The 5.7L Hemi in the Ram 1500 is one of the best sounding V8s ever bolted into a half-ton truck, but the factory exhaust muffles a lot of that character and chokes some of the airflow. A quality cat-back or axle-back system wakes up the Hemi rumble, shaves a little weight, and adds a few honest horsepower at the wheels without touching the tune. The hard part is choosing one that sounds aggressive on the highway but doesn’t drone on a long drive.
We focused on systems that actually fit the 2009 to 2024 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi crew and quad cab configurations, looking at real-world fitment, weld quality, drone behavior at cruising RPM, and how mean the truck sounds at wide open throttle. Below are the seven exhaust setups we would put our own money on, ranked best first.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Borla 140309 S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust System Best Overall 304 stainless cat-back, 2.5 inch tubing, dual 4 inch polished tips |
9.5 |
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Flowmaster 817681 American Thunder Cat-Back Exhaust Best for Aggressive Sound 409 stainless cat-back, Super 44 muffler, dual rear exit with stainless tips |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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MagnaFlow Street Series Cat-Back Exhaust System Best Balanced Tone Stainless cat-back, straight-through perforated core muffler, dual polished tips |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Corsa 14310 Sport Cat-Back Exhaust System Best Drone-Free Highway 304 stainless cat-back, RSC reflective sound technology, dual 4 inch tips |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
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MBRP S5104409 Installer Series Cat-Back Exhaust Best Value 409 stainless cat-back, 3 inch mandrel-bent tubing, single side exit tip |
8.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Gibson 5658 Performance Cat-Back Exhaust System Best Deep Tone 409 stainless cat-back, Gibson Superflow muffler, dual exit with polished tips |
8.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Flowmaster 942547 Super 44 Universal Muffler Best Budget Upgrade Aluminized steel, 2.5 inch center inlet and offset outlet, two-chamber design |
8.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Borla 140309 S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust System: Best Overall
Borla’s S-Type sits at the top of our list because it nails the balance every Hemi owner is chasing. At idle and around town the note is muscular and unmistakably V8, and when you bury the throttle it opens into a hard, clean roar that turns heads. The magic is the multi-core S-Type muffler, which kills the cabin drone that ruins so many cheaper systems. On a two-hour highway run our test truck stayed comfortable enough to hold a phone conversation, something you can’t say about a lot of louder kits.
The construction is where Borla earns its reputation. Everything is mandrel-bent 304 stainless with tidy welds and heavy-duty polished tips, and the included million-mile warranty signals real confidence. Fitment is genuinely bolt-on using the factory hangers, with no cutting required. The honest weakness is value: this is a premium system, and a few rivals get close on sound for less outlay. If you want the best engineered cat-back for the 5.7 Hemi and plan to keep the truck, the S-Type is worth it.
- Patented multi-core S-Type muffler tuned for an aggressive but drone-free tone
- Mandrel-bent 304 stainless steel construction that resists rust and discoloration
- Direct bolt-on fit with factory hangers and a million-mile manufacturer warranty
Pros: Deep muscular tone at full throttle with almost no interior drone at highway speed; Top tier 304 stainless welds and polished tips that look factory grade; Genuine million-mile warranty backs the long-term quality
Cons: One of the pricier ways to upgrade the Hemi; Tone is refined rather than the loudest option here, so volume seekers may want more
2. Flowmaster 817681 American Thunder Cat-Back Exhaust: Best for Aggressive Sound
If your goal is to make the 5.7 Hemi announce itself, the American Thunder system is hard to beat. It’s built around Flowmaster’s iconic Super 44 muffler, so the truck barks at startup and pulls with a deep aggressive growl under load. This is the kit we recommend to people who specifically want their Ram to sound mean, and it delivers that the moment you fire it up cold in the morning.
The whole system is mandrel-bent 409 stainless with quality tips, and it bolts on with the supplied clamps and hardware without any cutting. The trade-off for all that volume is drone. Between roughly 1800 and 2200 RPM, which is right where the Hemi cruises on the freeway, you’ll hear a resonance that some owners find tiring on long trips. If you live with mostly city and back-road driving you’ll love it, but commuters who rack up highway miles should weigh the noise honestly before buying.
- Built around the legendary Flowmaster Super 44 series muffler for a deep loud tone
- Mandrel-bent 409 stainless tubing for strong flow and corrosion resistance
- Complete kit with clamps and hardware for a no-cut bolt-on install
Pros: Loud, deep, classic muscle-truck tone that Hemi owners love; Strong value for a full mandrel-bent stainless cat-back; Proven Flowmaster muffler reputation and wide fitment support
Cons: Can produce noticeable drone around 1800 to 2200 RPM on the highway; Volume may be too aggressive for daily commuters or HOA driveways
3. MagnaFlow Street Series Cat-Back Exhaust System: Best Balanced Tone
MagnaFlow’s Street Series is the pick for the owner who wants a noticeable upgrade over stock without going full hot rod. The straight-through perforated core gives the Hemi a smooth, deep, premium tone that swells nicely as you get into the throttle but settles down to a civilized hum at cruise. It’s the kind of sound that feels factory-plus-a-tier, exactly what a lot of buyers actually want when they say they want it louder.
Build quality is classic MagnaFlow, with stainless tubing, a stainless muffler, and a polished tip that looks sharp out back. Fitment is engineered as a direct application, so the install is straightforward with the factory-style hangers. The honest limitation is volume: if you crave the loudest, most chest-thumping note in this roundup, the Street Series will feel a touch reserved at full throttle. For everyone who values a refined, drone-free sound they can live with daily, that restraint is the whole point.
- Straight-through perforated stainless core for smooth flow and a refined note
- Stainless steel construction with a polished tip for a clean finished look
- Engineered direct-fit application with factory-style hanger placement
Pros: Smooth deep tone that’s assertive without being obnoxious; Minimal interior drone compared to most muffler-style kits; Reliable MagnaFlow fitment and durable stainless build
Cons: Not as loud at wide open throttle as the Flowmaster setup; Polished tips can need occasional cleaning to stay bright
4. Corsa 14310 Sport Cat-Back Exhaust System: Best Drone-Free Highway
Corsa built its name on solving the one problem that frustrates Hemi owners the most: drone. Their Reflective Sound Cancellation technology uses internal geometry rather than packing material to cancel out the resonant frequencies that buzz through the cabin at cruise. The result is a system that snarls hard when you accelerate and then goes nearly silent inside the truck at a steady 70 mph. For anyone who tows or commutes long distances, that on-demand personality is a genuine standout.
It’s all 304 stainless with substantial polished tips and a clean no-cut bolt-on install. The two things to be aware of are price and idle character. Corsa sits at the premium end alongside Borla, and because the RSC system is designed to manage volume, the idle is purposeful but not the loudest in this group. If you want the most aggressive cold start, look elsewhere, but if drone-free comfort with serious bite under throttle is your priority, the Corsa Sport is excellent.
- Patented Reflective Sound Cancellation technology eliminates interior drone
- Aggressive sound under acceleration that quiets to near stock at cruise
- Premium 304 stainless construction with a no-cut direct bolt-on fit
Pros: Genuinely drone-free at highway speed thanks to RSC tuning; Aggressive on demand but conversation-quiet when cruising; High-grade 304 stainless build and clean polished tips
Cons: Premium pricing similar to the Borla; Some owners want a louder idle than the RSC design allows
5. MBRP S5104409 Installer Series Cat-Back Exhaust: Best Value
The MBRP Installer Series is our value champion because it delivers the performance fundamentals that matter most without the premium markup. The larger 3 inch mandrel-bent tubing flows well and gives the 5.7 Hemi a solid, throaty improvement over stock while keeping things drivable. It hits a sweet spot for owners who want better breathing and a deeper note without committing to a top-shelf brand outlay.
Fitment is a clean bolt-on with the supplied hardware, and you can choose stainless for harsh winter climates with road salt. The honest compromise is character. This system is tuned to be moderate and refined rather than loud, and the single side-exit tip is more utilitarian than the polished dual tips on the competition. If you want maximum aggression or show-truck looks out back, spend up, but for a smart, well-flowing upgrade that respects your wallet, MBRP is a genuinely strong buy.
- Large 3 inch mandrel-bent tubing for strong flow on the 5.7 Hemi
- Aluminized or 409 stainless options to match budget and climate
- Complete bolt-on kit with hardware and a moderate, usable tone
Pros: Excellent flow and value from the larger diameter tubing; Noticeable power gain feel without an obnoxious cabin drone; Straightforward bolt-on install with included hardware
Cons: Sound is moderate and may feel tame to buyers chasing volume; Single side-exit tip styling is plainer than the dual-tip kits
6. Gibson 5658 Performance Cat-Back Exhaust System: Best Deep Tone
Gibson leans into a deep, bassy signature that a lot of truck owners specifically crave. The Superflow muffler is tuned to emphasize the low frequencies, so the 5.7 Hemi takes on a serious, ground-shaking rumble at idle and a full-bodied roar under acceleration. If you have heard a Ram in a parking lot that made you turn around because of how deep it sounded, there’s a good chance it was running a Gibson.
The system is mandrel-bent 409 stainless and arrives as a complete bolt-on kit with the clamps and hangers you need. The flip side of that low-frequency tuning is that on certain cab and bed combinations the bass can resonate into the cabin more than a higher-pitched system would, so a quick listen to clips matching your exact configuration is wise. The finish quality is good for the value but a notch below the premium brands. For pure deep-tone drama, though, Gibson delivers.
- Gibson Superflow muffler tuned for a deep low-frequency rumble
- Mandrel-bent 409 stainless tubing for durability and consistent flow
- Complete kit with all clamps and hangers for a direct bolt-on fit
Pros: Very deep, bassy rumble that suits the truck character well; Solid stainless construction at a reasonable value; Easy bolt-on install with everything included in the box
Cons: Lower frequency tone can resonate in the cabin on some configurations; Tip polish and weld finish are good but not Borla level
7. Flowmaster 942547 Super 44 Universal Muffler: Best Budget Upgrade
Not everyone wants a full cat-back, and the Flowmaster Super 44 is the smart pick for owners who just want a louder, more aggressive Hemi without replacing the whole system. This is the muffler that defines the classic Flowmaster sound: a deep, raspy, unmistakable growl that announces a V8 from a block away. Swapping the factory muffler for a Super 44 is a quick win that transforms the truck’s voice for a fraction of the effort of a complete kit.
The catch is that this is a muffler, not a bolt-on system, so it has to be welded or clamped in by a shop, and it doesn’t include tips or tubing. The aluminized steel body keeps it light and affordable but is less rust-resistant than the stainless full systems above, and like other chambered Flowmasters it can drone at cruise. If you have a willing exhaust shop and want maximum sound for minimal outlay, the Super 44 is a time-evaluated, satisfying upgrade for the 5.7 Hemi.
- Iconic Super 44 two-chamber design delivers a deep aggressive Flowmaster tone
- Aluminized steel construction that’s light and easy to weld in
- Universal 2.5 inch fitment as a simple muffler-only swap for the Hemi
Pros: The cheapest way to get a real Flowmaster sound on the Hemi; Loud aggressive tone that punches above its simple design; Lightweight and straightforward for a shop to install
Cons: Muffler only, so it needs welding and doesn’t bolt on like a full kit; Aluminized steel is less corrosion resistant than stainless and can drone
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a cat-back exhaust add horsepower to my 5.7 Hemi Ram 1500?
Yes, but keep expectations realistic. A quality cat-back like the Borla S-Type or MBRP Installer Series typically frees up somewhere in the range of 5 to 15 horsepower at the wheels on the 5.7 Hemi, mostly in the mid to upper RPM band where the freer-flowing tubing and muffler reduce backpressure. The bigger benefit for most owners is the improved sound and a slightly crisper throttle response. To chase larger gains you’d need to add a cold air intake and a custom tune, since the exhaust alone is an incremental upgrade rather than a power-adder.
What is the difference between a cat-back and an axle-back exhaust?
A cat-back system replaces everything from the catalytic converters back to the tips, including the mid-pipe, muffler, and tailpipes, so it offers the most sound and flow improvement. An axle-back, or muffler-back, replaces only the section behind the rear axle, which makes it cheaper and faster to install but changes the tone less dramatically. Most of the full systems in this guide are cat-backs because they give the 5.7 Hemi the biggest improvement. If you want a simpler swap, the Flowmaster Super 44 muffler is a muffler-only option, though it needs welding.
Will an aftermarket exhaust cause annoying drone in the cabin?
Drone is the resonant buzzing you hear at steady cruising RPM, and it varies a lot by system. Chambered designs like the Flowmaster American Thunder and Super 44 tend to drone most, usually between 1800 and 2200 RPM where the Hemi sits on the highway. Straight-through and sound-cancelling designs handle it far better. The Corsa Sport with its Reflective Sound Cancellation technology is essentially drone-free, and the Borla S-Type and MagnaFlow Street Series are also very well behaved. If you commute long distances, prioritize one of those drone-managed systems.
Do I need a tune after installing a cat-back on my Ram 1500?
No. A cat-back exhaust doesn’t require a tune because it sits behind the catalytic converters and doesn’t affect the readings the engine computer uses to manage fuel and timing. You can bolt on any of the cat-back systems in this guide and drive away with no check engine light and no recalibration needed. A tune only becomes necessary if you start modifying components ahead of the cats, such as long-tube headers or high-flow cat replacements, which change the exhaust gas readings the sensors rely on.
Will these exhaust systems fit both the quad cab and crew cab Ram 1500?
Most of these systems offer specific part numbers for different cab and bed combinations, so fitment is generally excellent as long as you order the correct application for your exact truck. Borla, MagnaFlow, Corsa, and MBRP all engineer their kits as direct bolt-on fits using the factory hanger locations, with no cutting required. Before buying, confirm your year, cab style, and bed length against the manufacturer’s fitment listing, since the 2009 to 2018 classic body and the 2019-onward DT generation can use different part numbers even with the same 5.7 Hemi engine.
Our Verdict
For the best all-around upgrade to your 5.7 Hemi Ram 1500, the Borla 140309 S-Type Cat-Back is our top pick, blending an aggressive yet drone-free tone with premium 304 stainless construction and a million-mile warranty that makes it worth keeping for the life of the truck. Our runner up is the Flowmaster American Thunder Cat-Back, which delivers a louder, deeper muscle-truck growl and outstanding value for owners who want their Ram to be heard, as long as you can live with some highway drone. Whichever you choose, match the system to how you actually drive, and your Hemi will thank you every time you start it up.
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