Exhaust Guide
Best Exhausts for the
2011 – 2018 Ram 3500: Every Cat-Back Compared
A complete comparison of cat-back and filter-back exhaust systems for the 2011–2018 Ram 3500 — covering the 5.7L Hemi (2011–2012), 6.4L 392 Hemi (2014–2018), and 6.7L Cummins diesel. Sound profiles, materials, pricing, and fitment notes from MBRP, Flowmaster, Borla, and MagnaFlow.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Kit | Sound Profile | Pipe | Material | Fits | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MagnaFlow Direct-Fit | OEM-style | OEM | Stainless | 6.7L Cummins | $457 | SHOP → |
| MBRP 6.4L Aluminized | Street | 4" | Aluminized | 6.4L 392 |
|
SHOP → |
| Flowmaster Flow FX 5.7L | Moderate | 3" | 409 SS | 5.7L Hemi |
|
SHOP → |
| Flowmaster Flow FX 6.4L | Moderate | 3" | 409 SS | 6.4L 392 | $641 | SHOP → |
| MBRP Single Side Dual | Race | 4" | Aluminized | 6.4L 392 | $760 | SHOP → |
| Flowmaster American Thunder | Aggressive | 3" | 409 SS | 6.4L 392 (3500) | $968 | SHOP → |
| Borla S-Type | S-Type | 3" | 304 SS | 6.4L 392 | $1,138 | SHOP → |
Important
What to Know Before You Buy
Engine-Specific Fitment
The 2011–2018 Ram 3500 had 5.7L Hemi (2011–2012), 6.4L 392 (2014–2018), and 6.7L Cummins diesel. Exhaust fitment is engine-specific. 5.7L systems do not fit 6.4L; diesel filter-back systems do not fit gasoline. Verify your engine before ordering.
2500 vs 3500
Some systems are 2500-only (e.g., MBRP Dual Split). Ram 3500 6.4L has its own Flowmaster American Thunder SKU (817932). Borla S-Type fits both 2500 and 3500 (excl. dually). MBRP Aluminized and Flow FX fit both.
Cat-Back vs Filter-Back
A cat-back replaces exhaust from the catalytic converter back (gasoline). A filter-back replaces exhaust from the diesel particulate filter back (6.7L Cummins). Both are 50-state emissions legal.
Materials: 304 vs 409 vs Aluminized
304 stainless is most corrosion-resistant. 409 stainless is a step up from aluminized. Aluminized is budget-friendly. Borla uses 304; Flowmaster offers 409.
MagnaFlow Direct-Fit Replacement Exhaust System: Dodge Ram 2500 (07-11) / 3500 (07-11) 6.7L
MagnaFlow Direct-Fit is an OEM-style replacement for the 2007–2011 Ram 2500 and 3500 6.7L Cummins. Restores exhaust performance with durable stainless construction. Direct bolt-on; includes gaskets and clamps. Lowest price in this guide. Fits 2011 model year.
Ideal for 6.7L Cummins owners who want a reliable replacement. Does not fit 5.7L or 6.4L gasoline engines.
Pros
- Lowest price
- OEM-style; direct-fit
- 6.7L Cummins
Cons
- 2007–2011 only
- Not performance-oriented
MBRP Cat Back Exhaust System (Single Side Exit, Aluminized): Ram 6.4L 392 2500 & 3500
MBRP Single Side Exit Aluminized delivers strong value for 6.4L 392. 4-inch mandrel-bent tubing, single side exit. Street tone. Fits 2014–2025 Ram 2500 and 3500 6.4L. Direct bolt-on. 3-year warranty.
Ideal for 6.4L 3500 owners who want a cost-effective upgrade. Best value for gasoline heavy-duty Rams.
Pros
- Low price for 6.4L
- 4" mandrel-bent; street tone
- Fits 2500 & 3500
Cons
- Aluminized (not stainless)
Flowmaster Flow FX Exhaust System: Dodge Ram 5.7L Hemi 2500 / 3500 2003 – 2012
Flowmaster Flow FX is the primary cat-back option for 5.7L Hemi Rams. 3-inch mandrel-bent stainless, Flow FX muffler. Deep exterior tone, moderate interior. Single side exit. Fits 2003–2012 Ram 2500/3500 5.7L. Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Ideal for 2011–2012 Ram 3500 5.7L owners. The 5.7L was phased out in 2013.
Pros
- Only dedicated 5.7L option
- 409 stainless; Lifetime Warranty
- Moderate tone
Cons
- 5.7L only (2011–2012)
Flowmaster Flow FX Cat-Back Exhaust System: Ram 2500 / 3500 6.4L
Flowmaster Flow FX delivers the best balance for 6.4L 3500. 3-inch mandrel-bent 409 stainless, Flow FX muffler. Deep exterior tone, moderate interior. Fits Ram 2500 and 3500 6.4L. Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Ideal for 2014–2018 Ram 3500 6.4L owners who want a versatile, durable upgrade.
Pros
- 409 stainless; Lifetime Warranty
- Moderate tone; fits 2500 & 3500
- Direct bolt-on
Cons
- 6.4L only
MBRP Cat Back Exhaust System (Single Side Dual Outlet): Ram 6.4L 392 2500 & 3500
MBRP Single Side Dual Outlet delivers a race-inspired tone with dual tips from a single side exit. 4-inch mandrel-bent aluminized tubing. Fits 2014–2016 Ram 2500 and 3500 6.4L. Verify 2017–2018 fitment. 3-year warranty.
Ideal for 6.4L 3500 owners who want a bold dual-tip look. More aggressive than the single side exit.
Pros
- Dual outlet; race tone
- 4" mandrel-bent
- Fits 2500 & 3500
Cons
- Aluminized; verify 17–18 fitment
Flowmaster American Thunder Exhaust System: Dodge Ram 6.4L 392 3500 2014 – 2023
Flowmaster American Thunder 3500-specific delivers the most aggressive sound for 6.4L. 50 Series HD muffler, dual 3-inch mandrel-bent 409 stainless. Deep exterior tone. Rear or side exit options for towing. Fits 2014–2024 Ram 3500 6.4L. Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Ideal for 3500 6.4L owners who want maximum presence. Can drone at cruise.
Pros
- 409 stainless; Lifetime Warranty
- 3500-specific; aggressive tone
- Rear or side exit
Cons
- Can drone at cruise
Borla S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust System (Polished Tip): Ram 6.4L 392 2014 – 2018 (2500 & 3500)
Borla S-Type delivers drone-free cruising with aggressive sound under acceleration. 304 stainless, mandrel-bent. Fits all cab and bed configs except dual rear wheels. Uses factory transition pipe. Million-Mile Warranty.
Ideal for daily drivers who want maximum sound quality without cabin drone. Fits both 2500 and 3500 6.4L.
Pros
- 304 stainless; Million-Mile Warranty
- Drone-free; refined at cruise
- Fits 2500 & 3500 (excl. dually)
Cons
- Excludes dually; premium price
Fitment Reference
Which Kits Fit Your Engine?
| Engine | MagnaFlow | MBRP Al | Flow FX 5.7L | Flow FX 6.4L | MBRP Dual | Am. Thunder | Borla |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.7L Cummins (07–11) | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 5.7L Hemi (11–12) | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 6.4L 392 (14–18) | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
✓ = Confirmed • ✗ = Excluded
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between cat-back and filter-back?
A cat-back replaces exhaust from the catalytic converter back (gasoline). A filter-back replaces exhaust from the diesel particulate filter back (6.7L Cummins). Both are 50-state legal.
Will an aftermarket exhaust void my warranty?
Cat-back and filter-back systems install behind emissions equipment. They generally do not void the vehicle warranty. Check with your dealer if concerned.
Do exhaust systems add horsepower?
Yes. Cat-back systems reduce backpressure. Expect modest gains (5–15 HP / lb-ft) and improved throttle response. Diesel filter-backs can improve turbo spool.
What causes exhaust drone and how do I avoid it?
Drone is resonance at certain RPMs. Borla S-Type is designed for drone-free cruising. Flowmaster American Thunder can drone. Flow FX and MBRP Street offer moderate tones.
304 vs 409 stainless: which is better?
304 stainless is more corrosion-resistant. 409 stainless is a step up from aluminized. Aluminized is budget-friendly; shorter life in salt climates.
I have a 2014 Ram 3500 6.4L dually. What fits?
Borla S-Type excludes dual rear wheel (dually) models. MBRP Aluminized, Flowmaster Flow FX, MBRP Single Side Dual, and Flowmaster American Thunder all fit 6.4L 3500. Verify dually fitment with each manufacturer.
Ready to Upgrade Your Ram 3500 Exhaust?
Compare systems above, pick the right fit for your engine (5.7L, 6.4L, or 6.7L), and order with confidence. Need help? Contact us.
