Borla ATAK versus Stainless Works Retro Chambered

[Apex Motorsports]

Many Camaro SS owners seem end up trying to choose between these two systems. For that reason we shot videos of each in 720x486 HD and with digital stereo audio.

Note: While the Stainless Works system may seem quieter than the ATAK, that is not the case. It is actually a little louder. The ATAK was recorded first and when we filmed the Stainless Works we had to turn the levels down due to it peaking out the audio equipment.


Borla ATAK cat back system (part #: 140356)

The Camaro SS in our first video belongs to Camaro5 member CamaroHutch. It is equipped with the very popular Borla ATAK cat back system (part #: 140356) with stock exhaust manifolds and cats. It is also running a CAI Inc air intake system.




Stainless Works Retro Chambered cat back (part#: CA11CB)

The Camaro SS in our next video belongs to Camaro5 member Tantalizer43. It is equipped with the Stainless Works Retro Chambered cat back system (part #: CA11CB) with stock manifolds and cats.




And here is the same car with the addition of a set of Stainless Works 1 7/8 headers and high flow cats (part #: CA11HDRCATST).

[winterboy8]

OK, so if they're so close, and it's so hard to choose, which ones make more power?

[Dmpsix]

They're catbacks, catbacks aren't really there for power. So you shouldn't base your decision off of 1-3 horsepower at the very, absolute best.

I'm actually more interested in the tone between the two, I hear from numerous sources that the Atak is more raspy.

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by winterboy8

OK, so if they're so close, and it's so hard to choose, which ones make more power?

You will not gain any power with either. There is not any power to be gained in the exhaust system behind the cats.

Originally Posted by Dmpsix

They're catbacks, catbacks aren't really there for power. So you shouldn't base your decision off of 1-3 horsepower at the very, absolute best.

I'm actually more interested in the tone between the two, I hear from numerous sources that the Atak is more raspy.

The ATAK has a higher pitched tone and some rasp. The Retro Chambered has a deeper tone.

[Burt]

I've looked long and hard at both of these options. It's a shame Borla doesn't offer a 3" system with the ATAK mufflers.

[Dmpsix]

Originally Posted by Apex Motorsports

The ATAK has a higher pitched tone and some rasp. The Retro Chambered has a deeper tone.

I see, the retro chambered exhaust looks just like a straight pipe though other than a few changes you can see to the pipe itself.

I'm just scared for $1,000 that it will sound too similar to just a muffler delete.

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by Dmpsix

I see, the retro chambered exhaust looks just like a straight pipe though other than a few changes you can see to the pipe itself.

I'm just scared for $1,000 that it will sound too similar to just a muffler delete.

At first glance they are easy to miss but if you look closely there are 4 sections that look like this.




If you look inside it they look like this.




These acoustically tuned chambered section are what gives a chambered exhaust their signature raw muscle car sound.

[Burt]

If you have the opportunity would you consider re-recording the ATAK catback video, so we could have a truly direct comparison? Your videos are already the go-to for this comparison, but videos with equal audio would truly optimal. Plus you'd get to play with another Borla equipped car

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by Burt

If you have the opportunity would you consider re-recording the ATAK catback video, so we could have a truly direct comparison? Your videos are already the go-to for this comparison, but videos with equal audio would truly optimal. Plus you'd get to play with another Borla equipped car

The only change in the audio settings was we turned the sensitivity down a little because the Retro Chambered was louder. When comparing them back-to-back it will make the Retro Chambered sound not as loud but real world volume is not something you can get a feel for in video anyways.

[bionick]

SW is also cheaper than ATTAK.
I love my SW set up. Headers to tips.
Has a awesome deep growl at low RPM and just sounds like destruction at WOT.
Get compliments daily

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by bionick

sounds like destruction at WOT.

I like that.

[Noctis]

Throw a cam into the mix and the destructions at WOT becomes hell breaking loose people turn into owls when you go by with bulging eyes and 180 degree neck snap

[oepuxuntom]

I hear from numerous sources that the Atak is more raspy.

[Camaro10ss1]

Originally Posted by Noctis

Throw a cam into the mix and the destructions at WOT becomes hell breaking loose people turn into owls when you go by with bulging eyes and 180 degree neck snap

How's the car been since the cam install?