Thunderbird Borla Club Members

[tcapoccia]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

So tell me what is a CAI? A picture might be worth a thousand words. Also, does it affect the warranty?

Thanks....

[Ladybird02]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

Tony, CAI=Cool Air Induction There are numerous threads and posts on the CAI, you can use the search engine to find those.


TBN BORLA CLUB

1. Ladybird02 (Julie).........2002 Thunderbiird Blue
2. Bruce............................2003 Torch Red
3. Jim Dube (Jim)...............2002 Thunderbird Blue- 2005 Inca Gold
4. Blue Heaven (Dino).......2002 Thunderbird Blue
5. JAB02LHS (John)...........2004 Monterey Mist Green
6. the herd (Ray)..............2003 Whisper White
7. redbirdsal (Sal).............2002 Red
8. Gary R (Gary)................2002 Black
9. tbirdhiho (Kim)..............2002 Red
10. jim heath (Jim)............2003 Torch Red
11. Salprint (Sal)...............2004 Pacific Coast Roadster
12. Goldwing (Rick)...........2004 Platinum Silver
13. micamaven (John).......2004 Platinum Silver
14. RQTBIRD (Roger).........2002 Whisper White
15. Quickdraw (Harry).......2002 Thunderbird Blue
16. Bubblehead (Mike)......2003 Desert Sky Blue
17. sslate (Steve).............2003 Black
18. AGBird (John & Anne)..2003 Mountain Shadow Gray
19. Gobird (Spence)..........2002 Thunderbird Blue
20. 007 Cruiser (Gene).....2003 007 Coral
21. Bird03 (Wes) ..............2003 Torch Red
22. JBird (Jim)....................2003 Black
23. joelja (Joel).................2002 Thunderbird Blue
24. Arlene Dagostino (Arlene)...2004 Merlot
25. BlueBird (Todd) ..........2002 Thunderbird Blue
26. 2Fast4U (Claude)........2002 Thunderbird Blue
27. ProboxFan (Gary)........2003 Torch Red
28. larry n (Larry)..............2003 Torch Red
29. THNDRBRD02 (Noel)....2004 Torch Red
30. Red Bird Dave (Dave)..2002 Torch Red
31.ThunderBubba (Marty).2002 Thunderbird Blue
32.Lady SixPac (Margaret.2004 Pacific Coast Roadster
33.rstaples (Richard)........2003 Torch Red
34.02BlackBird (John).......2002 Black
35.Dizzbe (Vickie).............2004 Merlot
36.austingoodan(Austin)..2005 Black
34.wwegge (Warren).......2003 Mountain Shadow Gray
35.GLOBIRD (Ed & Glor)....2004 Merlot
36.Leisha (Tony)..............2002 Thunderbird Blue
37.4fundays (Patricia)......2004 Platinum Silver
38.Czar_bird (Steve)........2003 Whisper White
39. bwatkins....................2004 Light Ice Blue
40. 04 Bird (TSmith).........2004 Merlot


Sign in here if you are Borla Owners, join the TBN Borla Club!

[tcapoccia]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

Ok Julie..sign me up. The little '05 Black Bird now has Borlas! They sound "Purr-fect!!!"

Here's the installation procedures I followed for my 2005 T-Bird with links to pictures. Hope this helps others (especially the '04 and '05 Bird Lovers) to take the "Borla Plunge"


Installing Borla CAT-Back Exhaust on a 2005 Thunderbird


With the help and encouragement of Julie (Ladybird02—Borla Babe) I bought the Borla Performance Cat-Back Exhaust System for my new ’05 Bird. I received the TBN discount and the Borlas showed in two days via UPS.

There was an issue about Borla not recommending them for the ’04-’05 TBirds, however, Jim Dube had successfully installed them on his ’05 Bird and others had done the same on ‘04s. There was one individual who claimed that they would not fit his ’05 Bird, but it was obvious that the muffler shop who attempted the installation had no clue what they were doing.

The following are my key comments about the installation. The associated pictures are available on my website (see links that follow)

So last night I decided to make my first real mod to my three-week old baby Bird.

1. I looked in the 2005 Thunderbird Workshop manual and found the correct jacking points and jacked up just the rear of the car, placing a jack stand just forward of the rear wheels at the specified locations.

2. I downloaded the Borla Installation instructions (PDF) from the Borla website. What was odd was that there were no instructions included with the Borlas—surely an oversight.
http://www.borla.com/media/installations/140081.pdf

3. I then sprayed all the exhaust rubber hangers and the two factory clamps on the stock front mufflers with a penetrating spray lubricant.

4. I then removed the two front muffler clamps. Then I removed the exhaust hangers from the rubber brackets (two on each side). I had my teenage son hold the back part of the exhaust system up in place. Then with a couple of tugs the whole exhaust system came off as one piece. I then stored it in the shed until Spring when I will decide what to do with it.

5. At this point I could see the exhaust shield and the two exhaust pipes
http://www.biblebb.com/borla1.jpg
http://www.biblebb.com/borla2.jpg

(Note: the only place where I found any obstruction with the exhaust shield was on top of the Borla muffler where it was touching the lowest part of the protruding “bump” of the exhaust shield. I bent this “bump” in about a half an inch, which was surrounding the metal bracket for the driveshaft bearing assembly—it had enough clearance for this little bend).

6. I then got my electric drill with a small grinding wheel to grind off the little round tab on the right factory exhaust pipe (looks orange in picture). As you can see in picture #3 it didn’t even line up with the notch in the Borla pipe. But even if it did, Jim Dube already discovered that by removing the tab completely you can slide the Borla muffler further forward, thus having less tailpipe sticking out the back of the car. Some previous installations seem to stick out a bit too far. Picture #4 shows the tab completely removed.
http://www.biblebb.com/borla3.jpg
http://www.biblebb.com/borla4.jpg

7. I then found the Borla clamps and laid them out to find the two smaller ones for the front of the Borla muffler (again a Jim Dube idea).
http://www.biblebb.com/borla5.jpg

8. I then took each of the Borla connecting pipes and connected them together before putting them on the car, ensuring that they would slide together for complete insertion. I then took a marker pen and made a line at the full insertion point, which came in handy later when tightening up the system, to again ensure that I get the exhaust tips as full forward as I could. I measured the stock Ford tips from the resonator hangers to the end of the exhaust tip and the Borlas were approx 3.5 inches longer than the Ford ones, so ensuring all connections are fully inserted together is very important to keep the Borlas from sticking out too far.
http://www.biblebb.com/borla6.jpg

9. Then, as the Borla instructions indicate, I put all the pieces together with the clamps still untightened. Then I began slowly tightening each clamp so they could maintain position, yet still be moved around to ensure I got the right alignment of the tips. I had to keep ensuring the connections maintained full insertion until I gave it the final tightening. I then started at the rear of the car and started to tighten the clamps so the pipes would no longer move. I worked my way forward, and then made sure the muffler was completely as far forward as it could go.
http://www.biblebb.com/borla7.jpg

10. Lastly, I tightened each clamp bolt to the Borla recommended 35 ft pounds. The exhaust tips, although bigger than the stock ones, fit almost in the exact location as the Ford originals.
http://www.biblebb.com/borla8.jpg
http://www.biblebb.com/borla9.jpg

The sound is “perfect”—not too loud and not too soft. In fact, the best way to describe the sound is a “nice purr” similar to a new Mustang GT. And when you give the accelerator a bit of a push during takeoff the sound changes from a “purr” to a very nice “growl” sound.

[JAB02LHS]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

Tony, great documentation!
Should put all 04/05 owners that are on the fence
into the club.

But, if you want the full effect of the Borla's
you gotta add the K & N CAI.

After about 5/600 miles to allow the MAF to adjust
it's pure SWEEEET!

[Johnny Gumballs]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

Impressive written feedback w/ pics!!! Great work Tony.

[Ladybird02]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

Tony...WOW! Excellent post and pictures! Thank you so much for taking the time to post not only the instructions, but the pictures too!

[B] Thank you too Larry, for the patience you showed with the problem you had. I probed a little deeper into the way 21st handled your situation. 21st explained to me that if there are any problems with systems or installation that at Borlas Exhaust insistance, the purchaser must contact Borla first to make them aware of the problem, before a new system is sent out. John at 21st assured me he will watch for your system to arrive today (Friday) and not place it back on the shelf. Thank you again Larry!

Two new Borla's guys...Welcome Tony and Larry!

TBN BORLA CLUB

1. Ladybird02 (Julie).........2002 Thunderbiird Blue
2. Bruce............................2003 Torch Red
3. Jim Dube (Jim)...............2002 Thunderbird Blue- 2005 Inca Gold
4. Blue Heaven (Dino).......2002 Thunderbird Blue
5. JAB02LHS (John)...........2004 Monterey Mist Green
6. the herd (Ray)..............2003 Whisper White
7. redbirdsal (Sal).............2002 Red
8. Gary R (Gary)................2002 Black
9. tbirdhiho (Kim)..............2002 Red
10. jim heath (Jim)............2003 Torch Red
11. Salprint (Sal)...............2004 Pacific Coast Roadster
12. Goldwing (Rick)...........2004 Platinum Silver
13. micamaven (John).......2004 Platinum Silver
14. RQTBIRD (Roger).........2002 Whisper White
15. Quickdraw (Harry).......2002 Thunderbird Blue
16. Bubblehead (Mike)......2003 Desert Sky Blue
17. sslate (Steve).............2003 Black
18. AGBird (John & Anne)..2003 Mountain Shadow Gray
19. Gobird (Spence)..........2002 Thunderbird Blue
20. 007 Cruiser (Gene).....2003 007 Coral
21. Bird03 (Wes) ..............2003 Torch Red
22. JBird (Jim)....................2003 Black
23. joelja (Joel).................2002 Thunderbird Blue
24. Arlene Dagostino (Arlene)...2004 Merlot
25. BlueBird (Todd) ..........2002 Thunderbird Blue
26. 2Fast4U (Claude)........2002 Thunderbird Blue
27. ProboxFan (Gary)........2003 Torch Red
28. larry n (Larry)..............2003 Torch Red
29. THNDRBRD02 (Noel)....2004 Torch Red
30. Red Bird Dave (Dave)..2002 Torch Red
31.ThunderBubba (Marty).2002 Thunderbird Blue
32.Lady SixPac (Margaret.2004 Pacific Coast Roadster
33.rstaples (Richard)........2003 Torch Red
34.02BlackBird (John).......2002 Black
35.Dizzbe (Vickie).............2004 Merlot
36.austingoodan(Austin)..2005 Black
34.wwegge (Warren).......2003 Mountain Shadow Gray
35.GLOBIRD (Ed & Glor)....2004 Merlot
36.Leisha (Tony)..............2002 Thunderbird Blue
37.4fundays (Patricia)......2004 Platinum Silver
38.Czar_bird (Steve)........2003 Whisper White
39. bwatkins....................2004 Light Ice Blue
40. 04 Bird (TSmith).........2004 Merlot
41. larry n (Larry).............2003 Torch Red
42. tcapoccia (Tony).........2005 Black

There are more Borla owners out there......join us please!!

[tcapoccia]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

See latest post of Borla pictures 8 and 9 (Taken in daylight).....

10. Lastly, I tightened each clamp bolt to the Borla recommended 35 ft pounds. The exhaust tips, although bigger than the stock ones, fit almost in the exact location as the Ford originals.
http://www.biblebb.com/borla8.jpg
http://www.biblebb.com/borla9.jpg

Tony

[Ladybird02]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

Ahhh Tony...pretty Borla's! Can I also get you to post your instructions for 05 installation on the Borla Price Increase thread? Thank you for all your help Tony!

[mintbird]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

mintbird(Doug) 2004 Vintage Mint Green

[OhioBird04]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

OhioBird04-Gary
2004 PCR

The Borlas make a sound which is reminiscent of a '57 Bird I owned a lifetime ago. They make a nice burble sound without being offensive. Besides I still have the "stock" system leaning against the garage wall if a more quiet sound is desired. Thanks Julie for making the "process" easy.

[Ladybird02]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

Hey Doug and Gary, thanks for checking in with us. Happy New Year to you both!


TBN BORLA CLUB

1. Ladybird02 (Julie).........2002 Thunderbiird Blue
2. Bruce............................2003 Torch Red
3. Jim Dube (Jim)...............2002 Thunderbird Blue- 2005 Inca Gold
4. Blue Heaven (Dino).......2002 Thunderbird Blue
5. JAB02LHS (John)...........2004 Monterey Mist Green
6. the herd (Ray)..............2003 Whisper White
7. redbirdsal (Sal).............2002 Red
8. Gary R (Gary)................2002 Black
9. tbirdhiho (Kim)..............2002 Red
10. jim heath (Jim)............2003 Torch Red
11. Salprint (Sal)...............2004 Pacific Coast Roadster
12. Goldwing (Rick)...........2004 Platinum Silver
13. micamaven (John).......2004 Platinum Silver
14. RQTBIRD (Roger).........2002 Whisper White
15. Quickdraw (Harry).......2002 Thunderbird Blue
16. Bubblehead (Mike)......2003 Desert Sky Blue
17. sslate (Steve).............2003 Black
18. AGBird (John & Anne)..2003 Mountain Shadow Gray
19. Gobird (Spence)..........2002 Thunderbird Blue
20. 007 Cruiser (Gene).....2003 007 Coral
21. Bird03 (Wes) ..............2003 Torch Red
22. JBird (Jim)....................2003 Black
23. joelja (Joel).................2002 Thunderbird Blue
24. Arlene Dagostino (Arlene)...2004 Merlot
25. BlueBird (Todd) ..........2002 Thunderbird Blue
26. 2Fast4U (Claude)........2002 Thunderbird Blue
27. ProboxFan (Gary)........2003 Torch Red
28. larry n (Larry)..............2003 Torch Red
29. THNDRBRD02 (Noel)....2004 Torch Red
30. Red Bird Dave (Dave)..2002 Torch Red
31.ThunderBubba (Marty).2002 Thunderbird Blue
32.Lady SixPac (Margaret.2004 Pacific Coast Roadster
33.rstaples (Richard)........2003 Torch Red
34.02BlackBird (John).......2002 Black
35.Dizzbe (Vickie).............2004 Merlot
36.austingoodan(Austin)..2005 Black
34.wwegge (Warren).......2003 Mountain Shadow Gray
35.GLOBIRD (Ed & Glor)....2004 Merlot
36.Leisha (Tony)..............2002 Thunderbird Blue
37.4fundays (Patricia)......2004 Platinum Silver
38.Czar_bird (Steve)........2003 Whisper White
39. bwatkins....................2004 Light Ice Blue
40. 04 Bird (TSmith).........2004 Merlot
41. larry n (Larry).............2003 Torch Red
42. tcapoccia (Tony).........2005 Black
43. mintbird (Doug),,,,,,,,, 2004 Vintage Mint Green
44. OhioBird04 (Gary).......2004 Pacific Coast Roadster

There are more Borla owners out there......join us please!!
__________________

[Joybird]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

Joybird o2 black Joy

[T Bird Blues]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

Mine are on order. YIPPEE!!
2004 Light Ice Blue

[Ladybird02]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

Joy and Joy, thanks for joining!


TBN BORLA CLUB

1. Ladybird02 (Julie).........2002 Thunderbiird Blue
2. Bruce............................2003 Torch Red
3. Jim Dube (Jim)...............2002 Thunderbird Blue- 2005 Inca Gold
4. Blue Heaven (Dino).......2002 Thunderbird Blue
5. JAB02LHS (John)...........2004 Monterey Mist Green
6. the herd (Ray)..............2003 Whisper White
7. redbirdsal (Sal).............2002 Red
8. Gary R (Gary)................2002 Black
9. tbirdhiho (Kim)..............2002 Red
10. jim heath (Jim)............2003 Torch Red
11. Salprint (Sal)...............2004 Pacific Coast Roadster
12. Goldwing (Rick)...........2004 Platinum Silver
13. micamaven (John).......2004 Platinum Silver
14. RQTBIRD (Roger).........2002 Whisper White
15. Quickdraw (Harry).......2002 Thunderbird Blue
16. Bubblehead (Mike)......2003 Desert Sky Blue
17. sslate (Steve).............2003 Black
18. AGBird (John & Anne)..2003 Mountain Shadow Gray
19. Gobird (Spence)..........2002 Thunderbird Blue
20. 007 Cruiser (Gene).....2003 007 Coral
21. Bird03 (Wes) ..............2003 Torch Red
22. JBird (Jim)....................2003 Black
23. joelja (Joel).................2002 Thunderbird Blue
24. Arlene Dagostino (Arlene)...2004 Merlot
25. BlueBird (Todd) ..........2002 Thunderbird Blue
26. 2Fast4U (Claude)........2002 Thunderbird Blue
27. ProboxFan (Gary)........2003 Torch Red
28. larry n (Larry)..............2003 Torch Red
29. THNDRBRD02 (Noel)....2004 Torch Red
30. Red Bird Dave (Dave)..2002 Torch Red
31.ThunderBubba (Marty).2002 Thunderbird Blue
32.Lady SixPac (Margaret.2004 Pacific Coast Roadster
33.rstaples (Richard)........2003 Torch Red
34.02BlackBird (John).......2002 Black
35.Dizzbe (Vickie).............2004 Merlot
36.austingoodan(Austin)..2005 Black
34.wwegge (Warren).......2004 Merlot
35.GLOBIRD (Ed & Glor)....2004 Merlot
36.Leisha (Tony)..............2002 Thunderbird Blue
37.4fundays (Patricia)......2004 Platinum Silver
38.Czar_bird (Steve)........2003 Whisper White
39. bwatkins....................2004 Light Ice Blue
40. 04 Bird (TSmith).........2004 Merlot
41. larry n (Larry).............2003 Torch Red
42. tcapoccia (Tony).........2005 Black
43. mintbird (Doug),,,,,,,,, 2004 Vintage Mint Green
44. OhioBird04 (Gary).......2004 Pacific Coast Roadster
45. Joybird (Joy)................2002 Black
46. T Bird Blues (Joy).........2004 Light Ice Blue

[twhiller]

Re: Thunderbird Borla Club Members

Ok Julie the Borlas are installed and they sound great.
TWHILLER (Tom).........2003 Whisper White