2004 Borla cat back tip adjustment | Ford Thunderbird forum club group 1955-2005 models
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2004 Borla cat back tip adjustment

  • Thread starter Thread starter TopDownMadness
  • Start date Start date
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TopDownMadness

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Thunderbird Year
2004
I just received a new Borla cat back system. I've noticed many installs where the tips are at different points extending from the bumper cutouts. Hoped to find the adjustment point before install preferring the more tucked look. Thinking the factory pipe(s) may need a slight trim before the set is bolted up? Many are like the black car below extending out. This maybe how the kit looks bolting it straight on? Others like the red example tucked in more. Maybe there's slack somewhere I'm missing? Both look good but I like 'em tucked a tad.

Borla out2.jpg
in.PNG

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The exhaust tips should be tucked in. Here are some examples from the 2003 and 2004 brochures below.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

2003 Brochure Picture.jpg

2004 Brochure Picture.jpg
 
Advantages to extended tips:

- Mininizes carbon buildup and discoloration on bumper, more noticable on lighter car bodies
- Minimizes sound resonance and vibration in car's interior
- Provides a more aggressive, sporty look to the Birds' rear end
 
The exhaust tips should be tucked in. Here are some examples from the 2003 and 2004 brochures below.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue
Indeed, they are factory correct (under the cutouts) and that may be right for collectors. I'm thinking just peeking out from the cutout which is only about an inch+ from the factory tuck. The kit pokes them out 2-3" which is fine, but I've spotted this very install tucked which is the pursuit.
 
Indeed, they are factory correct (under the cutouts) and that may be right for collectors. I'm thinking just peeking out from the cutout which is only about an inch+ from the factory tuck. The kit pokes them out 2-3" which is fine, but I've spotted this very install tucked which is the pursuit.
Doug, I know what you are saying and I agree. I’m going to have my muffler shop take cut an inch out and re-weld. Before installation I will paint the entire exhaust high temp silver. Yep, it’s that OCD thing.
 
I'll document what works shortening the Borla kit. Waiting for better weather to get 'em on. As they're stainless, cutting and welding add issues modifying them. Hoping the length tweak is findable? Not sure what Reigh above is cutting back and painting but pretty sure they're not the stainless cat-backs? Taking an inch back from the factory tips would tuck them under indeed. Way under!
 
Got the Borlas on today and tucked-in as desired. The '03 model #‎140081 does fit an '04 with no heat shield mods needed. (Read that somewhere) However, to pull them forward from the Borla factory length the shop bent the hangers toward the rear where they peek out the factory cutouts but don't look like rocket engines. Um... yeah, tasty tones indeed.

tip rear.jpg

tip side.jpg

tip down.jpg
 
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