Thunderbird Borla Club Members

[Gobird]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

Don't see why they wouldn't.

[MerlotBlue]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

I've not noticed any big change in shifting behavior after the Borlas and K&R CAI were installed on my '04 bird (included disconnecting the battery). When I punch it and pull quickly up to speed onto the expressway, I sure notice a difference (and the v8 growl), but nothing significant in shifting difference. I expect that may change though once we compliment the Borlas and CAI with an SCT X3 flash tuner and a few dyno tunes.

That might be interesting and make for a good post.

Did you do a stock dyno run?

I've used Borla exhaust systems and a few others in the past to mixed results on other cars. Seems like headers have to be in the mix to realize substantial gains and I'm not aware of anyone who makes headers for our cars.

I'm not sure anything short of Super Charging could really put some "thunder" in the T-Bird. The car and it's small V8 really doesn't pack much of a punch in stock trim. Even so I'd still be interested to see some concrete before and after numbers anyway. A little more go is always a welcome improvement as long as it's significant enough to justify the money and effort.

Has anyone done before and after dyno runs to get a read on the actual power improvements realized when you install Borla's Cat back and a CAI?

Steve

[Hannah3]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

How much do you all reckon a set of borlas and a K&N CAI add to the value of our cars at resale? Say for instance the current market is 25k for any given bird. What would this same car be worth with these add ons?

[Daktari]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

Hi there,

I reckon that some folks like these extras and others might even be put off by them. Value-wise, I don't think it makes a whole lot of difference either way.

It's probably similar to selling a house with a swimming pool. If there is a buyer who definately wants a pool, they might pay a slightly higher price but it may also put some potential buyers off.

Just my personal thoughts.

Gordon.

[HKS]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

Received the Borla stuff today. The box was either not stapled good or Fedex is geting rough careless. It almost fell apart. There was a forklift size hole poked in the box as well. I will have to unpack tonight to see if anything was damaged.

HKS

[HKS]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

The Borla box did not contain any clamps. Called Performancecenter.com and spoke with cust support. He called Borla while I was on hold. Then told me I would get the clamps from Borla next week. Today is wednesday. I said I planed to install the Borlas this weekend and asked for 2nd day air shipment for the six clamps. He said he would see what he can do. I am sure I was just talking to another professional liar.

I will find out if the rest of the parts fit. I feel like disputing this charge and sending the whole thing back.

HKS

[steelblue5505]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

To Hanna3
In reply to your question about a value change to the Bird with the addition of Borlas, chip change and the CAI.... I doubt it would change the value at all. Those add ons would only be delightful to someone who knows and understands their value added extras to the Bird.
And few who want or are looking for a 2002-2005 Bird know what those add-ons will do.

The 05 is already going on 3/4 yrs. old some folks don't even know what the retro Birds are.

[steelblue5505]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

To HKS
I will find out if the rest of the parts fit. I feel like disputing this charge and sending the whole thing back.

Well either you want the Borla system or NOT. Sounds like you really don't and are looking for a way out.

Also I'd like to know what years you were on the Ticon.
I was on the Yorktown CVS-10 from 1963-67. Homeport was Long Beach, CA. I think we operated with the Ticon.

[MerlotBlue]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

Hi there,

I reckon that some folks like these extras and others might even be put off by them. Value-wise, I don't think it makes a whole lot of difference either way.

It's probably similar to selling a house with a swimming pool. If there is a buyer who definitely wants a pool, they might pay a slightly higher price but it may also put some potential buyers off.

Just my personal thoughts.

Gordon.

I agree.

Changing anything from stock is always a matter of personal opinion and taste. Any potential buyer is as likely as not to want what you've done.

Looking at the market for older cars worth buying from a collector point of view it's not even really debatable. Factory stock cars in original trim with all original equipment in place go for the BIGGEST DOLLARS.

Doesn't bode well for any hopes of recovering the cost of your changes when you sell.

Anyone REALLY concerned with the day they will sell their car probably would be well advised to find some space to store the parts they remove in case a potential buyer, down the road, wants them.

[MerlotBlue]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

The Borla box did not contain any clamps. Called Performancecenter.com and spoke with cust support. He called Borla while I was on hold. Then told me I would get the clamps from Borla next week. Today is wednesday. I said I planed to install the Borlas this weekend and asked for 2nd day air shipment for the six clamps. He said he would see what he can do. I am sure I was just talking to another professional liar.

I will find out if the rest of the parts fit. I feel like disputing this charge and sending the whole thing back.

HKS

Are the clamps really that unique?

Seems like a quick trip to the local auto parts store might fix this dilemma for small change.

I bet your mail order supplier might even be willing to credit you the few bucks as it would likely be cheaper for them than shipping the parts to you.

[HKS]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

MerlotBlue,

Using 20-20 hindsight, I should have called Borla directly, instead of the reseller and offered to pay for 2nd day AIR shipping. I asked someone about geting the SST clamps localy and was advised not to do that. The Borla clamps are called "Dia. 2.25 Accuseal Clamp" Stainles Steel also I assume.

I always listen to other people instead of myself. I will call a parts store and see if they recognize the clamps.

Thanks for writing.

HKS

Are the clamps really that unique?
Seems like a quick trip to the local auto parts store might fix this dilemma for small change.
I bet your mail order supplier might even be willing to credit you the few bucks as it would likely be cheaper for them than shipping the parts to you.

[HKS]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

Called several auto parts stores. Only found 2 clamps. 6 required. Must wait for shipment from Borla.

MerlotBlue,
Using 20-20 hindsight, I should have called Borla directly, instead of the reseller and offered to pay for 2nd day AIR shipping. I asked someone about geting the SST clamps localy and was advised not to do that. The Borla clamps are called "Dia. 2.25 Accuseal Clamp" Stainles Steel also I assume.
I always listen to other people instead of myself. I will call a parts store and see if they recognize the clamps.
Thanks for writing.
HKS

[HKS]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

Received the six 2.25 inch Accuseal clamps one week later (yesterday). We may try the Borla installation Saturday June 21 2008.

HKS

Called several auto parts stores. Only found 2 clamps. 6 required. Must wait for shipment from Borla.

[Bradford]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

No Borlas yet, but they are on the top of my list, more for performance than sound. But the sound is like the iceing on the cake. Hope I'm added to that list in the near future. I'll probably see and hear some in Savannah that will put me over the threshold to getting this done.

[Ray]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

I bought my Bird in Oct. 2003, and had Borlas installed right after winter in April of 2004. The main reason I got Borlas was because of the tips. I thought the original tips looked too wimpy. I don't know if the performance improved or not as I can't really tell, but I was sure pleasantly surprised and happy with the sound. I got rid of the original exhaust system. No going back for me.