Upgrading your Lexus RX with a Borla Touring Exhaust is an excellent way to improve both the vehicle's performance and its exhaust tone. Borla systems are renowned for their quality construction, enhanced sound characteristics, and potential to boost horsepower and fuel efficiency. This comprehensive, step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire installation process, ensuring a safe, precise, and efficient upgrade experience.

Benefits of Installing a Borla Touring Exhaust on Your Lexus RX

Before diving into the installation procedure, it’s important to understand why a Borla Touring Exhaust is a worthwhile investment for your Lexus RX:

  • Enhanced Performance: Borla exhausts are engineered to optimize exhaust flow, reducing backpressure and improving engine efficiency. This can translate to better throttle response and a modest increase in horsepower.
  • Distinctive Sound: The Touring series provides a refined, deep exhaust note that is sportier than stock but still comfortable for daily driving without excessive noise.
  • High-Quality Materials: Crafted from premium stainless steel, Borla exhausts offer superior durability and corrosion resistance, ensuring long-lasting performance.
  • Improved Fuel Efficiency: By enhancing exhaust gas flow, your engine can operate more efficiently, potentially improving fuel economy.
  • Warranty and Support: Borla offers a limited lifetime warranty on their exhaust systems, giving you peace of mind after installation.

Tools and Materials Needed

Gathering the right tools and materials beforehand will make the installation process much smoother. You will need:

  • Socket set (including deep sockets) and ratchet wrench
  • Torque wrench (to tighten clamps to manufacturer specifications)
  • Floor jack and jack stands (or a hydraulic lift if available)
  • WD-40, PB Blaster, or another high-quality penetrating oil
  • Exhaust hanger removal tool or pry bar
  • Safety gloves and goggles
  • New Borla Touring Exhaust system specific to your Lexus RX model and year
  • Rubber mallet (optional, for adjusting fitment)
  • Anti-seize compound (optional, to prevent bolts from seizing)

Preparation Steps

Proper preparation lays the foundation for a successful exhaust installation. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Choose a Suitable Workspace

Park your Lexus RX on a flat, stable surface with ample lighting. Avoid soft ground or inclines. A garage or driveway with enough room to move around the vehicle is ideal.

2. Secure the Vehicle

Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear tires to prevent any accidental rolling. This ensures your safety while working under the vehicle.

3. Lift the Vehicle

Using a floor jack, lift the front or rear of the vehicle (depending on where the exhaust components are located) and securely place jack stands under the designated lifting points specified in your Lexus owner's manual. Never rely solely on the jack to support the vehicle.

4. Protect Yourself

Wear safety goggles to shield your eyes from debris, and gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and hot components. Avoid loose clothing that may get caught under the vehicle.

5. Loosen Existing Exhaust Hardware

Spray penetrating oil liberally onto the exhaust clamps, bolts, and hangers. Allow 10-15 minutes for the lubricant to penetrate and loosen rusted or stuck hardware. This step will make removal easier and reduce the risk of damaging bolts.

Removing the Old Exhaust System

Removing the stock exhaust from your Lexus RX requires patience and attention to detail. Follow this process to avoid damage and ensure a clean installation of your Borla system.

1. Locate Exhaust Components

Underneath the vehicle, identify the exhaust pipes, muffler, clamps, and rubber hangers that secure the exhaust in place. The stock exhaust typically consists of multiple sections connected by clamps or welded joints.

2. Detach Exhaust Clamps

Using your socket set and ratchet, loosen and remove the bolts on the exhaust clamps. If bolts are heavily corroded, apply additional penetrating oil and allow more time before attempting removal. A breaker bar may provide extra leverage for stubborn bolts.

3. Remove Exhaust from Hangers

Use the exhaust hanger removal tool or a pry bar to carefully slide the rubber hangers off the metal mounting hooks. Be gentle to avoid tearing the rubber or bending the hangers, as you may reuse them if they are in good condition.

4. Detach the Exhaust Sections

Once the clamps and hangers are free, carefully lower the exhaust system from the vehicle. Due to its weight and size, having an assistant help hold and remove the system can prevent injury or damage to the undercarriage.

5. Inspect Exhaust Mounting Points

Check the exhaust hangers, mounts, and pipes for any signs of damage or rust. Clean the mounting points with a wire brush if needed to ensure a proper fit for the new system.

Installing the Borla Touring Exhaust

Now that the old exhaust system is removed, it's time to install your new Borla Touring Exhaust. Attention to detail during this phase will ensure optimal performance and longevity.

1. Unbox and Inspect the New Exhaust

Carefully unpack the Borla Touring Exhaust components and verify that all parts and hardware match the included installation instructions. Look for any shipping damage or defects.

2. Test Fit Components

Before tightening any clamps, loosely position the exhaust components under the vehicle to verify fitment. Align the pipe ends and muffler with the existing mounting points and hangers to ensure there are no clearance issues.

3. Attach Exhaust to Hangers

Slide the rubber hangers onto the Borla exhaust's mounting hooks. This will support the system and help maintain correct alignment during assembly.

4. Connect Exhaust Sections

Begin joining the exhaust pipes and muffler sections together using the provided clamps. Make sure to apply anti-seize compound to bolts and threads to prevent future corrosion and ease maintenance. Do not fully tighten clamps yet; leave them finger-tight to allow for final adjustments.

5. Adjust System Alignment

Check the positioning of the exhaust tips relative to the rear bumper and ensure there is adequate clearance from the undercarriage and suspension components. Adjust the system as necessary to prevent rattling or contact during vehicle operation.

6. Tighten Clamps to Specifications

Using a torque wrench, tighten all clamp bolts to the specifications provided in the Borla installation manual. Proper torque ensures a secure, leak-free fit without damaging the pipes.

7. Double-Check All Connections

Inspect all joints, clamps, and hangers once more to confirm everything is secure and properly aligned. If your Borla system includes a resonator or additional components, verify they are installed as per instructions.

Post-Installation Checks and Testing

After installing your Borla Touring Exhaust, performing thorough checks and testing is critical to ensure that the system operates safely and effectively.

1. Lower the Vehicle Safely

Remove the jack stands and carefully lower your Lexus RX back onto the ground using the floor jack. Ensure the vehicle is stable before releasing the jack fully.

2. Visual Inspection

With the vehicle on level ground, perform a visual inspection of the exhaust system. Look for any signs of misalignment, loose clamps, or contact points with other vehicle parts.

3. Start the Engine

Start your Lexus RX and listen closely for any unusual noises such as exhaust leaks, rattles, or vibrations. A properly installed Borla Touring Exhaust should emit a smooth, deep tone without excessive drone or harshness.

4. Check for Exhaust Leaks

Carefully feel around exhaust joints and clamp areas for escaping air. You can also use a soapy water solution sprayed on the joints to detect bubbles indicating leaks, but be cautious near hot components.

5. Test Drive

Take your Lexus RX for a short drive, paying attention to the exhaust sound, vibrations, and overall vehicle performance. Listen for any rattling or changes in engine behavior that could indicate issues with the installation.

6. Recheck Hardware

After the test drive, inspect all clamps and hangers once more to ensure they remain tight and secure. Thermal expansion and vibrations can sometimes loosen hardware after initial operation.

Maintenance Tips for Your Borla Touring Exhaust

To keep your new exhaust system performing optimally and looking great, consider the following maintenance tips:

  • Regular Inspections: Periodically check for loose clamps, damaged hangers, or corrosion, especially if you drive in harsh weather or salty conditions.
  • Clean the Exhaust Tips: Use a metal polish designed for stainless steel to keep the exhaust tips shiny and free from discoloration.
  • Address Leaks Promptly: If you notice any exhaust leaks or unusual noises, inspect the system immediately to prevent further damage.
  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: When washing your vehicle, avoid using strong acids or alkalis near the exhaust system.
  • Store Properly: If you remove the exhaust for any reason, store it in a dry place to prevent rust and damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will installing a Borla Touring Exhaust void my Lexus warranty?

Generally, aftermarket exhaust systems like Borla’s do not void your vehicle’s overall warranty unless the exhaust installation causes damage to other components. It’s advisable to check with your dealership or review your warranty terms for clarification.

Can I install the Borla Touring Exhaust myself, or should I seek professional help?

If you have basic mechanical skills, the right tools, and a safe workspace, you can install the exhaust yourself by following this guide carefully. However, if you are unsure or uncomfortable working under your vehicle, professional installation is recommended.

Will the Borla Touring Exhaust affect my vehicle’s emissions compliance?

Borla systems are designed to be compliant with emissions regulations in most regions, but local laws vary. Ensure the Borla system you purchase is legal for street use in your area.

How much performance gain can I expect from the Borla Touring Exhaust?

While gains vary by model and engine type, Borla exhausts typically provide a modest increase in horsepower and torque, along with improved throttle response. The primary benefit is a richer exhaust sound and improved efficiency rather than drastic power increases.

Conclusion

Installing a Borla Touring Exhaust on your Lexus RX is a rewarding upgrade that enhances both performance and driving enjoyment. By carefully preparing, following the step-by-step removal and installation process, and conducting thorough post-installation checks, you can ensure a professional-quality result. With proper maintenance, your Borla Touring Exhaust will provide years of reliable, high-performance operation and an exhilarating exhaust note.

Enjoy the new sound and feel of your Lexus RX, and take pride in having performed a quality upgrade yourself!