Best Exhaust System for Silverado 1500 6.0L

Hi everyone, this time we’re back with our review of the best exhaust systems for GMC 6.0 exhaust applications. These vehicles require top performance parts, and the kits in this review come only in the aftermarket.

The 5 Best Exhaust Systems for Silverado 1500:

1. Flowmaster (817541) American Thunder Rear 409S Stainless Steel Dual Exit Cat-Back System with Moderate/Aggressive Sound – the best exhaust system for Silverado 1500
2. aFe 49-04003 ATLAS Aluminized Steel DP-Back Exhaust System
3. MBRP S5076409 T409 Stainless Steel Single Side Exit Cat-Back Exhaust System
4. MagnaFlow 19026 Large Performance Exhaust Kit
5. Dynomax 39511 Exhaust System Kit

Top-Rated Exhaust System for Silverado 1500 List:

	Product name	Photo	Feature	Pros	More info
	1. Flowmaster (817541) American Thunder Rear 409S		This is the Flowmaster Stainless Steel American Thunder Exhaust Systems #817541 for 2015-2107 Vortec 6.0	American Thunder Exhaust System Tone Stainless steel muffler	More Information
	2. aFe 49-04003 ATLAS Aluminized Steel DP-Back Exhaust System		This is the aFe Atlas Exhaust Systems #49-04003 for 2011-2015 Vortec 6.0	Aluminized Steel OE hangers for fast installation	More Information
	3. MBRP S5076409 T409 Stainless Steel Single Side Exit		This is the MBRP XP Series Exhaust Systems #S5076409 for 2011-2018 Vortec 6.0	16-gauge steel tubing Rich, mellow tone	More Information
	4. MagnaFlow 19026 Large Performance		This is the MagnaFlow MF Series Performance Exhaust Systems #19026 for Vortec 6.0 2011-2018	Straight-through flow design Smooth Deep sound	More Information
	5. Dynomax 39511 Exhaust System Kit		This is the Dynomax Ultra Flo Welded Exhaust Systems #39511 for Vortec 6.0 2011-2014	Optimized performance Fast install with OEM located hangers	More Information
	6. Gibson Performance Exhaust 65650 Stainless Steel Dual		This is the Gibson Dual Sports Truck Exhaust Systems #65650 for 2011-2018 Vortec 6.0	Pimped-up street look Pumped-up performance	More Information
	7. Banks 47786-B Exhaust System		This is the Banks Monster Exhaust Systems #47786-B for 2011-2014 Vortec 6.0	CoolCuff design lowers exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) Chrome or high-temperature black over stainless tip options	More Information
	8. CORSA 14794 Sports Cat-Back Exhaust System		This is the Corsa Sports Exhaust Systems #14794 for 2011-2014 Vortec 6.0	Aggressive Sound Straight-through, non-restrictive design	More Information

REVIEWS YOU CAN TRUST 

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Pumping up your 6.0 Vortec exhaust size with an aftermarket exhaust system is the best way to deliver performance enhancements as well as pimping your ride with a loud and shiny system.

Now, as many of you realize, there are many best performance exhausts for 6.0 Vortec motors and choosing the best one for you can be an issue. That’s why you have to consider all the reasons why you need to upgrade your system.  Different applications demand different kits, and sound or looks are just a few of those reasons.

I present to you the best exhaust for GMC Vortec 6.0, and just make sure you are buying the right fitment for your vehicles a specific year. Now let’s take a look at the five best models.

Best Exhaust System for Silverado 1500 Reviews:

1. Flowmaster (817541) American Thunder Rear 409S Stainless Steel Dual Exit Cat-Back System with Moderate/Aggressive Sound – the best exhaust system for Silverado 1500

The Flowmaster Stainless Steel American Thunder exhaust systems are known for their deep rumble and long-lasting parts. This all stainless-steel system is constructed using the Flowmaster mandrel-bent tubing providing both longevity and performance.

Specifications

• Material: 5” Natural finish 409 stainless steel mandrel bent
• Type: Cat-back rear split with muffler
• Muffler: Black finish stainless steel Single inlet/Dual outlet with chamber
• Dimensions: Tailpipe diameter 3”
• Sound: Medium
• Tip: Dual 4” round slant cut half rolled edge polished 304 stainless steel
• California P65: Nickel (metallic)               Chromium (hexavalent compounds)

2. aFe 49-04003 ATLAS Aluminized Steel DP-Back Exhaust System

aFE is a top-level exhaust engineering supplier that manufactures some of the most intelligent systems around. Intelligent for one reason, they are designed to be easy for installation and to handle rugged environments. This model is for pumping up rather than pimping up. The aluminized steel system reduces cost, so you end up getting a very high-performance system delivering a very mild sound, all in all, a great working tool exhaust system.

Specifications

• Material: 4” Aluminized steel
• Type:: Single Downpipe back passenger side with muffler
• Muffler: Aluminized steel Single inlet/Single outlet with wrapped perforated core
• Dimensions: 4” tailpipe
• Sound: Mild to medium
• Tip: No

3. MBRP S5076409 T409 Stainless Steel Single Side Exit Cat-Back Exhaust System

The MBRP XP Series exhaust systems are designed for heavy-duty performance while looking good. This means you get that polished steel finish delivering high-performance gas relief with an amazing rich yet mellow tone emerging from the engine. This model uses a single inlet and perforated outlet muffler, which is sort of a long tube designed to look like a muffler. That is why you end up getting that rich yet loud and mellow rumble you would most probably expect to hear from a much more powerful engine.

Specifications

• Material: 5” natural finish 409 stainless steel
• Type: Single Cat back passenger side with muffler
• Muffler: Natural finish 409 stainless steel Single inlet/Single outlet perforated tube
• Dimensions: Tailpipe diameter 3.5”
• Sound: Rich mellow
• Tip: Single 4” round slant cut rolled edge polish 409 stainless steel

4. MagnaFlow 19026 Large Performance Exhaust Kit

The MagnaFlow MF Series, Performance exhaust systems, are designed for sound control, where they deliver that deep yet smooth rumble. They also balance the sound for exterior and interior considerations, making this an excellent choice for enthusiasts seeking a noticeable experience but without delivering a headache every time. This model uses a turbo style muffler to cancel out and dampen any high offensive tones; the end result is a very smooth and rich deep tone making this a perfect choice for sport and sport wannabe vehicles.

Specifications

• Material: 4” natural finish 409 stainless steel
• Type: Single Cat back passenger side with muffler
• Muffler: Polished 409 stainless steel Turbo Single inlet/Single outlet
• Dimensions: Tailpipe diameter 4”
• Sound: Smooth Deep
• Tip: Single 5” round slant cut rolled edge, double wall polished 304 stainless steel

5. Dynomax 39511 Exhaust System Kit

The Dynomax Ultra Flo exhaust kits come with a completely welded body and tubing using aluminized steel for budget-friendly optimized delivery performance. The hangers are located with OEM precision making this an easy kit to install.  This is a no-nonsense kit aimed at improving the performance of your ride; it is not pimping or pumping up unit. The muffler is a state of the art perforated core type that delivers a clean yet low vibration canceling out a lot of reflective tones.

Specifications

• Material: 4” Natural finish 409 stainless steel
• Type: Single Cat back passenger side with muffler
• Muffler: Natural finish 409 stainless steel Single inlet/Single outlet wrapped perforated core
• Dimensions: Tailpipe diameter 4”
• Tip: Single 5” round slant cut rolled edge polished 304 stainless steel

6. Gibson Performance Exhaust 65650 Stainless Steel Dual Sports Exhaust System

Gibson Dual Sports Truck exhaust systems are designed for two purposes, look and performance, this is s a lethal combination of amazing looks combined with an engineered system that delivers high performance. Think of the Arnold Schwarzenegger or Usain Bolt of exhaust systems, and that just about describes the Dual Sports Truck Exhaust Systems #65650.

Specifications

• Material: 5” Natural finish 409 stainless steel
• Type: Single in/Dual out Cat back passenger side with muffler
• Muffler: Natural finish 409 stainless steel Single inlet/Dual outlet louvered and chambered
• Dimensions: Tailpipe diameter 3”
• Tip: Single 4” round slant cut non-rolled edge with single wall polished 304 stainless steel

7. Banks 47786-B Exhaust System

Banks Monster exhaust systems are designed to handle the extreme temperatures produced by modern DPFs (diesel particulate filters). Banks’ CoolCuff design is engineered to lower extremely hot exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) from the tailpipe, reducing the temperature load and improving overall performance. These are mandrel-bent stainless steel systems improving HP and torque.

Specifications

• Material: 4” natural finish 409 stainless steel
• Type: Rear particulate filter back without muffler
• Dimensions: Tailpipe diameter 4”
• Sound: Aggressive
• Tip: Single 5” round slant cut rolled edge powder coated 304 stainless steel

8. CORSA 14794 Sports Cat-Back Exhaust System

Corsa Sport exhaust systems use a straight-through design that delivers a non-restrictive performance and cancels out the reflective sound. This design also reduces back pressure and thereby increases performance to some degree of efficiency. This model is a stainless steel mandrel bent pipe system using a chambered muffler for delivering an aggressive sound.

Specifications

• Material: 3” Natural finish 304 stainless steel
• Type: Single in/Dual out Cat back passenger side with muffler
• Muffler: Natural finish 304 stainless steel Single inlet/Single outlet chambered
• Dimensions: Tailpipe diameter 3”
• Sound: Aggressive
• Tip: Dual 4” round slant cut beveled edge, double wall polished 304 stainless steel

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Exhaust Systems 101

Exhaust systems are simple four-part constructions that connect to the engine and remove the exhaust gasses ejected by the piston rods after ignition. An engine is a finely tuned machine that requires both efficient air supply as well as an efficient waste air release system. Although exhaust systems might seem simple, there is a lot of science involved in their design. This science is around four elements, sound, temperature, flow, and durability.

Therefore, a good exhaust system will provide fast release with no back pressure build-up, a sound management system to either boost or reduce the sound for different applications, a method to lower the temperature of the spent gasses as quickly as possible and built of rugged, durable materials to last decades.

The four parts of any good exhaust system include:

1. Exhaust Manifold

The exhaust manifold or commonly called in the aftermarket language, a header, is a single piece of cast steel or stainless steel that attaches to the engine head and is the first stage in channeling the exhaust gasses from the engine through the exhaust piping system.

2. Catalytic Converter

These are by law requirements in most states, and they convert unburned hydrocarbons, nitrogen, and carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and water. It is illegal to touch this device unless you are maintaining it.

3. Muffler

Mufflers are used to reduce sound, there are a number of styles and designs, and each one delivers different sound management properties. Think of an exhaust system as a trumpet, the muffler is the tuning stage in the system; this is where you control the outcoming sound by giving the muffler damping and channeling properties.

4. Exhaust Pipe

All the pipes in an exhaust system are categorized into one group, but they are found in different sections of the whole. They start at the exhaust manifold, connecting to the casting and delivering the gasses to the catalytic converter (if you have one), from the cat they go to the muffler (again, if you have one) and form the muffler they are the tailpipe to tip.

Installing an Exhaust System

When installing an exhaust system, take into account a number of technical issues. The kit you buy must be one that is application defined. The kit should be bought only from a recognized manufacturer and preferably dealer too. Also, make sure you know what performance you want, is it for OE replacement, or is it an aftermarket upgrade/ If its an aftermarket upgrade, what do you desire? Show, sound, racing, power?

Now let’s take a quick look at the seven steps to a seamless exhaust replacement process.

Step 1: Clean out the workspace, make sure you only have your tools and replacement parts.

Step 2: Lift the vehicle with an appropriate jack or jacks.

Step 3: Disconnect your old exhaust system, you will need to use the saw here in most cases. Start by unclamping the pipe from the catalytic converter. If you cannot undo the clamp, saw the pipe.

Step 4: Staring from the converter side, unhook all the brackets from the exhaust system.

Step 5: Assemble the new exhaust system, makes sure to attach the clamps lightly, you will need to make adjustments to the system once it’s fully installed.

Step 6: Slowly but surely work the new system into place, lining up to the OE hanging brackets. If you bought one of the above items or chose a similar product from any of the companies above, such as MBRP, Flowmaster, Magnaflow, etc., you will get an aligned system making your life easier.

Step 7: Once you have installed the entire system you can now tighten all the clamps into place. Once this is done, you can lower your vehicle; you are ready to go.