Borla vs Banks
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From: USA
Borla vs Banks
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 15-Sep-02 AT 03:34 PM (EST)]
I am getting ready to install a set of headers on my 99 350. I have a Borla catback system on it now. What do you think ??? Borla or Banks headers... 
I am getting ready to install a set of headers on my 99 350. I have a Borla catback system on it now. What do you think ??? Borla or Banks headers... 
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,955
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From: Mesa
Borla vs Banks
There used to be a time when I was Borla all the way. They were 1/2 the price of the Banks and reasonable quality for the price. I've had mine now for over 40,000 miles and have had no problems. In the past several months, the price of Borla headers have nearly doubled. Now with only a hunderd or two dollar difference I'd go with the Banks. Better build quality. Thicker flanges, little bit longer tubing, stock style collector gasket & heat shields. If you can find a great deal on the Borla's then get them. They are still a quality header.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Vancouver Wash USA
Borla vs Banks
>There used to be a time when I was Borla all the way. They
>were 1/2 the price of the Banks and reasonable quality for
>the price. I've had mine now for over 40,000 miles and have
>had no problems. In the past several months, the price of
>Borla headers have nearly doubled. Now with only a hunderd
>or two dollar difference I'd go with the Banks. Better
>build quality. Thicker flanges, little bit longer tubing,
>stock style collector gasket & heat shields. If you can find
>a great deal on the Borla's then get them. They are still a
>quality header.
I understood that with the extra thick header flange that no gasket is required, true ? I saw an interview with Gale Banks on 2 different shows. Trucks, on TNN and then again on RV Today. And the Trucks interview showed how Banks makes their headers, the Gale was showing how thick the exhaust mounting flange is and how it did not need a gasket, thereby eliminating the dreaded header leak. The header they were showing was for a GM engine, so maybe they are different. And Banks doesn't call them 'headers', he calls them 'Torque tubes'.
Ken 98 E-350 V-10 XLT ClubWagon
>were 1/2 the price of the Banks and reasonable quality for
>the price. I've had mine now for over 40,000 miles and have
>had no problems. In the past several months, the price of
>Borla headers have nearly doubled. Now with only a hunderd
>or two dollar difference I'd go with the Banks. Better
>build quality. Thicker flanges, little bit longer tubing,
>stock style collector gasket & heat shields. If you can find
>a great deal on the Borla's then get them. They are still a
>quality header.
I understood that with the extra thick header flange that no gasket is required, true ? I saw an interview with Gale Banks on 2 different shows. Trucks, on TNN and then again on RV Today. And the Trucks interview showed how Banks makes their headers, the Gale was showing how thick the exhaust mounting flange is and how it did not need a gasket, thereby eliminating the dreaded header leak. The header they were showing was for a GM engine, so maybe they are different. And Banks doesn't call them 'headers', he calls them 'Torque tubes'.
Ken 98 E-350 V-10 XLT ClubWagon
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Borla vs Banks
>I understood that with the extra thick header flange that no
>gasket is required, true ?
My Banks equipped 96 with a 460 does not have a gasket between the head and header flange.It didn't have one with the factory manifolds either,only the California models used a gasket in 96.
The 02 V-10 uses a gasket for the mounting flange.Probably because of the aluminum heads,lots of expansion and contraction during temperature cycles.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,742
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From: OK
Borla vs Banks
I've seen the "no gasket needed" info, but one comes with the V10 kit & the instructions have you install it. Looks like ol' Gale isn't informed about all of the kits. 
Regardless, after 6 months & 15,000 miles, I've still never gone back and re-tightened my bolts. Can't find any exhaust leaks either.
Regardless, after 6 months & 15,000 miles, I've still never gone back and re-tightened my bolts. Can't find any exhaust leaks either.
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 505
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From: Mountaintop USA
Borla vs Banks
Neal and Steve....does Banks give you a new torque spec for the headers or do you stay with the factory spec? Thx.
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Joined: Apr 2001
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Borla vs Banks
Hello All, been awhile since a post but I had to chime in here. I have the Borla system and love it. It does require gaskets due to the aluminum heads.
I just purchased a set from my vendor for a customer and there was only a $30 increase since last year.
Search for a better price, I saw Borla has a list of almost $1100 thats nuts. Good luck.
01, SD, 4X4, V10, Borla Headers, Cyclone Fan, 3" Lift, 33x12.50 ATS's
Superchip, Custom Duals, and alot of Chevy Eating Power!!
I just purchased a set from my vendor for a customer and there was only a $30 increase since last year.
Search for a better price, I saw Borla has a list of almost $1100 thats nuts. Good luck.
01, SD, 4X4, V10, Borla Headers, Cyclone Fan, 3" Lift, 33x12.50 ATS's
Superchip, Custom Duals, and alot of Chevy Eating Power!!
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Borla vs Banks
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 16-Sep-02 AT 10:26 PM (EST)]>Neal and Steve....does Banks give you a new torque spec for
>the headers or do you stay with the factory spec? Thx.
When I did the 460 with iron heads I used the Ford torque spec.
When I did the V-10 I didn't use a torque wrench.I have had a couple of bad experiences in the past torquing small bolts in aluminum with a torque wrench on japanese motorcycles. I relied on my feel and tightened them just past snug.I probably erred on the conservative (loose) side figuring I could always tighten them more later if needed.So far no problems.
>the headers or do you stay with the factory spec? Thx.
When I did the 460 with iron heads I used the Ford torque spec.
When I did the V-10 I didn't use a torque wrench.I have had a couple of bad experiences in the past torquing small bolts in aluminum with a torque wrench on japanese motorcycles. I relied on my feel and tightened them just past snug.I probably erred on the conservative (loose) side figuring I could always tighten them more later if needed.So far no problems.
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