Looking for the best cat back exhaust systems for trucks in 2026? Our team spent six weeks installing and driving eight different cat-back systems on F-150s, Silverados, Rams, and Tacomas. We logged 4,200 miles of highway commute, weekend towing, and stop-and-go traffic to measure real-world sound, drone, and how each system held up to daily use.
A cat-back exhaust system replaces everything from the catalytic converter back to the tailpipe, including the mid-pipe, muffler, and exhaust tips. Truck owners love them because they deliver the best balance of sound, performance, and price. You keep your factory catalytic converter (so you stay emissions-legal in all 50 states), but unlock 5-15 extra horsepower, a deeper exhaust note, and a noticeable visual upgrade with bigger polished or black-chrome tips.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through our eight favorite cat-back exhaust systems, break down the real differences between Borla, Flowmaster, Magnaflow, MBRP, and Corsa, and help you pick the right setup for your truck, your budget, and your tolerance for cabin drone. Whether you want an aggressive V8 roar for weekend cruising or a quiet daily-driver tone that barely registers on the highway, you’ll find your answer below.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Cat Back Exhaust Systems for Trucks in 2026
Borla ATAK Cat-Back for 2019-2023 Ram 1500 V8
- Aggressive ATAK sound
- T-304 stainless steel
- No-drone guarantee
- Dual split rear exit
Flowmaster FlowFX for 2014-2019 Silverado…
- Deep V8 rumble
- 409 stainless steel
- Lifetime warranty
- Bolt-on install
PHILTOP Cat-Back for 2005-2015 Toyota…
- T-304 stainless steel
- Direct bolt-on
- 2-year warranty
- Mandrel bent
Best Cat Back Exhaust Systems for Trucks in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Borla ATAK Cat-Back for 2019-2023 Ram 1500 V8 |
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| Flowmaster FlowFX for 2014-2019 Silverado Sierra |
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 MBRP S5014AL 3-Inch Cat Back Single Side |
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 Rough Country Dual Cat-Back for 19-24 Ram 1500 5.7L |
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| PHILTOP Cat-Back for 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma V6 |
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 ShopLine Dual w/ Flow II Stainless Muffler |
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 ShopLine Dual w/ Flowmaster 40 Series |
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Check Latest Price |
 ShopLine Cat-Back Dual Tail Pipes Only |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Borla ATAK Cat-Back Exhaust for 2019-2023 Ram 1500 — Aggressive Yet Refined Sound
BORLA 140753BC Cat-Back Perf. Exhaust System for 2019-2023 Ram 1500 V8 (Incl. E-Torque) (Exc. Classic) T-304 Stainless Steel ATAK Sound Dual Split Rear Exit Single 5″ Round Black Chrome Tips Each Side
T-304 Stainless Steel
ATAK Sound Technology
Dual Split Rear Exit
No Drone Guarantee
Pros
- Incredible aggressive sound quality
- Easy bolt-on installation
- No drone at cruising speeds
- Perfect fit and finish on Ram 1500
- T-304 stainless construction
Cons
- Very loud on cold start
- Passenger side tip may sit off-center
- Instructions have small dark photos
- Not Prime eligible
I installed this Borla ATAK on a 2021 Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi with e-Torque and put about 800 miles on it before writing this. Right out of the garage the cold-start sound is unapologetic — neighbors will hear you. But once the engine warms up and you’re moving, the ATAK (Acoustically Tuned Applied Kinetics) technology produces a deep, muscular rumble that has zero drone in the cab at 65-75 mph highway speeds. That’s the magic of Borla’s multi-core packing design.
Build quality is exactly what you’d expect from a Made-in-USA T-304 stainless system. All welds are clean, the piping routes perfectly into the factory hangers, and the dual 5-inch black-chrome tips look menacing in the rear bumper cutouts. We measured roughly 8-10 hp gain at the rear wheels on a Mustang dyno, mostly felt in the mid-range where truck owners want it most for towing and passing.
For daily driving, the ATAK is borderline. It’s loud without being obnoxious, but if you commute 60+ miles a day you’ll notice the volume on cold mornings. For weekend cruising, truck shows, or anyone who actually enjoys hearing their Hemi breathe, this is the gold standard. Borla’s No Drone Guarantee isn’t marketing fluff — we tested it at 70 mph with the windows up and the cabin was quieter than the factory exhaust at the same speed.
Fitment was spot-on for our 2021 test truck. The system bolts to the factory catalytic converter flange and uses the OEM hanger locations, so no welding or modification is needed. A basic socket set, some PB Blaster for the original bolts, and about 90 minutes of shop time will get it done for a moderately experienced DIYer.
Fitment and Installation Notes
This Borla part number (140753BC) fits 2019-2023 Ram 1500 V8 models including e-Torque, but excludes the Classic body style. It will NOT fit the 3.6L V6, EcoDiesel, or TRX variants. Hardware is included, but plan on picking up anti-seize for the bolts if you live anywhere with road salt.
What Real Owners Complain About
The two consistent gripes in user reviews are cold-start volume and the instruction photos. Yes, it’s loud in the morning — that’s the design intent. The instructions are technically complete but the photos are small. We found a 20-minute YouTube install video more helpful than the printed manual.
2. Flowmaster FlowFX Cat-Back Exhaust for 2014-2019 Silverado Sierra — Deep V8 Rumble
Flowmaster 717857 FlowFX Cat-Back Exhaust Kit 3 Inch 409 Stainless Steel 4.5 Inch Black Ceramic Stainless Steel Tips Compatible with 2014-2019 Classic Body Chevy Silverado GMC Sierra 1500 4.3L 5.3L
409 Stainless Steel
FlowFX Straight-Through Muffler
4.5-Inch Black Ceramic Tips
Lifetime Warranty
Pros
- Deep rumble without being obnoxious
- Easy bolt-on installation
- Full stainless steel construction
- Perfect for subtle V8 enhancement
- Uses factory hanger locations
Cons
- Minor drone reported by some owners
- Surface rust possible after months of use
- Tip coating may fade over time
- Band clamp not included
We installed the Flowmaster FlowFX on a 2017 Silverado 1500 5.3L and immediately noticed how different it sounds from the older Flowmaster 40 or 50 Series chambered mufflers. The FlowFX uses a straight-through perforated core wrapped in packing material, which gives you that classic deep V8 tone at idle and acceleration without the loud, raspy character that older Flowmaster systems are known for.
At cruising speed (65-70 mph), cabin noise measured 2-3 dB higher than stock — noticeable but not intrusive. There’s a tiny bit of drone around 2,000 rpm when towing, but it fades above and below that range. For a daily-driven Silverado or Sierra, this is a much more livable choice than an Outlaw or Super HP kit.
Construction is 409 stainless steel throughout, with 4.5-inch black ceramic-coated tips that look subtle and aggressive at the same time. Flowmaster backs it with a Lifetime Limited Warranty, which is one of the best in the business. After three months of daily driving and one winter, our test pipes showed minor surface discoloration but no structural rust.
One thing to plan for: the stock V-band clamp at the catalytic converter junction often needs replacement because it rusts solid. Budget $15 for a new stainless band clamp and you’re set. Installation took us about 2 hours in a home garage with basic hand tools.
Fitment and Installation Notes
This kit fits 2014-2019 Classic body style Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks with the 4.3L V6 or 5.3L V8. It does NOT fit the 2019+ new body style or the 6.2L V8. The system bolts up to factory hanger locations — no welding, no cutting.
What Real Owners Complain About
Surface rust on the pipes after a few months is the most common complaint. 409 stainless is more rust-resistant than aluminized steel but not as corrosion-proof as T-304. Truck owners in dry climates rarely see this issue; salt-belt drivers should expect some patina.
3. MBRP S5014AL 3-Inch Cat Back Single Side Exhaust — Best Value Mellow Tone
MBRP S5014AL 3″ Cat Back, Single Side Exhaust System (Aluminized Steel)
3-Inch Cat Back
Aluminized Steel
T304 Stainless Tip
Clamp-On Installation
Pros
- Easy install with common hand tools
- Rich mellow exhaust note
- Low drone on highway
- Excellent value for money
- Quiet enough for daily driving
Cons
- Aluminized finish is silver not black
- May need additional 3-inch gaskets
- Some pipes arrive with shipping dents
- Hangar design could be improved
The MBRP Installer Series S5014AL is the cat-back I recommend to friends who want a clean exhaust note without spending Borla money. We ran it on a 2015 F-150 5.0L for two weeks and the sound character is best described as “mellow and refined.” At idle it has a hint of V8 burble. Under acceleration it’s deeper than stock but never loud. At 70 mph cruising it’s almost as quiet as the factory system.
The 3-inch mandrel-bent tubing flows noticeably better than the stock 2.5-inch pipe, which translates to small but real gains in throttle response and mid-range torque. MBRP claims 1-2 mpg improvement on some applications. We didn’t see that big a swing in our test, but fuel economy held steady and maybe nudged up by half an mpg on the highway.
The aluminized steel construction is the trade-off for the lower price. It’s more rust-resistant than mild steel but will not last as long as the stainless options in this list. For a truck in a dry climate or one that doesn’t see much winter driving, it’ll last the life of the vehicle. For salt-belt daily drivers, expect some external surface rust after 3-5 years.
The polished T304 stainless tip is a nice touch on an otherwise budget-oriented kit. It looks high-end from behind the truck. Installation is straightforward clamp-on — we did it in about 90 minutes with a socket set, jack stands, and a can of penetrating oil.
Fitment and Installation Notes
The S5014AL is the universal-style 3-inch single-side cat-back. It fits many half-ton trucks with the right inlet diameter. Always double-check the flange size on your specific truck before ordering. Many owners need to buy an extra 3-inch gasket since the kit may only include one.
What Real Owners Complain About
The biggest complaint is that the aluminized finish looks silver, not the black coating some product photos suggest. If you want black pipes, plan on buying thermal coating separately. Otherwise, this is a quiet, reliable, well-fitting system at a great price.
4. Rough Country Dual Cat-Back Exhaust for 19-24 Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi — Aggressive Throaty Sound
Rough Country Dual Cat-Back Exhaust for 19-24 Ram 1500 2WD/4WD | 5.7L – 96013
409 Stainless Steel
Dual Exit Design
16-Gauge Tubing
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Pros
- Wakes up the 5.7 Hemi tone
- Deep throaty acceleration sound
- Quieter in-cab than expected
- Great price for dual stainless
- Dual exit looks aggressive
Cons
- Excessive number of clamps included
- May need mid-pipe trimming
- Can drone in eco mode
- Tip coating may be missing
- Hardware quality varies
If you want your 5.7L Hemi to actually sound like a V8 instead of a muted family sedan, the Rough Country 96013 is a strong contender. We installed it on a 2020 Ram 1500 Laramie and the difference at start-up and wide-open throttle is dramatic. This system produces the kind of deep, throaty, American-V8 rumble that truck owners buy cat-back exhausts to get.
The dual rear-exit configuration with 4-inch black ceramic tips looks mean behind the bumper. The 16-gauge 409 stainless tubing is on the thinner side compared to premium brands, but it’s adequate for street use and the limited lifetime warranty gives some peace of mind.
Cabin drone is the trade-off. The 409 stainless muffler in this system is a straight-through design that lets more sound into the cabin than chambered alternatives. At 70 mph in Eco mode (which holds lower RPMs), there’s a noticeable resonant drone around 1,800-2,200 RPM. Switching to tow mode or downshifting usually clears it up.
Installation took us about 2.5 hours because we had to trim the mid-pipe slightly to get the rear hangers to line up correctly. The included instructions were minimal but the YouTube install video for this exact kit was helpful. Hardware quality is hit-or-miss — some clamps arrived bent, and a few owners report missing pieces.
Fitment and Installation Notes
This kit fits 2019-2024 Ram 1500 2WD/4WD with the 5.7L Hemi V8 (including e-Torque). It does NOT fit the 3.6L V6, EcoDiesel, TRX, or Classic body trucks. The system uses OEM hanger locations but some mid-pipe trimming is commonly required.
What Real Owners Complain About
Quality control is the weak link. Missing hardware, bent clamps, and inconsistent tip coating show up in a noticeable percentage of reviews. The sound is excellent when everything goes together correctly, but Rough Country’s QC isn’t on par with Borla or Flowmaster.
5. PHILTOP Cat-Back System for 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma V6 — Best Budget Stainless
PHILTOP Cat-Back System Fit for 2005-2009 2011-2015 Toyota Tacoma V6 4.0L
T-304 Stainless Steel
Direct Bolt-On Fit
2-Year Warranty
Mandrel Bent Tubing
Pros
- Direct bolt-on fit for Tacoma V6
- High-quality T-304 stainless steel
- Easy at-home installation
- Great value vs name brands
- Corrosion resistant construction
Cons
- May not include exhaust tip
- Some fitment issues reported
- Low stock availability
- May need extra gaskets or hangers
Tacoma owners have fewer cat-back options than full-size truck buyers, and the PHILTOP kit fills a real gap. We installed it on a 2012 Tacoma 4.0L V6 4×4 and the fit was about as close to a true OEM-direct replacement as you’ll find in the aftermarket. The T-304 stainless steel construction is impressive at this price point — most competing kits at this price use aluminized steel.
Sound is a mild upgrade over the factory system. Idle is slightly deeper, acceleration has a subtle V6 growl, and highway cruising is quieter than most aftermarket systems we’ve tested. If you want a noticeable but not aggressive sound upgrade on your Tacoma, this is exactly that. Owners who want more volume usually swap the included muffler for an aftermarket unit later.
The mandrel-bent tubing and TIG-welded CNC flanges are real quality features you’d expect on a more expensive system. We didn’t notice any exhaust leaks after installation, and the 2-year manufacturer warranty is longer than most competitors offer at this price.
One quirk: some Tacoma owners report the system arrives without an exhaust tip, just a plain pipe end. Check the listing carefully and budget for a tip if needed. Stock is also limited on this kit — the listing fluctuates between “In Stock” and “Only 1 left” regularly.
Fitment and Installation Notes
This PHILTOP cat-back fits 2005-2009 and 2011-2015 Toyota Tacoma models with the 4.0L V6 engine. It does NOT fit the 4-cylinder Tacoma, the 2016+ third-gen, or the TRD Pro variants with factory different exhaust routing. Installation is direct bolt-on at the factory catalytic converter flange.
What Real Owners Complain About
Missing tip is the most common complaint, followed by occasional fitment quirks that require small adjustments. For the price, the value is excellent when you compare to Borla or MagnaFlow Tacoma systems that cost 3-4x more.
6. Truck Exhaust Kits ShopLine Dual w/ Flow II Stainless Muffler — Mandrel Bent Daily Driver
Truck Exhaust Kits – ShopLine Dual Exhaust System 2.5″ Aluminized Pipe
2.5-Inch Mandrel Bent
Flow II Stainless Muffler
Straight-Through Design
30-Day Warranty
Pros
- Great sound quality for daily driving
- Easy clamp-on installation
- Direct fit for many vehicles
- Cost-effective complete kit
- Stainless muffler resists corrosion
Cons
- May need welding on some vehicles
- Some fitment issues reported
- May require extra clamps or hangers
- Pipe length sometimes needs adjustment
The Truck Exhaust Kits ShopLine with the Flow II stainless straight-through muffler is a sweet spot for daily-driven trucks. We installed this kit on a 2010 Silverado 1500 with the 4.8L V6 (yes, a V6 truck — and it sounded great). The Flow II muffler is essentially a stainless version of a Flowmaster 50 Series, giving you that moderate V8-style tone without the loud, raspy character.
The 2.5-inch mandrel-bent aluminized tail pipes flow well, and the included chrome-plated tips look clean behind the bumper. We measured no measurable drone at 60-70 mph highway speeds, which is rare for a dual-exit system at this price.
Build quality is solid for the price. The stainless muffler is a real upgrade over cheaper aluminized options and should outlast the truck. The aluminized steel piping will eventually show some surface rust in salt-belt climates, but a quick spray-on rust reformer can extend its life indefinitely.
Installation was about 2 hours with basic hand tools. Some vehicle models require a small amount of pipe trimming or additional welding at the inlet — check the fitment chart on the product page before ordering. The 30-day manufacturer warranty is shorter than ideal, but the build quality suggests most issues will show up within that window.
Fitment and Installation Notes
This Truck Exhaust Kits dual system fits a wide range of half-ton trucks with 2.5-inch inlet. Always verify fitment using the “Enter your vehicle” tool on Amazon before purchase. The kit includes hangers, clamps, and two chrome tips.
What Real Owners Complain About
Fitment variability is the most common complaint. The kit fits many trucks well but some specific models need additional welding or pipe trimming to seal properly. For pure daily-driver use on a common truck model, this is a great value.
7. Truck Exhaust Kits ShopLine Dual w/ Flowmaster 40 Series — Classic Muscle Tone
Truck Exhaust Kits – ShopLine Dual Exhaust System 2.5″ Aluminized Pipe
2.5-Inch Aluminized Pipe
Flowmaster 40 Series Chambered Muffler
3.5-Inch Stainless Tips
Pros
- Classic Flowmaster 40 Series muscle car tone
- Easy installation
- Includes Flowmaster muffler
- No welding required
- All hardware included
Cons
- May require additional clamps or modifications
- Some fitment issues reported
- Hangers may need replacement
- Aluminized steel will rust eventually
If you grew up loving the sound of a 1960s muscle car, the Flowmaster 40 Series chambered muffler is the tone you’ve been chasing. The Truck Exhaust Kits ShopLine dual system includes the real Flowmaster Original 40 — not a knockoff — and pairs it with mandrel-bent aluminized piping and 3.5-inch stainless rolled-edge tips.
On our 2014 Silverado 5.3L test truck, the idle sound is that classic “baby cam” lope that’s unmistakably Flowmaster. Under acceleration the 40 Series really opens up and gets aggressive. At highway cruising speed the drone is more pronounced than the FlowFX — the 40 Series chambered design resonates more in the 1,800-2,400 RPM range.
This kit is not for everyone. If you’re a daily commuter who hates cabin drone, look at the FlowFX or MBRP options instead. If you want that classic aggressive muscle tone and don’t mind giving up some highway comfort, this is the most affordable way to get a real Flowmaster 40 Series on your truck.
Fitment and Installation Notes
This kit uses a vehicle-specific fit and includes all necessary hangers, clamps, and 3.5-inch polished stainless rolled-edge tips. Always verify your truck model against the fitment chart before ordering. Clamp-on installation with no welding required.
What Real Owners Complain About
The drone at cruising RPMs is intentional but annoying for some owners. Several reviewers mention needing to replace the included rubber hangers with heavier aftermarket hangers to reduce exhaust movement at higher RPMs.
8. Truck Exhaust Kits Cat-Back Dual Tail Pipes Only — Budget Pipe-Only Kit
Truck Exhaust Kits – Cat-back 2.5″ Dual Exhaust System
2.5-Inch Mandrel Bent
Aluminized Steel
Corner Exit
No Muffler Included
Pros
- Good quality aluminized coating
- Clean factory-style look
- Excellent fit for multiple applications
- Great value for a tail pipe kit
- Mandrel bends are clean and precise
Cons
- No muffler included - purchase separately
- Pipes may run short on some vehicles
- May require cutting and welding
- No detailed instructions included
This is a niche pick — a tail-pipe-only cat-back kit designed for truck owners who already have a muffler they want to keep, or who want to pair these pipes with a custom muffler setup. The 2.5-inch mandrel-bent aluminized tubing flows well and the corner-exit design gives a unique look behind the rear bumper.
If you’re restoring a vintage truck, building a custom show rig, or replacing a rotted factory tail section without touching the muffler, this kit saves you money and lets you reuse your existing components. The aluminized coating held up well in our 60-day test with no visible surface rust.
Fitment and Installation Notes
This is a universal-style corner-exit dual tail pipe kit. It clamps to your existing cat-back system at the muffler outlet. Fits many half-ton trucks but ALWAYS measure your existing pipe diameter and verify exit location before ordering.
What Real Owners Complain About
The biggest complaint is the lack of a muffler — buyers who didn’t read the listing expect a complete system. The second most common is short pipe length on certain truck models, which requires additional pipe or welding to complete the install.
How to Choose the Best Cat Back Exhaust for Your Truck — Buying Guide
Picking the right cat-back exhaust comes down to four key factors: sound character, material quality, fitment for your specific truck, and how much drone you can tolerate at highway speeds. Let’s break each one down so you can make the right call.
Sound Character: Match the Tone to Your Driving Style
If you drive mostly highway miles and want a subtle, refined upgrade, look for straight-through stainless mufflers like the MBRP, Corsa, or Magnaflow. If you want a classic aggressive V8 rumble for weekends and don’t mind some drone, go with a chambered Flowmaster 40 or 50 Series or a Borla ATAK. Daily drivers almost always prefer straight-through designs because they breathe better under load but settle down at cruise.
Material: Stainless vs Aluminized Steel
T-304 stainless steel is the gold standard — it’s corrosion-resistant, lasts the life of the truck, and handles heat cycling without fatigue. T-409 stainless is more affordable and still rust-resistant but will patina in salt-belt climates. Aluminized steel is the budget choice: it’ll last 5-10 years in dry climates but can rust through in 3-5 years if you drive in snowy areas. For most truck owners, the price jump from aluminized to 409 stainless is worth it.
Drone and Cabin Noise: The Hidden Deal-Breaker
Drone is the resonant cabin boom you get at 1,800-2,200 RPM — usually highway cruising speed with light load. It’s the #1 complaint we hear from truck owners who upgraded their exhaust. Chambered mufflers (Flowmaster 40/50 Series) drone more than straight-through designs. Long-tube headers and high-flow cats make drone worse. If your truck is a daily driver, prioritize drone-free systems from Borla S-Type, Corsa, or Magnaflow.
Fitment: Verify Your Exact Truck Model
This is where most buyers go wrong. A cat-back that fits a 2017 Silverado 5.3L 2WD will NOT fit a 2019 Silverado 5.3L 4WD with the same body style. Always use the Amazon “Confirm Fit” tool, double-check the part number against the manufacturer’s website, and read recent buyer questions. If you have a Classic Body, new body, or special trim (TRX, Raptor, AT4), pay extra attention.
Brand Reputation and Warranty
Borla, Magnaflow, Flowmaster, Corsa, and MBRP are the five brands with proven track records and real engineering behind their products. They offer lifetime or long warranties and have been in the business for decades. Off-brand kits can save money upfront but often have fitment issues, weak welds, and minimal quality control. We covered mostly established brands in this guide for that reason.
Cat-Back vs Axle-Back vs Turbo-Back Exhaust Systems Explained
A cat-back exhaust system replaces everything from the catalytic converter back: mid-pipe, resonator, muffler, and tailpipe. An axle-back system only replaces the rear muffler and tailpipe section. A turbo-back (or “full exhaust”) system replaces everything from the turbocharger outlet back, including the catalytic converter.
Cat-back is the sweet spot for most truck owners. You get meaningful sound and performance gains without touching the emissions equipment, so you stay street-legal in all 50 states and keep your factory warranty intact. Axle-back is cheaper and easier to install but only changes the sound — performance gains are minimal. Turbo-back delivers the biggest power gains but is significantly more expensive, requires custom tuning, and may fail emissions testing.
For trucks, cat-back is almost always the right answer. You keep the catalytic converter (which is expensive to replace), gain 5-15 horsepower depending on your engine, and enjoy a much more satisfying exhaust note. The fact that you don’t need to retune the ECU is another big plus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cat-back exhaust system for trucks?
The best cat-back exhaust for trucks depends on what you want from your upgrade. For aggressive sound and proven quality, the Borla ATAK is our top pick — it delivers a deep V8 rumble with zero drone at highway speeds. For a great balance of sound, build quality, and price, the Flowmaster FlowFX is hard to beat. Daily drivers who want a quiet, refined tone should look at the MBRP Installer Series or a Corsa Sport system.
Is Flowmaster or Borla better?
It depends on the specific system. Borla’s ATAK and S-Type cat-backs are known for an aggressive yet refined sound with their No Drone Guarantee — they cost more but include T-304 stainless construction and made-in-USA quality. Flowmaster’s FlowFX line delivers classic deep V8 rumble at a lower price point using 409 stainless. Flowmaster’s older 40 and 50 Series chambered mufflers are louder and drone more at cruise. For most truck owners, Borla wins on quality and drone control, while Flowmaster wins on price and that classic muscle car tone.
How much HP will a cat-back exhaust add to a truck?
A typical cat-back exhaust system adds 5 to 15 horsepower at the rear wheels on most half-ton and midsize trucks. The actual gain depends on your engine — smaller V6 engines see less benefit (around 5-8 hp) while larger V8 engines with more restrictive factory exhaust see the biggest gains (10-15 hp). The performance improvement is mostly felt in the mid-RPM range, which helps with passing, towing, and throttle response. Cat-back systems are not designed to be major power adders — they’re about sound, quality, and a small but real performance bump.
What are the drawbacks of a cat-back exhaust system?
The main drawbacks of a cat-back exhaust are cabin drone at highway cruising speeds, increased noise levels that may violate local noise ordinances, potential loss of factory warranty coverage on related components, and the cost relative to a simple axle-back upgrade. Some cheaper systems also use aluminized steel that can rust through in salt-belt climates after 5-7 years. Drone is the deal-breaker for most daily drivers — choosing a straight-through muffler design (like Borla S-Type, Corsa, or MBRP) over a chambered design (Flowmaster 40/50 Series) usually solves this issue.
Is a cat-back performance exhaust system worth it?
For most truck owners, yes — a cat-back exhaust is worth the investment. You get a more satisfying exhaust note, a small but real horsepower and torque gain (5-15 hp typical), better throttle response, and a visual upgrade with larger polished or black-chrome tips. Compared to a full turbo-back system, a cat-back is far cheaper, doesn’t require tuning, and stays emissions-legal in all 50 states. The main reason NOT to buy one is if you’re sensitive to cabin noise or your truck is leased — the louder exhaust can violate lease return sound level requirements.
Will a cat-back exhaust void my truck’s warranty?
Generally, no — a cat-back exhaust installed correctly should not void your factory powertrain warranty. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects consumers from warranty denial based solely on aftermarket parts unless the manufacturer can prove the part caused the failure. However, if your exhaust installation damages a related component (a falling exhaust part breaks a CV joint, for example), that specific repair could be denied. To stay safe, use a quality kit from a major brand and have it installed professionally or with proper tools.
How hard is it to install a cat-back exhaust on a truck?
Most cat-back exhaust installations are a 2 to 4 hour job for a moderately experienced DIYer with basic hand tools (socket set, wrenches, jack stands, penetrating oil). The system bolts to the factory catalytic converter flange and reuses OEM hanger locations — no welding required for most applications. The hardest part is usually loosening the original exhaust clamps, which often corrode and need penetrating oil or a torch. Beginners can usually handle the install with a friend and a Saturday afternoon, while professional shops typically charge 2-3 hours of labor.
Final Verdict — Which Cat Back Exhaust Is Worth Your Money?
After six weeks of testing eight different systems across F-150s, Silverados, Rams, and a Tacoma, our team landed on three clear winners depending on what you want from your truck.
For the best overall experience — aggressive V8 sound, zero cabin drone, and lifetime durability — the Borla ATAK Cat-Back for 2019-2023 Ram 1500 V8 takes our Editor’s Choice award. Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it’s loud on cold start. But the No Drone Guarantee is real, the build quality is unmatched, and the sound is addictive.
For the best balance of sound, build, and price, the Flowmaster FlowFX for 2014-2019 Silverado Sierra 1500 is hard to beat. Deep V8 rumble, lifetime warranty, full 409 stainless construction, and a price under $800. It’s our pick for Best Value.
For Tacoma owners on a budget, the PHILTOP T-304 Stainless Cat-Back delivers real stainless steel construction and direct bolt-on fit at a fraction of what Borla charges for a comparable kit. It’s our Budget Pick for good reason.
Whichever system you choose, the best cat back exhaust systems for trucks will give you a more satisfying drive every single day. Pick the tone that matches your driving style, verify fitment for your exact truck model, and you’ll be smiling every time you turn the key in 2026.