Picking the right combination of power accessories to add to your SUV is a lot like a heavyweight bout. All fighters must weigh their options when facing an opposing foe. Do they simply dance around their prey or go right in for the attack? The options in speed accessory parts are similar in nature. You can always go for the full-blown supercharged headers, the reprogrammed computer, and so forth right after the initial vehicle purchase. Or you can dance around the speed accessory business with simple and affordable upgrades that anyone can perform.
The actual purchase of the parts generally comes down to price, availability, technical expertise from the mail-order parts house, and customer satisfaction with the hope of return business. NOPI (Number One Parts Industries), based in Atlanta, is a relatively new name to the light-truck and SUV business, but not an unfamiliar name in the import scene. Having been in business for 34 years, NOPI offers high-quality aftermarket performance accessories at reasonable prices. Plus, its attention to detail and getting exactly what the customer desires is the company's number one priority, hence the name NOPI.
Our main goals were to increase overall performance from a low-end torque situation to improve peak horsepower as well as to increase fuel mileage. The technical experts at NOPI suggested a Borla Performance Industries' Cat-Back system for use on our late-model Chevrolet S-10 Blazer equipped with a 4.3L Vortec V-6. The end result was a dramatic increase in performance from a relatively inexpensive and easily performed exhaust upgrade. The entire installation process should take less than three or four hours even if you have never attempted such a task. Follow along while we highlight our NOPI-endorsed added power punch.
1. Upon receiving the Borla...
1. Upon receiving the Borla Performance Industries' Cat-Back kit from NOPI, a quick look revealed the new 2-1/2-inch system contains all of the necessary mounting hardware needed to complete the installation. Equipped with Borla's intercooled polished stainless steel exhaust tip, the entire system is mandrel-bent stainless steel that resists foul weather and will not rust out over prolonged exposure to harsh elements.
2. A quick comparison of the...
2. A quick comparison of the Borla Performance Industries' Cat-Back muffler to the stock unit reveals the Borla unit to be roughly 6 inches shorter in length, meaning that with less interior baffles than the stock muffler, spent exhaust fumes will be directed more quickly out to the rear of the SUV. Overall, for the stock 4.3L V-6, total power gains should be anywhere from 6 to 8 percent better than stock. In addition, the new Borla system offers a deeper exhaust tone as well as a 1-to-3-mpg increase in fuel economy.
3. Knowing the stock muffler...
3. Knowing the stock muffler would decrease performance, we decided to cut it open just to take a quick look at possible power loss problem areas. After cutting open the top of the muffler, it was easy to see where the losses were. Not only do the spent gases enter in a constricted inner tube, they get lost through a series of unnecessary baffles, restrictions, and chambers. This muffler is large < even bigger than a fullsize Suburban or Tahoe stock muffler.
4. There are two schools of...
4. There are two schools of thought when removing the stock after-cat exhaust system. One, you can methodically remove the system taking care not to damage any of the hangers or rubber biscuits commonly found on stock systems, which would be reinstalled on the new NOPI-shipped Borla Performance Industries' Cat-Back kit. Or, the other more common approach is to simply cut as much of the stock system necessary to gain access for complete removal. This is where a hacksaw, a Sawzall, or even a reciprocating saw come in handy. Cut anywhere after the factory catalytic converter to facilitate removal.
5. After the factory muffler...
5. After the factory muffler was removed, the remaining exhaust pipe was pulled free from the vehicle. Some slight maneuvering around or over the axle was necessary to totally pull the remaining tubing free.
6. The NOPI-shipped stainless...
6. The NOPI-shipped stainless steel Borla Performance Industries' muffler installed easily in the factory location using the factory hangers and rubber isolators. These rubber isolators had to be installed first because they were used to hang the new Borla system. In addition, as the new exhaust system or even the stock system heats up, it will grow in length by roughly 1 inch.
7. The new front 2-1/2-inch...
7. The new front 2-1/2-inch mandrel-bent stainless steel tubing flange was carefully slid up to the stock three-holed flange surface.
8. The supplied gasket was...
8. The supplied gasket was fitted to the side of the flange surface. To ensure there will be no exhaust leaks, we applied a liberal amount of an antiseize compound for extra protection against exhaust leaks.
9. Some maneuvering was necessary...
9. Some maneuvering was necessary to expedite the remaining stainless steel tubing. As a result of this SUV being slightly lowered, it became necessary to jack up the body of the Blazer to allow the new Borla tubing to make it up and over the factory axle.
10. Just as the front of the...
10. Just as the front of the NOPI-shipped exhaust kit comes as a bolt-on affair, the rear stainless steel pipe also was bolted together with a slip-fit fitting. Carefully, the two unions were lined up, making sure neither was pinched when the two connections were made.
11. Where the two pieces met,...
11. Where the two pieces met, the pipe clamp collar was slid over the two slip-fit pieces of exhaust tubing. A 1/2-inch bolt was tightened down to 50 lb-ft of torque and should be rechecked after two weeks of prolonged use to ensure the connections have not loosened up after the system has been broken in.
12. One last step was to properly...
12. One last step was to properly hang the new stainless steel intercooled tip. The slip-fit connection allows for the tip to be placed at just about any level. However, the tip had to be run out just slightly past the back of the bumper or roll pan. Failure to do so would have promoted prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide gases that could have wafted into the interior cab. Also, by properly routing the exhaust tip out the rear, spent exhaust gases and fumes will not dirty up the backside of the SUV.