You own a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 HEMI and are in the market for a best exhaust system to install on it. Your truck is already powerful but there is always room for improvement.
What will be the benefits of swapping out your stock system for a an aftermarket performance system:
- More horsepower
- Better torque
- Increased MPG
- Aggressive exhaust sound
So what exhaust system should you utilize to upgrade the horsepower and performance that you already have? Read on as we compare five of the best aftermarket exhaust systems for your 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 HEMI.
Best Exhaust Systems for 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi:
| Borla 140307 | Flowmaster 817477 | Flowmaster 817568 | MBPR S5146BLK 2.5 | Flowmaster 817633 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  | |
| OEM Part Number | 140307 | 817477 | 817568 | S5146BLK | 817633 |
| Latest Price | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon |
Why Upgrade the Exhaust System?
Your primary goals for any aftermarket exhaust system is to make your truck sound better, look better, and perform better than what the stock exhaust system is designed to deliver. Which is most important is for you to decide, but here are the factors that we feel are most important in an aftermarket system.
Exit Velocity – the goal is to have the fastest exhaust exit velocity with the least amount of restriction. That means increasing the exhaust diameter and reduce the twists and turns in the pipes to lessen the restriction of the gases leaving the engine. The stock equipped exhaust systems are not designed for optimized exit flow velocity.
Best Exhaust System for Exit Velocity: Borla 140307
Sizing – Tube length and diameter directly affect performance and noise production. These tubes are like the lungs of your engine. The ease of movement through the tubes determines how easily the engine can “breathe”.
Best Exhaust System for Sizing: Borla 140307
Sound – let’s be honest, that new rumble when you put your foot in it is every car enthusiast’s dream come true. The roar tells other drivers to “Look out! Something truly monstrous is headed their way.” That low rumble is like your high school fight song; it demonstrates power and prestige. And who wouldn’t want that?
Best Exhaust System for Sound: Flowmaster 817633
Increased MPG – performance exhaust systems not only increase power, they may increase fuel economy. Better airflow of exhaust gases may increase MPG by as much as 2-5%. But be careful, some of the low quality systems out there can actually hurt fuel consumption.
Best Exhaust System for MPG Boost: MBPR S5146BLK 2.5”
2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi Exhaust System Reviews
Borla 140307
Dodge Ram HEMI owners who want to improve their exhaust system should consider the Borla 14307 cat-back system. The system comes with exhaust tips and both 2.5 and 3-inch pipes. If you are really into shiny, those 5-inch tips will look great extending out from under the bumper of your truck. Borla exhaust systems are constructed from aircraft quality T-304 stainless steel.
The Borla has its own distinctive sound, one that isn’t too loud at low speeds and isn’t over powering as you reach highway cruising speeds. Once you hear one of these Borlas, you will be able to distinguish its sound from the sound of other manufacturers’ systems.
Pros
- 1,000,000 mile warranty
- Deep, throaty rumble
- Shiny, attractive design
- Increases fuel efficiency
Cons
- Some claim it isn’t loud enough
- One of the most expensive on the market
Flowmaster 817477
The Flowmaster 817477 is constructed from 16-gauge, mandrel-bent stainless steel. It comes with 2.5-inch tailpipes with 4-inch polished tips. It produces a moderately aggressive exterior sound without making it impossible to hear any conversations that are happening inside the cab.
Sound is very important, but not as much as added performance is. The Flowmaster system will deliver more power, better acceleration, and increased fuel efficiency by optimizing exhaust gas travel from the engine through to the tips. Consumers state that the Flowmaster American Thunder system can be installed in less than 90 minutes, even without the convenience of a car lift.
Pros
- Exterior noise is loud with minimal Interior noise
- Ease of installation, 90 minutes or less
- Mandrel-bent stainless steel tubes
- Dyno tuned for maximum performance
Cons
- Clamps could be higher quality
- Poor corrosion resistance
Flowmaster 817568
The Flowmaster 817568 delivers great performance, solid throttle response, and additional power. The 817568 is a dual exhaust system that comes with a 3-inch stainless steel exhaust tube and is made in the USA. It has a black ceramic coating that helps with durability.
Besides being classy looking once installed, it will improve your HEMI’s torque and horsepower due to the fact that it is dyno tuned. The growl it produces isn’t as loud as some of its competitors but it does produce a deeper sound.
Pros
- Stainless steel body with black ceramic coating
- Dyno tuned for maximum performance
- Ease of mounting
- Innovation – 3-chamber interior
Cons
- Prone to develop leaks
- More mellow than loud
MBPR S5146BLK 2.5”
This Black Series exhaust system is made to fit perfectly the first time using only basic tools. It has minimum-bend angled tubes to hold a constant diameter throughout the entire tube. It’s designed to improve horsepower and boost fuel economy by 1-2 miles per gallon.
The sound the MBPR produces is deep throated and assertive, a real attention grabber as you accelerate off the line.
Pros
- Lightweight (only 61 pounds) making it easier to install
- Aids cold starting capabilities
Cons
- Aluminized materials are susceptible to corrosion
- Not all parts are black coated
- Only comes with a 3-year manufacturer warranty
Flowmaster 817633
If you want your HEMI to roar, the Flowmaster Outlaw is for you. The roar is deep and smooth for just a muffler and it sounds like it just came off the racetrack. In fact, some people think it may be too loud.
The system has a black ceramic finish that not only looks good, it improves the system’s durability. Constructed from 409 stainless steel, it will survive longer than its competitors. It takes on average about 1 hour to install.
Pros
- Solid 409 stainless steel construction
- Dyno tuned for maximum performance
- Heat and corrosion resistant
- Incorporates racing technology
Cons
- Sound leaks
- Extremely loud inside vehicle
- Some quality issues with accessories
In Conclusion
Adding an aftermarket exhaust system to your 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 HEMI is done for one or two reasons. One reason is for vanity, the other is for performance. Okay, sometimes it is done for both.
An aftermarket exhaust system is guaranteed to improve the sound of your truck, giving it a deep and super cool roar. It will sound stronger as well as more powerful and is a result of the slightly larger pipes then the factory originals.
As for vanity (let’s call it style), a stock exhaust system just doesn’t add a lot of class to your Dodge truck. An aftermarket performance exhaust system, whether its tips are bright shiny steel or black coated, the style will make your ride look and sound like a race truck.
Because your engine will be able to breath better because of reducing back pressure, you will receive a boost in horsepower and fuel economy. While a stock system is designed to do the job, there is always room for improvement and that’s just what a performance exhaust system will provide, an improvement.
The Ram 1500 HEMI is one of the best pickup trucks on the market. However, you can make it better. Dodge Ram HEMI owners have a tough choice when it comes to deciding which performance exhaust system they should choose for their vehicle. Considering all of the exhaust systems reviewed above, we think the Borla 140307 Stainless Steel Cat-Back System is the best of the best. >>> Check current price on Amazon Yes, you have to pay a little bit extra to get it, but it is well worth the investment.