Exhaust Guide
Best Exhausts for the
2011 – 2018 Ram 1500: Every Cat-Back Compared
A complete comparison of cat-back exhaust systems for the 2011–2018 Ram 1500 — covering the 4.7L V8 and 5.7L Hemi. Sound profiles, materials (stainless vs aluminized), pipe diameter, pricing, and fitment notes from AWE, JBA, MBRP, Flowmaster, MagnaFlow, aFe, and Borla.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Kit | Sound Profile | Pipe | Material | Fits | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JBA Cat-Back | Sport | 3" | 409 SS | Quad Cab 5.7L |
|
SHOP → |
| MBRP XP Series | Street | 3" | 409 SS | 5.7L 09–18 |
|
SHOP → |
| Flowmaster American Thunder | Aggressive | 2.5" | 409 SS | 4.7L / 5.7L |
|
SHOP → |
| MagnaFlow Cat-Back | Street | 2.5" | 304 SS | 5.7L 09–18 | $1,186 | SHOP → |
| aFe Cat-Back (Dual) | Aggressive | 3" | 409 SS | 5.7L 09–18 |
|
SHOP → |
| AWE 0FG Cat-Back | Touring | 3" | 304 SS | 5.7L 09–18 |
|
SHOP → |
| Borla S-Type | S-Type | 3" | 304 SS | 5.7L 09–17 |
|
SHOP → |
Important
What to Know Before You Buy
Cat-Back Coverage
The 2011–2018 Ram 1500 is cat-back only — no axle-back systems are marketed. A cat-back replaces the mid-pipe and mufflers from the catalytic converter back. Full performance gain, 50-state emissions legal. Improves towing and throttle response.
4.7L vs 5.7L Fitment
Ram 1500 offered 4.7L V8 (through 2013) and 5.7L Hemi. Exhaust routing differs by engine. Flowmaster American Thunder fits both. Most systems are 5.7L-specific. AWE 0FG fits 5.7L 2009–2018. Verify fitment before ordering.
Materials: 304 vs 409 Stainless
304 stainless is most corrosion-resistant and premium. 409 stainless is a step up from aluminized. AWE, MagnaFlow, and Borla offer 304; JBA, MBRP, Flowmaster, and aFe use 409 or aluminized.
Single vs Dual Exit
Single side-exit (behind rear tire) is common. Dual exit (side or rear) adds a more aggressive look. AWE 0FG, Flowmaster American Thunder, and aFe offer dual. JBA and MBRP use single exit. Borla offers under-bumper and thru-bumper options.
JBA 3" SS Cat Back Exhaust System: Dodge / RAM 1500 Quad Cab 2006–2018 5.7L Hemi
JBA Cat-Back is the most affordable option in this guide. 3-inch 409 stainless mandrel-bent tubing, single side exit behind passenger rear tire. Balanced sound and performance. Fits 2006–2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab with 5.7L Hemi. Direct bolt-on using factory hangers.
Ideal for budget-conscious owners who want a noticeable upgrade without premium pricing. Note: Quad Cab only; Crew Cab has different routing.
Pros
- Lowest-priced cat-back
- 409 stainless; 3" mandrel-bent
- Fits 2011–2018 Quad Cab
Cons
- Quad Cab only (not Crew Cab)
- Single side exit
MBRP XP Series Cat-Back 3" Single Side Exhaust System: Dodge Ram 5.7L Hemi 2009 – 2018
MBRP XP Series delivers strong value. 3-inch mandrel-bent 409 stainless, single side exit. Street Profile for a smooth, refined tone. Polished T304 stainless tip. Direct bolt-on. Fits 2009–2018 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi. 3-year warranty.
Ideal for daily drivers who want improved flow and sound without excessive cabin drone. Best value in the mid-tier range.
Pros
- 3" 409 SS; Street tone
- Polished tip; 3-year warranty
- Fits all cab configurations
Cons
- Single side exit
- 5.7L only (not 4.7L)
AWE 0FG Dual Rear Exit Catback Exhaust Chrome Silver Tips (REAR): Dodge & RAM Classic 1500 5.7L 2009–21
AWE’s 0FG Cat-Back delivers a refined, aggressive tone with zero cabin drone thanks to patented 180 Technology®. Full 3-inch T304L stainless construction, dual rear bumper exit with chrome silver tips. Fits 2011–2018 Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi. USA-made with precision fitment and class-leading rigidity.
Ideal for fourth-gen Ram owners who want flagship sound without sacrificing daily drivability. 180 Technology® keeps the aggression at the tailpipes and out of the cabin. Direct bolt-on; no cutting required.
Pros
- 180 Technology® — drone-free cruising
- 304 stainless; USA-made
- Dual rear exit; 3" mandrel-bent
Cons
- 5.7L only (not 4.7L)
- Premium price
Flowmaster American Thunder Exhaust System (Dual Side Exit): Dodge Ram 5.7L Hemi 1500 2009 – 2018
Flowmaster American Thunder delivers the most aggressive sound in this guide. 50 HD Series muffler, dual 2.5-inch mandrel-bent 409 stainless tailpipes, dual side exit. Moderate exterior tone with minimal interior drone. Fits 2009–2018 Dodge Ram 1500 with 4.7L or 5.7L. Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Also available in dual rear exit. Clears factory spare tire. Ideal for owners who want maximum presence.
Pros
- Dual side exit; 409 stainless
- Lifetime Warranty
- Fits 4.7L and 5.7L
Cons
- Can drone at cruise
MagnaFlow Cat-Back Exhaust: Dodge Ram 2009 – 2018 5.7L Hemi
MagnaFlow Cat-Back delivers a distinctive, resonant tone with improved performance. 2.5-inch mandrel-bent 304 stainless, straight-through mufflers. Replaces stock from the catalytic converter back. Fits 2009–2018 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi. Lifetime construction warranty.
Premium option for fourth-gen Ram owners who want the best sound and durability. Direct-fit; 3D-scanned for perfect alignment.
Pros
- 304 stainless; lifetime warranty
- Distinctive tone; direct-fit
- Improved flow and performance
Cons
- Premium price
- 5.7L only
aFe Exhaust System (Dual): Dodge Ram 5.7L Hemi 2009 – 2018
aFe MACH Force-Xp Cat-Back (Dual) delivers aggressive sound and performance. 3-inch mandrel-bent 409 stainless, dual exit. Improves horsepower and torque through optimized flow. Fits 2009–2018 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi. Direct bolt-on using factory hangers.
Ideal for enthusiasts who want a commanding dual-exit sound. aFe also offers a single-exit version at a lower price.
Pros
- 409 stainless; 3" mandrel-bent
- Dual exit; aggressive tone
- Improved flow and performance
Cons
- Can drone at cruise
Borla S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust: Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L V8 2009 – 2017
Borla S-Type Cat-Back delivers Borla’s signature S-Type sound — deep and aggressive under acceleration, refined and drone-free at cruise. 3-inch to dual 2.5-inch mandrel-bent 304 stainless. Under-bumper black tips. Fits 2009–2017 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L V8. Million-Mile Warranty.
Ideal for daily drivers who want maximum sound quality without cabin drone. Also available in polished tips and thru-bumper configuration.
Pros
- 304 stainless; Million-Mile Warranty
- Drone-free; refined at cruise
- Borla S-Type sound
Cons
- Premium price
- 2009–2017 (excludes 2018)
Fitment Reference
Which Kits Fit Your Trim?
| Trim / Engine | JBA | MBRP | AWE | Flowmaster | MagnaFlow | aFe | Borla |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quad Cab 5.7L | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Crew Cab 5.7L | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4.7L V8 | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
✓ = Confirmed • ✗ = Excluded • — = Not tested
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there no axle-back options for the 2011–2018 Ram 1500?
The 2011–2018 Ram 1500 is a truck platform; manufacturers typically offer cat-back systems. Axle-backs are not commonly marketed. A cat-back provides the full performance and sound upgrade, and improves towing and throttle response.
Will an aftermarket exhaust void my warranty?
Cat-back systems install behind the factory catalytic converters and do not affect emissions equipment. They generally do not void the vehicle warranty. Modifications that alter emissions can affect warranty. Check with your dealer if concerned.
Do exhaust systems improve towing?
Yes. Cat-back systems reduce backpressure and improve exhaust flow, which can improve low-end torque and throttle response. AWE and Flowmaster market their Ram systems for towing. Expect modest gains (5–15 HP / lb-ft).
What causes exhaust drone and how do I avoid it?
Drone is resonance at certain RPMs that amplifies inside the cabin. Aggressive mufflers can increase drone. AWE 180 Technology®, Borla S-Type, MBRP Street Profile, and Flowmaster FloxFX are tuned for minimal interior drone.
Stainless vs aluminized: which is better?
304 stainless is more corrosion-resistant and premium. 409 stainless is a step up from aluminized. Aluminized is budget-friendly; expect shorter life in salt climates.
I have a Crew Cab. Does JBA fit?
JBA 3" SS Cat-Back fits Quad Cab only. For Crew Cab, use MBRP, AWE 0FG, Flowmaster, MagnaFlow, aFe, or Borla. Verify each product’s application before ordering.
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