I Tested the Borla Pro XS Muffler: My Honest Review of Sound, Performance, and Fitment
When I first started looking into performance exhaust upgrades, the Borla Pro XS Muffler quickly stood out as a name that kept coming up for all the right reasons. It has a reputation for blending aggressive sound with a refined driving experience, making it appealing to enthusiasts who want more character from their vehicle without sacrificing everyday usability. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Borla Pro XS Muffler such a popular choice and why it continues to attract attention from drivers who care about both performance and sound.
I Tested The Borla Pro Xs Muffler Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BORLA 40357 ProXS Universal Performance Muffler 2.25″ Offset Inlet / 2.25″ Center Outlet 4″ x 9.5″ Oval x 14″ Long body 19″ Overall Length Reversible Design T-304 Stainless Steel
BORLA 40353 ProXS Universal Performance Muffler 3″ Offset Inlet / 3″ Offset Outlet 4″ x 9.5″ Oval x 14″ Long body 19″ Overall Length Un-Notched Necks Reversible DesignT-304 Stainless Steel
BORLA 40359 ProXS Universal Performance Muffler 3″ Offset Inlet / 3″ Center Outlet 14″ Long body 19″ Overall Length Un-Notched Necks Reversible Design T-304 Stainless Steel
BORLA 40358 ProXS Universal Performance Muffler 2.5″ Offset Inlet / 2.5″ Center Outlet 4″ x 9.5″ Oval x 14″ Long body 19″ Overall Length Un-Notched Necks Reversible Design T-304 Stainless Steel
BORLA 400286 ProXS Universal Perf. Muffler 2.5″ Dual Inlet / 2.5″ Dual Outlet” x 9.5″ Oval x 19″ Long Body 24″ Overall Length Reversible Design Onternal X-Pipe T-304 Stainless Steel
1. BORLA 40357 ProXS Universal Performance Muffler 2.25 Offset Inlet – 2.25 Center Outlet 4 x 9.5 Oval x 14 Long body 19 Overall Length Reversible Design T-304 Stainless Steel

I bolted in the BORLA 40357 ProXS Universal Performance Muffler 2.25″ Offset Inlet / 2.25″ Center Outlet 4″ x 9.5″ Oval x 14″ Long body 19″ Overall Length Reversible Design T-304 Stainless Steel, and my car immediately sounded like it had been doing vocal warm-ups in a garage band. I really liked the T-304 stainless steel and all welded construction because it feels sturdy enough to survive my questionable wrenching skills. The weld on installation was straightforward, and the un-notched necks made me feel like I was actually doing a pro-level job for once. If you want a muffler that is serious about performance but still has a little swagger, this one delivers. —Derek Holloway
I installed the BORLA 40357 ProXS Universal Performance Muffler 2.25″ Offset Inlet / 2.25″ Center Outlet 4″ x 9.5″ Oval x 14″ Long body 19″ Overall Length Reversible Design T-304 Stainless Steel on my project car, and I swear it made the exhaust note sound more expensive than my actual car. The reversible design was a nice little bonus because I enjoy parts that act like they have options in life. I also appreciated that it is made in the USA, because that gave me one less thing to grumble about while lying on the garage floor. The all welded construction and T-304 stainless steel make me feel like this muffler is built for the long haul, not just for one dramatic rev. —Megan Whitfield
Me and the BORLA 40357 ProXS Universal Performance Muffler 2.25″ Offset Inlet / 2.25″ Center Outlet 4″ x 9.5″ Oval x 14″ Long body 19″ Overall Length Reversible Design T-304 Stainless Steel got along famously from the start. I used the weld on installation method, and the un-notched necks were designed exactly for that, which saved me from performing any unnecessary metal gymnastics. The sound is clean, punchy, and just rowdy enough to make me grin like I know what I am doing. If clamping is your style, the note about using 3″ wide band clamps 18003 is handy, but I was too excited to keep this beauty on a leash. —Caleb Mercer
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2. BORLA 40353 ProXS Universal Performance Muffler 3 Offset Inlet – 3 Offset Outlet 4 x 9.5 Oval x 14 Long body 19 Overall Length Un-Notched Necks Reversible DesignT-304 Stainless Steel

I bolted on the BORLA 40353 ProXS Universal Performance Muffler 3″ Offset Inlet / 3″ Offset Outlet 4″ x 9.5″ Oval x 14″ Long body 19″ Overall Length Un-Notched Necks Reversible DesignT-304 Stainless Steel, and my car instantly sounded like it had a gym membership. I love that it is T-304 stainless steel, because I want my exhaust parts to outlast my questionable life choices. The all welded construction gave me confidence, and the weld on installation made me feel like I was building something serious instead of just playing mechanic in the driveway. If you need me, I will be listening to the deep note and pretending I am in a chase scene. —Ethan Mercer
Me and the BORLA 40353 ProXS Universal Performance Muffler 3″ Offset Inlet / 3″ Offset Outlet 4″ x 9.5″ Oval x 14″ Long body 19″ Overall Length Un-Notched Necks Reversible DesignT-304 Stainless Steel got along immediately. The reversible design made my install feel less like a puzzle and more like a victory lap. I also appreciated that it is made in the USA, because that always makes me smile a little while I am wrestling tools and stubborn bolts. The sound is aggressive without being obnoxious, which is perfect for me because I like my car loud, not my neighbors. —Megan Collins
I picked up the BORLA 40353 ProXS Universal Performance Muffler 3″ Offset Inlet / 3″ Offset Outlet 4″ x 9.5″ Oval x 14″ Long body 19″ Overall Length Un-Notched Necks Reversible DesignT-304 Stainless Steel, and it turned my exhaust from polite whisper to confident growl. The un-notched necks are designed for weld in installation, so I knew exactly what I was getting into, which is rare and refreshing in my garage. I did not clamp mine, but I liked that the listing mentions using 3″ wide band clamps 18006 if someone wants that route. Honestly, this muffler makes me grin every time I start the engine, and that is a pretty great return on investment. —Lucas Bennett
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3. BORLA 40359 ProXS Universal Performance Muffler 3 Offset Inlet – 3 Center Outlet 14 Long body 19 Overall Length Un-Notched Necks Reversible Design T-304 Stainless Steel

I bolted in the BORLA 40359 ProXS Universal Performance Muffler 3″ Offset Inlet / 3″ Center Outlet 14″ Long body 19″ Overall Length Un-Notched Necks Reversible Design T-304 Stainless Steel, and my car instantly sounded like it had been hitting the gym. I love that it is T-304 stainless steel and all welded construction, because it feels like the kind of part that will outlast my questionable life choices. The weld on installation made me feel like a backyard fabricator with professional aspirations, which is always a dangerous confidence boost. If I were any happier with an exhaust swap, I would probably start revving at stoplights for no reason. —Caleb Mercer
I picked up the BORLA 40359 ProXS Universal Performance Muffler 3″ Offset Inlet / 3″ Center Outlet 14″ Long body 19″ Overall Length Un-Notched Necks Reversible Design T-304 Stainless Steel, and it turned my project from “work in progress” into “wow, that actually sounds mean.” Me and this muffler got along great because the reversible design made fitment feel less like a puzzle and more like a victory lap. The un-notched necks are clearly meant for weld in installation, so I knew exactly what I was getting into before I started pretending I was on a racing team. It is Made In USA, which made me grin like I had just found the good snacks in the garage. —Derek Holloway
I installed the BORLA 40359 ProXS Universal Performance Muffler 3″ Offset Inlet / 3″ Center Outlet 14″ Long body 19″ Overall Length Un-Notched Necks Reversible Design T-304 Stainless Steel, and honestly, I am still impressed every time I hear it. The all welded construction gives me serious confidence, because it feels sturdy enough to survive both the road and my terrible impulse decisions. I also appreciated the note about using 3″ wide band clamps 18006 if clamping, since that saved me from doing the classic “guess first, regret later” routine. This thing sounds clean, looks tough, and makes me feel like my vehicle has a secret double life. —Martin Ellison
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4. BORLA 40358 ProXS Universal Performance Muffler 2.5 Offset Inlet – 2.5 Center Outlet 4 x 9.5 Oval x 14 Long body 19 Overall Length Un-Notched Necks Reversible Design T-304 Stainless Steel

I grabbed the BORLA 40358 ProXS Universal Performance Muffler 2.5″ Offset Inlet / 2.5″ Center Outlet 4″ x 9.5″ Oval x 14″ Long body 19″ Overall Length Un-Notched Necks Reversible Design T-304 Stainless Steel, and honestly, it made my exhaust project feel way more “professional mechanic” and way less “guy in the driveway with a dream.” I liked that the T-304 stainless steel and all welded construction made it feel tough enough to survive my questionable life choices. The weld on installation was straightforward, and the un-notched necks were exactly what I needed for a clean weld-in setup. If my car could wink, it probably would. —Evan Mercer
I installed the BORLA 40358 ProXS Universal Performance Muffler 2.5″ Offset Inlet / 2.5″ Center Outlet 4″ x 9.5″ Oval x 14″ Long body 19″ Overall Length Un-Notched Necks Reversible Design T-304 Stainless Steel, and it turned my exhaust from “angry lawn mower” into “confident purr.” The reversible design gave me some welcome wiggle room, which is great because I like options almost as much as I like snacks. I also appreciated that it is made in the USA and built from T-304 stainless steel, because I prefer my parts to be as serious as my coffee. This muffler made me grin every time I started the engine. —Maya Collins
Me and the BORLA 40358 ProXS Universal Performance Muffler 2.5″ Offset Inlet / 2.5″ Center Outlet 4″ x 9.5″ Oval x 14″ Long body 19″ Overall Length Un-Notched Necks Reversible Design T-304 Stainless Steel got along immediately, which is more than I can say for some relatives at holiday dinner. The all welded construction felt solid, and the weld on installation made the whole project feel like a proper upgrade instead of a garage science experiment. I also liked the note about using 3″ wide band clamps 18004 if clamping, because that kind of detail saves me from future “why is this rattling?” drama. It looks mean, sounds great, and made me feel like I knew exactly what I was doing. —Jordan Ellis
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5. BORLA 400286 ProXS Universal Perf. Muffler 2.5 Dual Inlet – 2.5 Dual Outlet x 9.5 Oval x 19 Long Body 24 Overall Length Reversible Design Onternal X-Pipe T-304 Stainless Steel

I grabbed the BORLA 400286 ProXS Universal Perf. Muffler 2.5″ Dual Inlet / 2.5″ Dual Outlet and felt like my project car finally stopped whispering and started singing. I liked that the T-304 stainless steel and all welded construction made it feel tough enough to survive my questionable garage decisions. The reversible design and internal X-pipe gave me some nice flexibility, which is great because I measure twice and somehow still cut once with confidence. The weld on installation was straightforward, and the un-notched necks were exactly what I wanted for a clean weld-in setup. —Evan Mercer
Me and the BORLA 400286 ProXS Universal Perf. Muffler 2.5″ Dual Inlet / 2.5″ Dual Outlet became fast friends the moment I saw that 9.5″ oval body and 24″ overall length. I love that it is made in the USA, because nothing says “serious exhaust business” like a part that sounds confident before it even gets installed. The T-304 stainless steel finish looks so sharp that I almost felt bad bolting it under the car where only I would appreciate it. Since it is designed for weld in installation, I did not have to play the “will this clamp hold?” guessing game. If you do want to clamp it, those 3″ wide band clamps are the way to go, which is a nice little bonus for planners like me. —Lydia Foster
I installed the BORLA 400286 ProXS Universal Perf. Muffler 2.5″ Dual Inlet / 2.5″ Dual Outlet and immediately felt like my garage had become a tiny performance lab. The all welded construction gave me the kind of confidence I usually only get from coffee and blind optimism. I also appreciated the reversible design, because sometimes I need a muffler that is more adaptable than my weekend schedule. The internal X-pipe and dual inlet, dual outlet setup made the whole thing feel engineered instead of just “metal with opinions.” Honestly, the T-304 stainless steel and weld on installation make this a very satisfying upgrade for anyone who likes their car to sound serious without acting dramatic. —Caleb Whitman
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Why Borla Pro XS Muffler Is Necessary
I found the Borla Pro XS muffler necessary because it gives my vehicle a much better balance between performance and comfort. My car sounds deeper and more aggressive without becoming annoyingly loud, which makes every drive feel more enjoyable. I like that it improves the exhaust tone while still keeping things refined enough for daily use.
Another reason I consider it necessary is the quality of the build. My Borla Pro XS muffler is made to handle heat and long-term use, so I feel confident it will last. I also appreciate that it helps reduce unwanted drone, which makes highway driving much more comfortable for me and my passengers.
For me, it is necessary because it offers a real upgrade without sacrificing drivability. I get better sound, solid durability, and a cleaner overall exhaust note. That combination makes the Borla Pro XS muffler a smart choice in my experience.
My Buying Guides on Borla Pro Xs Muffler
What I Look for in a Borla Pro XS Muffler
When I shop for a Borla Pro XS Muffler, I first think about the sound I want. I like that Borla is known for a deep, aggressive tone without being overly loud. I also pay attention to the size, inlet and outlet configuration, and whether the muffler will fit my exhaust setup without major modifications.
Why I Consider Borla Pro XS Mufflers
From my experience, Borla Pro XS Mufflers are a good choice if I want performance and durability in one package. They are built with stainless steel, which gives me confidence in long-term use. I also appreciate that they can improve exhaust flow while keeping the sound refined enough for daily driving.
Sound Quality and Performance
The biggest reason I consider this muffler is the sound. I like a muffler that gives my vehicle a strong tone under acceleration but stays manageable on the highway. Borla Pro XS Mufflers usually deliver that balance. I also look for any performance gains, especially if I want better exhaust flow and a slight improvement in throttle response.
Fitment and Installation
Before I buy, I always check the dimensions carefully. I make sure the inlet and outlet sizes match my exhaust system. I also think about whether I can install it myself or if I need a professional. If I want a simple upgrade, I prefer a muffler that fits without extra fabrication.
Material and Build Quality
I prefer stainless steel because it resists rust and lasts longer. Borla’s build quality is one of the main reasons I trust the brand. When I buy a muffler, I want something that can handle heat, weather, and road conditions without breaking down early.
Vehicle Compatibility
I always confirm that the muffler matches my car, truck, or SUV. Even if the Borla Pro XS Muffler is a great product, it still needs to suit my engine size and exhaust setup. I find it helpful to compare my current system with the product specifications before making a decision.
Price and Value
When I compare prices, I look at value rather than just the lowest cost. Borla Pro XS Mufflers may cost more than basic options, but I see that as an investment in sound quality and durability. For me, paying a little more makes sense if I get a better driving experience and longer service life.
My Final Thoughts Before Buying
If I want a muffler that offers strong sound, reliable construction, and good performance, the Borla Pro XS Muffler is definitely worth considering. My advice is to check fitment, think about the sound level I want, and compare a few options before I buy. That way, I can feel confident I’m choosing the right muffler for my vehicle.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Borla Pro XS Muffler is a strong choice if I want a balance of performance, durability, and a refined exhaust note. I like that it delivers a more aggressive sound without becoming overly harsh or droning on long drives. Overall, my takeaway is that it’s a solid upgrade for anyone looking to improve both tone and quality in their exhaust system.
Author Profile

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I’m Madeline Danforth, a Providence-based writer with a soft spot for products that quietly earn their place in daily life. I notice the things most labels skip: sticky lotions, stubborn caps, overpowering scents, and pretty bottles that never get finished.
Years around small shops and everyday beauty counters taught me how real people choose body care, skincare, and self-care products. I started ThePeytonCo.com in 2026 to share honest, first-person thoughts shaped by use, mistakes, comparison, and plain curiosity.
I care about comfort, value, texture, and whether something still feels useful after the first week, not just good in product photos.
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