Everything You Need to Know About Custom Exhaust Systems for Your RAM or Chevy

One often overlooked aspect of your vehicle that you might want to consider upgrading if you haven’t already is its exhaust system. If you own a RAM or Chevy pickup truck and are looking to get more power, better efficiency and/or a deeper, more aggressive engine sound, upgrading to a custom exhaust system is one of the best ways to do it — and it can address all three! We’re going to dive into all the details today so that you learn everything you need to know about custom exhaust systems for your RAM or Chevy truck.

The first thing we need to discuss is why exactly you would upgrade to a custom exhaust system. The stock exhaust system found in your RAM or Chevy was designed for efficiency and noise reduction, but they can often restrict airflow as a side effect which has a habit of limiting your power output. By upgrading to a custom system, you’ll be able to improve exhaust flow and optimize performance all while enhancing the sound and aesthetics of your truck. So the real question is… why wouldn’t you?

• A custom exhaust system will typically have less restrictive piping, which allows your engine to breathe better and should ultimately improve power output by increasing horsepower and torque.
• Likewise, the enhanced airflow of a custom system – paired with smart tuning – can improve the efficiency of your engine, which might in turn help you achieve more miles per gallon.
• While it’s not a tangible performance increase, one of the most exciting benefits of a custom exhaust system is how it can change the sound of your engine and truck as a whole. Whether you want a low growl or an aggressive roar, a custom exhaust system lets you control the sound.
• Lastly, your aftermarket exhaust system is going to give you a different look, enhancing the style of your truck with polished tips or dual-exit configurations.

Now that we’ve told all the benefits and reasons you should be upgrading to a custom exhaust system, it’s time to dive into a few of the most common types you should be considering.

• Cat-Back Exhaust Systems
  • Without a doubt the most popular choice among exhaust system upgrades, a cat-back system replaces a vast majority of the components in your stock exhaust system. It provides a noticeable sound improvement alongside slight performance gains.
  • This option is best for owners who are looking for a better exhaust tone but don’t want to modify their emissions components too much.
• Axle-Back Exhaust Systems
  • An axle-back system only replaces the mufflers and tailpipes, leaving the mid-section of the exhaust system completely untouched. This means it won’t affect performance very much, if at all, but will still improve the sound and aesthetics of your vehicle.
  • This option is best for those who want a cost-effective way to enhance their exhaust tone without fully overhauling their system.
• Straight-Pipe Exhaust Systems
  • A straight-pipe system removes mufflers and resonators, which will once again have little effect on performance but provide an incredibly aggressive sound inspired by racecars. It’s important to note, however, that this setup is very loud and might not be street legal in all areas, so be sure to do your research!
  • This option is best for off-road or track-ready trucks looking to prioritize maximum exhaust flow for the best sound improvements.
• Header & Downpipe Upgrades
  • This final option isn’t a full system replacement, but rather a specific modification that you can do by itself or alongside a full exhaust system upgrade. In either event, upgrading your headers and downpipes will reduce engine restrictions even further, but they will likely also require an engine control unit tuneup to optimize airflow.
  • This option is best for performance-focused builds looking for substantial performance gains, but keep in mind some aftermarket headers may affect emissions compliance.