Variant
Tip finish availability varies by variant and system type. The table below summarizes confirmed finishes across the Mustang lineup.
| Variant | System Type | Available Finishes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustang GT | Cat-Back | Chrome · Black Chrome · Carbon Fiber Black Anodized · Carbon Fiber Silver Center |
| Mustang GT | Axle-Back | Chrome · Black Chrome |
| Mustang EcoBoost | Cat-Back | Chrome · Black Chrome |
| Mustang EcoBoost | Axle-Back | Chrome |
| Mustang Dark Horse | Cat-Back | Chrome · Black Chrome · Carbon Fiber Black Anodized |
| Shelby GT350 | Cat-Back | Reuses factory valance tips |
| Shelby GT500 | Cat-Back | Chrome · Black Chrome · Carbon Fiber Silver Center |
| Shelby GT500 | Axle-Back | Chrome |
| Mustang V6 | Cat-Back · Axle-Back | Chrome |
| Mustang Cobra | Cat-Back | Chrome |
| Boss 302 | Cat-Back · Axle-Back | Chrome · Black Chrome |
Cat-Back vs. Axle-Back: Choosing the Right System
Borla offers both Cat-Back and Axle-Back systems for most Mustang variants. The right choice depends on how much of the undercar exhaust path you want to replace and the level of sound upgrade you are looking for.
| Feature | Cat-Back | Axle-Back |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Catalytic converters to tips — full undercar exhaust path | Rear axle to tips — rear mufflers and tips only |
| Mid-pipe included | Yes | No |
| Merge X-Pipe | Yes, on GT Cat-Back | No |
| Sound upgrade scope | Maximum — full exhaust path tuning | Moderate — rear section only |
| 50-state street legal | Yes | Yes |
| Million Mile Warranty | Yes | Yes |
Mustang Exhaust Systems by Variant
Select your Mustang variant to view available Cat-Back and Axle-Back systems, sound levels, tip finishes, and fitment details.
Mustang
Mustang GT
Cat-Back · Axle-Back · S-Type / ATAK® / Touring
Mustang
Mustang EcoBoost
Cat-Back · Axle-Back · S-Type / ATAK® / Touring
Mustang Shelby
Shelby GT500
Cat-Back · Axle-Back · S-Type / ATAK®
Mustang
Mustang V6
Cat-Back · Axle-Back · S-Type / ATAK® / Touring
Mustang
Mustang Boss 302
Cat-Back · Axle-Back · S-Type / ATAK® / Touring
Not sure which system fits your Mustang? Use the Year / Make / Model selector to find the exact system engineered for your build.
Shop All Mustang Exhaust Systems →Mustang GT Exhaust Systems
Borla Cat-Back and Axle-Back systems for the Mustang GT are engineered for the 5.0L V8 and available across all three sound levels: Touring, S-Type, and ATAK®. The Cat-Back is a 3" True Dual system featuring a Merge X-Pipe and 4" round tips. Axle-Back systems are available in separate SKUs for Active Valve Performance Exhaust and non-Active Exhaust models.
Tip finishes available: chrome, black chrome, carbon fiber with black anodized center, and carbon fiber with silver center.
The SwitchFire™ X-Pipe is compatible with both the Mustang GT and Dark Horse. SwitchFire is a patented crossover X-Pipe technology that smoothly blends exhaust gas and combustion frequency waves from all cylinders.
Active Exhaust note: Borla offers dedicated exhaust systems for Mustang GT models with and without the factory Active Valve Performance Exhaust. These are separate part numbers and are not interchangeable. Confirm active exhaust compatibility when selecting your system.
Mustang EcoBoost Exhaust Systems
Borla Cat-Back and Axle-Back systems for the Mustang EcoBoost are engineered specifically for the 2.3L EcoBoost engine and tuned to bring out the most aggressive sound profile possible from the four-cylinder platform. The Cat-Back is available in S-Type and ATAK® sound levels with a 2.5" pipe diameter and 4" tips. The Axle-Back is available in S-Type only for non-Active Exhaust models.
Tip finishes: Cat-Back systems are available in chrome and black chrome. Axle-Back systems are available in chrome.
Mustang Dark Horse Exhaust Systems
The Borla Cat-Back for the 2024–2026 Mustang Dark Horse is a 3" True Dual system with quad 5" tips, available in S-Type and ATAK® sound levels. Cat-Back is the only system type available for the Dark Horse. Tip finishes include chrome, black chrome, and carbon fiber with black anodized center.
The SwitchFire™ X-Pipe is available as an add-on for the Dark Horse system. SwitchFire is a patented crossover X-Pipe technology that smoothly blends exhaust gas and combustion frequency waves from all cylinders for a more refined and aggressive sound profile.
Mustang Shelby GT350 Exhaust Systems
Borla Cat-Back systems for the 2015–2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 are available in ATAK® sound level. The GT350 system reuses the factory valance tips.
Mustang Shelby GT500 Exhaust Systems
Borla Cat-Back and Axle-Back systems for the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 are available in S-Type and ATAK® sound levels. Cat-Back tip finishes include chrome, black chrome, and carbon fiber with silver center. Axle-Back systems are available in chrome.
Mustang V6 Exhaust Systems
Borla Cat-Back and Axle-Back systems for the Mustang V6 are available in Touring, S-Type, and ATAK® sound levels. All systems are built from T-304 stainless steel and are 50-state street legal. Tip finishes available in chrome across both system types.
Mustang Cobra Exhaust Systems
Borla Cat-Back systems for the Ford Mustang Cobra are available in S-Type and ATAK® sound levels. All systems are built from T-304 stainless steel, are 50-state street legal, and are backed by the Million Mile Warranty. Tip finishes available in chrome.
Mustang Boss 302 Exhaust Systems
Borla Cat-Back and Axle-Back systems for the 201220122011–2012ndash;2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302ndash;2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 are available in S-Type and ATAK® sound levels. The Boss 302 Axle-Back is also available in Touring. Tip finishes include chrome and black chrome across both system types. All systems are built from T-304 stainless steel and backed by the Million Mile Warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Cat-Back system replaces the full exhaust path from the catalytic converters back, including the mid-pipe, X-Pipe, mufflers, and tips. On the Mustang GT, this includes a 3" True Dual Merge X-Pipe configuration. An Axle-Back replaces only the rear mufflers and tips from the axle back. The Cat-Back delivers a more comprehensive sound and flow upgrade. The Axle-Back is a more affordable entry point with a distinct Borla sound note. Both are 50-state street legal and backed by the Million Mile Warranty.
Yes, with the correct part number. Borla offers dedicated exhaust systems for Mustang GT models with and without the factory Active Valve Performance Exhaust. These are separate part numbers and are not interchangeable. Always confirm active exhaust compatibility when selecting your system at borla.com.
For daily driving with a refined but noticeably sportier tone, Touring is the right choice. For a system that is aggressive under throttle but still composed at cruise, S-Type is the most popular option across the Mustang lineup. For maximum volume and a race-inspired exhaust note, ATAK® delivers the loudest output Borla produces — still with No Drone technology for highway comfort. All three sound levels use the same T-304 stainless construction and carry the Million Mile Warranty.
No. Borla systems are engineered to the specific chassis and exhaust routing of each variant. The Dark Horse Cat-Back is designed exclusively for the 2024–2026 Mustang Dark Horse and is not a direct fit for the standard GT. Use the fitment selector at borla.com to confirm the correct system for your build.
Tip finish availability varies by variant and system type. The Mustang GT Cat-Back offers the widest selection: chrome, black chrome, carbon fiber with black anodized center, and carbon fiber with silver center. The Dark Horse Cat-Back is available in chrome, black chrome, and carbon fiber with black anodized center. Most other variants are available in polished stainless, with select models adding black chrome. See the tip finishes table above for a full breakdown by variant.
The Million Mile Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the original owner for the life of the vehicle, provided it does not exceed one million miles. It does not cover physical damage from road hazards, improper installation, or use at power levels far above factory spec. The warranty is not transferable to subsequent owners.
Find the exact Borla exhaust system engineered for your Mustang. Use the Year / Make / Model selector at borla.com.
Shop All Mustang Exhaust Systems →