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Best Exhaust System for Dodge RAM 1500 Hemi Review

Do you know what the exhaust system is for? It removes bad engine gases and reduces the noise. On top of that, it improves overall performance and increases the engine’s lifespan. So, if you’re looking to get more horsepower, mileage, and durability from your truck, the stock exhaust system won’t do. You’ll need something that has more “oomph” to it and can handle whatever the off-road has in stores.

That’s exactly why I created the following list. In my search for the best exhaust system for Dodge RAM 1500 Hemi, I manually tested dozens of available gear before I came up with three top picks. They fit Dodge’s four-wheel monster perfectly and have long lists of pros that make them worth our while. So, join me, and let us take a look at what MBRP, Magnaflow, and Borla have to offer.

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1. Flowmaster 817633 Outlaw Muffler Kit

Flowmaster 817633 Outlaw Muffler Kit

Most of us check the price first before we even consider purchasing any third-party gear. If you’re feeling the same way, this reasonably-priced exhaust system might be a good pick for you, ranking it as one of the best exhaust for Ram 1500. It does a good job of improving fuel efficiency, horsepower, and torque. You won’t see a huge difference, of course, but performance will get a boost. Another reason to consider S5146AL is the ease of installation.

There’s no need in any pro-grade (and expensive) tools for that. The bad news is – there will still be some cutting and adjusting involved. Mostly, it’s an easy, perfect fit, but do keep in mind that all cars are different. On the bright side, the package includes detailed instructions that make the whole process easier. Add a deep, quiet sound, and polished stainless steel, and you’ll get a safe bet.

Product Rating
Mileage
4.9 / 5
Engine Purr
4.9 / 5
Value for Money
5 / 5
Easy to Install
4.8 / 5
Result
4.9
Pros & Cons
Slightly boosts HP, torque, and MPG
Can be installed using common tools
A low-budget purchase
Might require some cutting and adjusting to fit

Expert Recommendations
Anthony Guma
Anthony Guma
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MBRP’s goal with this exhaust system was simple: to make it a can’t-go-wrong-with purchase. And, they did exactly that. If you’re not afraid to get your hands a bit dirty during installation, you’ll probably like the low price, dampened, yet “masculine” sound, and the performance boost.

2. Magnaflow 16869 Dual Cat-Back Exhaust System

Magnaflow 16869 Stainless Steel 3/2.5 Dual Cat-Back Exhaust System

Looking for an exhaust system that will last for many years? Magnaflow might have the right pick for you. The impressive construction quality and premium-level materials are its standout features. Plus, it is 100% protected against contamination (rust and corrosion). I was also really impressed by how good this system sounds, especially when you’re starting the engine. The loud “roar” is very satisfying.

And, it gets much smoother on higher speeds, ensuring a comfortable, silent drive on highways and city streets. However, there is one significant con, and that’s the customer service. I always get in contact to check how good (or bad) support is. In the case of Magnaflow, I had to pay for shipping a faulty exhaust system back and wait up to two months for the engineers to fix it/send the old one back. And I wasn’t the only one who had to go through this.

Product Rating
Mileage
4.7 / 5
Engine Purr
4.8 / 5
Value for Money
4.6 / 5
Easy to Install
4.8 / 5
Result
4.7
Pros & Cons
Built to last; above-average construction quality
Includes anti-rust and anti-corrosion protection
Loud on acceleration, smooth on the highways
Customer support leaves a lot to be desired

Expert Recommendations
Anthony Guma
Anthony Guma
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Magnaflow’s exhaust system deserves our praise. First of all, it’s made of high-quality materials, and the construction quality is truly impressive. Secondly, it’s well-protected against rust/corrosion. Last, but not least, it makes the engine sound exactly how it should – loud on start, and smooth at high speeds. Too bad the company’s customer support is not at all user-oriented: they make you pay for shipping and take very long to respond.

3. Borla 140307 Cat-Back Exhaust System

Borla 140307 Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust System - RAM 1500

As I mentioned in the intro, the exhaust system is a key part of any four-wheel vehicle. It removes harmful gases, dampens the noise, and improves performance. For successful off-roading, you’ll need the best of the best to really get things going. So, if you’re not on a tight budget, consider buying this Borla system. It is not a particularly cheap purchase, but this will most certainly be money well spent in the long run.

Installation is straightforward and intuitive – you won’t need an extra hand to pull it off. Plus, it is backed by a million-mile warranty, which gives peace of mind both on and off the road. The Borla engineers are very proud of the exclusive multi-core, straight-through technology that maximizes HP and torque. Authentic stainless steel and high-quality mandrel bends are also a part of the deal.

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Product Rating
Mileage
5 / 5
Engine Purr
4.9 / 5
Value for Money
4.6 / 5
Easy to Install
4.8 / 5
Result
4.8
Pros & Cons
Easy fit: won’t take long to install
Multi-core, straight-through design improves performance
Includes a generous million-mile warranty
A bit too expensive for regular drivers

Expert Recommendations
Anthony Guma
Anthony Guma
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RAM 1500 owners in the market for a premium-quality exhaust system may want to check out what Borla’s gear is all about. It’s not cheap, that’s for sure, but it does look, sound, and perform flawlessly. Installation only takes an hour/hour-and-a-half and fits the car easily. The performance boost and generous warranty make it an even better pick.

Best Exhaust System for Dodge RAM 1500 Hemi (Updated October, 2023)

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Editor’s Choice

Flowmaster 817633 Outlaw Muffler Kit

1) Flowmaster 817633 Outlaw Muffler Kit

  • Best Features:
    – Improves fuel efficiency; a decent HP and torque boost for the price
    – Only requires regular tools for installation
    – An affordable purchase
  • Type by Material/Cover:
    – Aluminized Steel
    – Black Coated
    – T304-Stainless Steel
    – T409-Stainless Steel
  • Fits Models: Dodge Hemi Ram Truck 5.7L
    Classic body (2009-2019)
  • Weight: 56 pounds

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Magnaflow 16869 Stainless Steel 3/2.5 Dual Cat-Back Exhaust System

2) Magnaflow 16869 Dual
Cat-Back Exhaust System

  • Best Features:
    – Impressive construction quality: built to last
    – Well-protected against rust and corrosion
    – Loud on acceleration, smooth on the road
  • Type by Material/Cover:
    – Stainless Steel
  • Fits Models: Dodge Hemi Ram
    Truck 5.7L (2009-2018)
  • Weight: 65 pounds

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Borla 140307 Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust System - RAM 1500

3) Borla 140307
Cat-Back Exhaust System

  • Best Features:
    – Easy fit: won’t take long to install
    – Multi-core, straight-through design ensures optimal performance
    – Backed by a million-mile warranty
  • Type by Material/Cover:
    – Stainless Steel
  • Fits Models: Dodge Hemi Ram Truck 5.7L 4 Full
    Doors (2009-2018)
  • Weight: 53 pounds

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Conclusion

And that’s about it for my list of the best exhaust systems for the RAM 1500 Hemi. For this big-bad truck to conquer the wilderness, you’ll need only the best third-party gear. That’s why it’s very important to pick the right exhaust system so that you don’t get disappointed later. If you’re in the market for something affordable, MBRP has got you covered. Borla’s system, in contrast, is the most expensive pick.

Only consider it if you’ve got some extra bucks to spare. As for Magnaflow, this company is aiming for the golden middle, which is what most drivers go for. Usually, it’s our wallets that do the talking, but in the case of an exhaust system, I’d highly recommend thinking twice before going for the cheapest option. That’s especially true for the fans of off-roading that love to “abuse” their vehicles and push the engines to the limit.

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