2024-2026 Mustang GT Borla S-Type vs ATAK: Keep Factory Active Exhaust

For a 2024-2026 Ford Mustang GT coupe with factory Active Exhaust, Borla S-Type and ATAK are two different sound choices that both keep the factory valve controls. S-Type is the starting point when you want Borla's classic, aggressive-under-throttle character. ATAK is the choice when maximum volume and a more aggressive note are the goal.

The Borla S-Type active-exhaust cat-back and Borla ATAK active-exhaust cat-back share the same key buying requirement: the car must have factory Active Exhaust. Choose the correct hardware branch first, then choose the sound and tip finish.

Verified fitment: 2024-2026 GT coupe with Active Exhaust

Borla verifies these systems for the 2024-2026 Ford Mustang GT, 5.0L V8, rear-wheel drive, automatic or manual transmission, coupe with Active Exhaust. The bright-chrome S-Type kit is 140962; the bright-chrome ATAK kit is 140963. AutoTalent lists them as BOR140962 and BOR140963.

These specific cat-backs exclude the convertible. Borla also has separate systems for non-active GTs, the Dark Horse and the EcoBoost. A quad-tip appearance alone does not make those systems interchangeable. In particular, a non-active quad-tip kit is not a substitute for an active-valve kit.

S-Type vs ATAK at a glance

Prices are AutoTalent's listing prices checked on October 9, 2026. In either matching finish, ATAK is currently $35 less than S-Type. Choose it for the sound you want, not because you assume the louder option must cost more. Black chrome adds $100 to either of these bright-chrome listings.

What S-Type and ATAK change

S-Type and ATAK are Borla sound levels, not names for two different factory valve-control modes. Borla describes S-Type as aggressive under throttle and refined at cruise. Its ATAK name stands for Acoustically-Tuned Applied Kinetics, and Borla places it at the maximum-volume end of its sound range.

For an owner who wants a stronger exhaust note without making maximum volume the main reason for buying, S-Type is the better starting point. If you already know that the most aggressive Borla character is what you want, ATAK is the direct choice. The linked ATAK system also uses Borla's Polyphonic Harmonizer muffler technology, which combines pipes of different diameters and lengths to create harmonizing exhaust notes.

Borla describes both of these systems as having no drone inside the vehicle. That is a manufacturer design claim, not a claim that ATAK is quiet or that the two systems sound the same. Cabin drone, overall volume and tone are different parts of the decision.

Listen to the 2024-2026 GT Active Exhaust examples in the same factory mode and with the same engine speed. A non-active axle-back clip with the stock resonator is a different configuration from these full active cat-backs. Use matched examples to choose tone; an uncalibrated video is not a decibel measurement.

How the factory Active Exhaust controls are retained

Both systems contain active valves designed to work with the Mustang's factory valve actuators. Borla says owners can change exhaust modes just as they can with the stock Active Exhaust. You are changing the exhaust hardware and sound, while keeping the factory control function.

The original actuators are transferred, not replaced by a new controller bundled with the exhaust. Borla's installation guide directs the installer to save the original actuator, bracket and hardware, install the original actuator on the Borla valve assembly, engage the actuator spring in the valve notches and reconnect the wiring harness. That transfer is part of installing the active system correctly.

Cat-back, axle-back and X-Pipe are separate choices

The systems compared here are full cat-backs. Each uses T-304 stainless steel, a true dual 3-inch layout and an included Merge X-Pipe. They include adapters for connecting to the stock exhaust; Borla specifies that those adapters are not used for full 3-inch inlets.

An axle-back changes a smaller rear section, so do not use its price or sound as if it describes the same package. Likewise, Borla's SwitchFire X-Pipe is an optional change, not the crossover included with these listings. Decide on the complete configuration before comparing sound clips or ordering parts.

Choose tip finish after choosing sound and fitment

The bright-chrome active GT kits above have quad 4-inch tips. If you want a darker finish, the S-Type 140962BC black-chrome kit and ATAK 140963BC black-chrome kit keep the same active-GT branch and sound choices.

Black chrome is a finish choice, not a new sound level. Borla recommends hot water and a microfiber cloth for those tips, and says not to use its stainless-steel polish on the black-chrome finish. Carbon-fiber variants are another separate tip choice, with their own part numbers and prices.

Which Borla kit should you order?

For the verified GT coupe with factory Active Exhaust, order S-Type 140962 when classic Borla tone is the priority, or ATAK 140963 when you want its maximum-volume character. Both retain the factory active-valve controls; neither requires choosing between Borla sound and factory mode selection.

Browse the exhaust systems collection for other complete systems, or the Ford performance collection for more options for your build.

Want help choosing the sound and finish? Call (310) 231-0292 or email online@autotalent.com with your model year, coupe or convertible body, factory Active Exhaust equipment and preferred tip finish.