Last Updated: 10.12.2020

If you’re looking for a gas truck, the Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi is one solid choice. From there, it’s not easy to ignore the upgrade choices you have, but having the best exhaust system is a good place to start. Not only does it make the truck sound way cooler than stock, but it also offers small improvements in performance and drivability. We’ll take a look at the popular choices on the market of exhaust systems for the Hemi. In the following guide, we not only discuss the compatibility, compliance, and the ease of installation but also the things instrumental in making or breaking a Ram 1500 exhaust — the sound and gains in performance.

The 5 Best Exhaust Systems for Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi:

  1. Borla S-Type Exhaust (Cat-Back) for Dodge Ram 1500 – the best exhaust system for Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi
  2. MBRP Cat-Back Dual-Split Rear Exhaust System
  3. Flowmaster American Thunder Dual Rear Exit Cat-Back System
  4. Magnaflow Street Series Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System
  5. Flowmaster Outlaw Direct Fit Muffler

Our Recommendations:

All-rounder
Name Borla S-Type Exhaust (Cat-Back) for Dodge Ram 1500
Preview Borla S-Type Exhaust (Cat-Back) for Dodge Ram 1500
Our Rating ★★★★★
Details Check Amazon

Good value
Name MBRP Cat-Back Dual-Split Rear Exhaust System
Preview MBRP Cat-Back Dual-Split Rear Exhaust System
Our Rating ★★★★☆
Details Check Ebay

Name Flowmaster American Thunder Dual Rear Exit Cat-Back System
Preview Flowmaster American Thunder Dual Rear Exit Cat-Back System
Our Rating ★★★★☆
Details Check Amazon

Dyno-proven
Name Magnaflow Street Series Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System
Preview Magnaflow Street Series Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System
Our Rating ★★★★☆
Details Check Amazon

Inexpensive but with a rich sound
Name Flowmaster Outlaw Direct Fit Muffler
Preview Flowmaster Outlaw Direct Fit Muffler
Our Rating ★★★★☆
Details Check Amazon

REVIEWS YOU CAN TRUST 

We strive to always give you genuine, accurate information. To do this, all of mechanicguides.com reviews are based on market research, expert input, and practical experience. This knowledge comes from a team of automotive journalists and an independent mechanic, Steve “Whip” Whipple who has 11 years of experience in the auto industry. For more information, see here.

1. All-rounder: Borla S-Type Exhaust (Cat-Back) for Dodge Ram 1500 – the best exhaust system for Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi

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When you buy a trusted brand like Borla, the experience includes peace of mind when it comes to things like quality and customer support. In case of the product here, the Borla 140307, you also get a top-quality cat-back exhaust, a million-mile warranty, and a deep rumble at idle and a smooth noise at highway speeds.

Fits factory cut-outs

Since this is a Cat-Back exhaust, you’re looking at new components like the muffler, exhaust tips, and the necessary piping, but everything else (from the catalytic converter to the engine manifolds) remains unchanged. Borla mentions that the factory bumper cut-outs can accommodate the end tips of the exhaust, and the high-quality T304 steel ensures longevity and an increase in performance.

The exhaust system has a 3-inch into dual 2-inch pipe setup, whereas the round tip itself is 5 inches in diameter. You can fit this onto your 5.7 Hemi Ram, model year 2009-2018. There’s a separate model for new trucks, but this also fits the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic. Another thing to keep in mind while purchasing the Borla exhaust for 5.7 Hemi is that it works only with the AT trucks with both 2- and 4-wheel-drive setups. The following body styles are compatible with it: Regular Cab Standard Bed, Extended Cab Standard Bed, and Crew Cab Short Bed. The Amazon link here works with Crew Cab Short Bed.

What do we think of it?

The Borla exhaust for 5.7 Hemi does everything well but isn’t too loud and comes with the peace of mind backed by a million-mile warranty. It looks great, too, and the users have liked the improvement in the truck’s drivability. Borla also mentions that the brand’s street systems like this one here are legal for use on public roads.

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Pros

  • Deep noise at idle but not too loud at highway speeds
  • Improvement in performance
  • Cat-Back; easy to install
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Cons

  • Not the lightest
  • Or the loudest
  • Expensive

2. Good value: MBRP Cat-Back Dual-Split Rear Exhaust System

MBRP S5146AL Cat Back, Dual Split Rear Exhaust System (Aluminized Steel)

FEATURES:

  • Improved Torque And Horsepower
  • Lower Exhaust Gas Temperatures
  • Increased Throttle Response
  • Mellow Exhaust Note
  • Bolt On Design
  • Utilizes OEM Hangers
  • Stainless Steel Tips Are Included
  • 3 Year Warranty

With a plethora of choices, you don’t necessarily have to spend a thousand dollars to make your gas truck sound better. For instance, take the MBRP Cat-Back Dual-Split Rear Exhaust System – it offers you an easy-to-install solution for your needs.

The bolt-on unit, compatible with 5.7 Hemi trucks (2009-2018), doesn’t require you to weld anything or drill holes in the bumper as this 5.7 Hemi exhaust is compatible with the stock bumper. It’s made of aluminized steel, which means there are substantial cost savings over the higher-quality T409 and T304 materials. But MBRP claims that the system won’t be affected by rust, will have a longer life than the stock unit, and it’s backed by a 3-year warranty, too.

Power increase; pronounced start-up

Power and torque can be increased by up to 18 hp and 28 lb-ft respectively, and there is also a promise of lowered exhaust gas temperature and louder exhaust note. It’s throaty and more pronounced at startup, although some users have mentioned that at highway speeds there’s a little droning.

What do we think of it?

It’s not a compromise since it sounds good and performs well, too. MBRP also makes the same cat-back system in different types of alloys, so if you want a higher quality system, you can explore those as well. Please check with the seller if it’s fit for public-road usage.

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Pros

  • Not expensive
  • Power gains
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Cons

  • Some droning is present
  • Not made of the best quality material

3. Flowmaster American Thunder Dual Rear Exit Cat-Back System – the best sounding exhaust for Ram 5.7 Hemi

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The American Thunder by Flowmaster is made of 16-gauge, mandrel-bent steel. This 5.7 Hemi exhaust system offers a moderate-to-aggressive sound (both inside the cabin and outside) and comes with all parts required for fitment.

It fits all Ram/Dodge Ram 1500 trucks made from 2009 to 2018. The Ram 1500 2019 Classic is on the compatibility list as well. But if your truck has a factory single-exit tailpipe or if it’s the new Ram 1500 Classic, this Flowmaster 5.7 Hemi exhaust won’t work. Legal for sale and use in the US, the Flowmaster American Thunder comes with a 4-inch tailpipe tip and a 2.5-inch-diameter outlet.

Less droning; great noise

It improves the gas mileage and works well in conjunction with other upgrades, too. The droning noise is kept to a minimum but the engine noise isn’t muted, and it has a good presence at both idle and highway speeds.

What do we think of it?

There are louder exhausts out there. But if you’re looking for a street setup that works well offering good noise, longevity, and without burning a hole in your pocket, we think the Flowmaster American Thunder is a top choice for the best sounding exhaust for Ram 1500.

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Pros

  • Sound improvement
  • Reduced droning
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Cons

  • Not the loudest choice

4. Dyno-proven: Magnaflow Street Series Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System

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Priced only a fraction less than better-equipped models, the Magnaflow exhaust for 5.7 Hemi is aimed at those looking for moderate exterior sound and mild interior noise. It comes with a 5-inch tip and is compatible with Dodge Ram/Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi V8 trucks made with the model years ranging from 2009 to 2018. The 2019 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi V8 is also covered but only in its Classic iteration.

Bolt-on, Dyno-proven

It’s a bolt-on, cat-back kit, so if you have the know-how, you can pretty much fit it all by yourself. The system is said to be dyno-proven, is made of stainless steel, and comes with an overall lifetime warranty whereas the finish is covered for 1 year.

The sound is smooth but when you’re accelerating, people will notice that you’ve invested in a good exhaust system. Some users have complained of the clamps becoming loose over time, so if you’re tackling rough roads regularly, you’ll need to keep that mind.

What do we think of it?

Magnaflow is a well-known brand, and the system itself has garnered some good reviews. But it’s not trouble-free, as some users have mentioned that the exhaust’s clamps aren’t the strongest. Also, we’d suggest you confirm with the seller the fit and if the system is legal in your state.

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Pros

  • Noise output
  • Easy to install
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Cons

  • Reported loose clamps
  • Not exactly cheap

5. Inexpensive but with a rich sound: Flowmaster Outlaw Direct Fit Muffler

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Say you’ve just purchased the 2019 Ram 1500 (new body style only, not Classic) and it performs great, but you want to make your 5.7 Hemi truck sound better. Just a little more sound will just make it perfect. In that case, it’s worth exploring a direct-fit muffler.

Not a Bolt-on unit

The Flowmaster muffler for 5.7 Hemi is made of stainless steel, fits 2019-2020 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi trucks, and doesn’t take too long to install. Having said that, be aware that since the tailpipe has to be cut to replace the stock muffler with this, your warranty can be a concern.

What isn’t a concern though is the noise, because, like Outlaw-series products, this one is made for great sound and improves performance. The unit is made of stainless steel, comes with mandrel-bent tubing, and fits in the factory location of the muffler. The engine doesn’t feel restricted, both during start-up as well as while on the move.

What do we think of it?

It’s a great way to make your brand new truck sound even cooler. And as a lot of owners suggest, this is how a Hemi should sound. The only concern here is the warranty. Flowmaster says it’s legal to install this.

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Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Makes good noise
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Cons

  • Warranty concerns
  • Not a full/cat-back system

Our Final Thoughts

When you have a large engine sitting under the hood, it’s impossible to not toy with the idea of making the most of it. With an exhaust upgrade, you not only enjoy a performance and mileage gain but also have an auditory experience that a stock truck just can’t provide. So to recap, here are our picks for the best exhaust systems for Ram 1500. It just depends on what you’re looking for and can afford.

The Borla S-Type looks like a great choice when it comes to material quality, noise, and the overall finish. The Flowmaster American Thunder sounds good and doesn’t cost much. Just like the MBRP system, which helps you save even further but still offers an increase in the engine rumble at idle and enjoyable noise on the move. The Magnaflow is closer to the Borla in terms of its pricing and offers a noticeable exhaust output. These are all cat-back systems, which can be bolted on once the original unit is removed. But if you happen to have a newer Ram 1500 (2019/2020) with a Hemi V8, the Flowmaster Outlaw will appeal to you. It’s louder and is the only unit that fits the latest gas-powered truck.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best exhaust system for Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi?
If you’re looking for material quality, great noise and the overall finish you can’t go wrong with the Borla S-Type but as always this does depend on your needs. This is a great all-rounder of an exhaust.
What is the best exhaust system for 2019 and 2020 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi?
If you have the newer 2019 or 2020 RAM 1500 with a Hemi V8 the Flowmaster Outlaw is one of the best, if not the best.
What is the best sounding exhaust for Ram 5.7 Hemi?
The best exhaust system with sound for Dodge RAM 1500 Hemi would have to be the Flowmaster American Thunder Dual Rear Exit Cat-Back System. It’s got a moderate to aggressive sound you can hear in and outside of the cab.