Borla exhaust on the 3rd gen Viper

Today I install the first modification to the 2004 Dodge Viper in the form of a stainless steel cat-back exhaust from Borla. This exhaust gives me the option to eliminate the extra cross-over piping from the rear of the car while also adding a more aggressive burble to the exhaust note. The decibel increase is approximately 3-4 over stock which is noticeable without causing the neighbors to sharpen their pitchforks.

[@coolfrost6]

Love the viper content. keep up the good work.

[@kauboi5700]

really get the impression of 5 cyl warble with side exhaust....very cool

[@AmbiVe]

It does sounds like two 5s side by side. Can't say I hate it ;)

[@BobHGarage]

Solid video

[@ryanwalvoord]

That front stud kicked my ass too lol

[@sepg5084]

So, those big fender vents on the gen 3 viper are fake vents?

[@Contact_Info]

Can you explain about the h pipe? What is that and how does it affect emissions requirements and sound.) and weight?

[@AmbiVe]

An h-pipe is just used to balance two tubes of an exhaust for sound and sometimes scavenging effects depending on placement and design. On this car, because the pipes are on opposite sides of the vehicle, the h-pipe section is very large and not inconsequential in weight due to the bends and hangers. It also adds to the heat in the car running the exhaust in a full circle around the cabin. The biggest difference with the sound is probably that each bank now is independent, so the sound is more like two 5 cylinder engines vs one v10

[@Contact_Info]

@@AmbiVedoes getting rid of the h pipe give more horse power and does the borla allow removal of the hpipe too or does it retain it? I'd I remove the hope will emissions be more dirty or will I pass inspection still you think?

[@AmbiVe]

@@Contact_Info The Borla kit gives the option to remove the h-pipe/cross-over, which is what I did. It should not have an impact on emissions as it is well downstream of the catalytic converters. As far as horsepower, I don't think so, but I have been surprised before. I think primarily it's a weight saving, simplification, and sound change.

[@pcaro]

Was wondering if it made a noticeable difference with the heat. Also wondering how bad the heat was in the first place as I am about to buy an 03. If I hear one more person say “it’s so hot you can’t drive it” and “those cars will kill you” I’m gonna throw up..lol

[@AmbiVe]

It reduced the side board heat a decent amount and dropped a good amount of weight off the car. Basically, it went from burn your leg hot to you can touch it without real issue. If you want to cut down the cabin temp more, you need to drop the cats, they are right near the foot well and add a good amount of heat inside when you drive it hard. I will probably replace them whenever I break down and do headers.

[@pcaro]

AmbiVe thanks so much for the reply. I’ll be following.

[@Vincenzo51985]

Great video and editing. Does this exhaust drone in the cabin? Corsa gets the best reviews, but the price difference is drastic.

[@AmbiVe]

It isn't bad with the rest of the system stock, in fact some people complained I should have made it louder. I will do a new video when I have the car back together. I'll get some better cabin sound.

[@AmbiVe]

@@Vincenzo51985 I don't think it's bad, but the initial install was with the stock catalytic converters. The other day when I was driving the factory cat fell apart and caused all kinds of problems. Apparently, it's not at all uncommon for them to just break apart. I'll be doing a video on it and I'll get some better in car and highway audio so you can get an idea of the sound as soon as I get the new high flow cats in the car and it's drivable.

[@jafarhon]

Borla is great, but i think Corsa sounds little better in my opinion

[@AmbiVe]

I like the Corsa sound, but I think people underestimate how loud the Corsa system is. If I didn't drive the car much or was only going to the track, I would have probably give with a full Corsa system target than just the Borla cat back.

[@jafarhon]

@@AmbiVe what r we talking about ?? we have the dream cars and who cares what exhaust we got, we are so lucky to have one in our garage, love your car and video.

[@AmbiVe]

Exactly. Exhausts are like music, everyone has a preference. It's just great people actually get their cars out and enjoy them 😉