Upgrading the exhaust system on your truck can do more than just change how it sounds. The best exhaust system for a 2017 Silverado 1500 can boost your engine performance and give you an overall smoother ride.
But which exhaust is the best? If you want the short answer, our vote goes to the Borla 140537BC Exhaust System for its durability and performance. Having said that, it won’t be the best exhaust system for everyone—especially buyers on a budget. (>>> Check current price on Amazon)
Best Exhaust System For 2017 Silverado 1500 – Top Picks:
| PRODUCT NAME | IMAGE | LATEST PRICE | OEM PART NO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Borla 140537BC |  | Find on Amazon | 140537BC |
| MBRP S5080AL |  | Find on Amazon | S5080AL |
| Borla 140535 |  | Find on Amazon | 140535 |
| MagnaFlow 15268 |  | Find on Amazon | 15268 |
| MBRP S5082409 |  | Find on Amazon | S5082409 |
| Flowmaster 717787 |  | Find on Amazon | 717787 |
So how do you choose the best exhaust system for your 2017 Silverado 1500? There are a lot of factors to consider, including:
Durability
There are two parts to the question of an exhaust system’s durability: the quality of the construction, and how well it resists rust and corrosion. Systems that are fully welded will generally hold up better than those that use clamps.
The type of steel that’s used in the tubes is one factor in how well it resists rust and corrosion. Some exhaust systems are also treated or coated for extra protection. This will mainly be a concern if you live in an area that gets lots of snow, or experiences very hot, humid weather.
Most durable exhaust system: Borla 140537BC Exhaust System
Performance
No exhaust system can give you more horsepower or torque than your engine is already capable of. Factory exhaust systems often restrict the airflow, however, preventing your engine from reaching its full potential. The more efficient your exhaust, the more of that power you’ll retain. You can also improve airflow with cold air intake.
The style of bends used on the exhaust system have the biggest influence over its performance. You ideally want a system that uses mandrel bends, which avoid chokepoints and keep your exhaust flowing freely.
Exhaust system with the best performance: Borla 140537BC Exhaust System
Sound
Not everyone upgrades their exhaust to get better performance. This system also has the biggest influence over how your truck sounds both during acceleration and while cruising. You’ll want to consider both the external and the internal sound of the exhaust system.
The good news is most exhaust systems with an aggressive external sound also provide a power boost. On the other hand, a louder exhaust often also means a drone inside the cabin at higher speeds, which many drivers find annoying.
Most aggressive exhaust system: MagnaFlow 15268 Performance Cat-Back Exhaust System
Cost
A lot of people make DIY repairs as a way to save some cash. You might not have the space in your budget for a top of the line, thousand-dollar exhaust system. While you often have to sacrifice some sound and durability shopping in a lower price-point, you can find several quality exhaust systems for less than $500.
Most affordable exhaust system: MBRP S5080AL Single Side Exit Exhaust System
Best Exhaust System for 2017 Silverado 1500: Full Reviews
Borla 140537BC
If you’re looking for the ultimate exhaust system for a Silverado 1500, you should give a look to this Borla Cat-Back exhaust system. While it’s a bit pricier than the other systems we’ll look at, the build quality and performance boost are with the investment.
The Borla Cat-Back Exhaust uses mandrel bends to avoid a reduction in airflow. Compared to factory exhaust systems, you’ll notice a massive boost in horsepower and overall performance. They’re also machined to fit perfectly, making installation easy and frustration-free.
The durability of this Borla exhaust is worth noting, too. It’s treated to resist rust and corrosion, preventing the most common causes of damage to exhaust systems. Superior welding and high-quality stainless steel construction make it a system that might outlast your truck.
Pros
- Noticeably increases your horsepower and engine performance
- Precise manufacturing for a perfect fit
- Complete kit contains everything you need to install
- Built to withstand extreme weather conditions
- Long-lasting, durable construction
Cons
- Most expensive option
MBRP S5080AL Single Side
If you’re looking for the most affordable replacement exhaust for a 2017 Silverado, MBRP has you covered. This MBRP Cat-back, single-side exhaust system is made from rugged aluminized steel, so it’s built to last.
You don’t have to sacrifice performance with the affordable MBRP exhaust, either. It uses the same quality construction as other MBRP systems. The result is an open high-flow and high-performance exhaust.
Sound is the only place we weren’t completely impressed with this MBRP exhaust. The exterior sound is fine—a nice rumble that’s not too loud, a good level for city driving. There is a noticeable drone inside the cab at highway speeds, however. Still, all factors considered, we’d call this the best value for a 2017 Silverado 1500 exhaust.
Pros
- Quality construction that’s built to last
- High-flow for increased performance
- Comes with everything you need to install
- No performance change when switching to V4 mode
- Great sound for daily city use
- Bolt-on design allows for easy DIY install
Cons
- Some drone at highway speeds
- Not built to withstand harsh environmental conditions
Borla 140535
Another excellent option from Borla is their 140535 Touring Cat-Back Exhaust System. You’ll love both the sound and the feel you get using this exhaust. It’s designed to fit perfectly on a 2017 Silverado, too, so installation is quick and easy.
Sonically, this exhaust system strikes a good balance. It has enough growl when you’re accelerating that you can hear the power, but it won’t get so loud you wake up the neighbors. We also appreciate that there’s no noticeable drone at highway speeds as long as you’re in V8 mode.
There are driving benefits to the Borla Touring Cat-Back exhaust system, too. The smooth bends in the pipes ensure a steady airflow. This increases your engine power and improves the overall fuel economy, which saves you money at the fuel pump.
Pros
- Complete kit is easy to install
- Noticeably boosts horsepower
- Improves your truck’s gas mileage
- Nice sound and feel when accelerating
- No drone at highway speeds in V8 mode
Cons
- Doesn’t come with all necessary hardware
- Some drone in V4 mode
MagnaFlow 15268
For an exhaust with a powerful sound, check out the MagnaFlow Performance Cat-Back Exhaust System. It gives a rich rumble on acceleration, without adding any drone when you’re cruising at highway speeds. The MagnaFlow is the perfect exhaust if you want to hear your engine’s power.
This is a great exhaust for performance, too. You’ll see the biggest change in your fuel efficiency, compared to a factory exhaust system. The torque and horsepower gains are minor, compared to other after-market exhausts.
MagnaFlow exhaust systems have a solid build, too. In some cases, they fit better than the original exhaust system. You won’t need to make any modifications, making the MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust an easy DIY install.
Pros
- Fits perfectly on a Silverado right out of the box
- Easy and quick bolt-on installation
- Improves your fuel efficiency and gas mileage
- Deep, smooth sound
- No highway drone
Cons
- No significant torque or horsepower gains
MBRP S5082409 3″ (T409)
If you want an exhaust system that lets people know when you’re coming, The MBRP Dual Split Side Exhaust is your answer. It’s the most aggressive exhaust system on the list, sonically. While some people might find it too loud for their tastes, others will find it the perfect combination of power and sound.
The MBRP Dual Split Side Exhaust isn’t just about the sound, either. You’ll love the way it feels when it’s installed. The smooth bends and consistent pipe construction reduce the exhaust temperature. This means a more efficient exhaust, which translates to better gas mileage and more engine power.
MBRP exhausts are designed for off-roaders and racers. They’re easy to DIY install and built to withstand rough conditions. It really comes down to the sound and your personal taste. The only people we don’t recommend this exhaust system for are those who want a quiet drive.
Pros
- Aggressive exhaust sound
- Reduces exhaust temperature to increase gas mileage
- Noticeably increases horsepower
- Durable enough to withstand extreme road conditions
- Quality, fully welded construction
- Easy to DIY install in 1-2 hours
Cons
- May be too loud for some drivers
- Some drone in the cab, especially at high speed
Flowmaster 717787 Cat-Back 409S
Another great option if you’re looking for an exhaust system with a powerful sound is the Flowmaster 1500-series Exhaust System. The aggressive roar from the Flowmaster has a deep tone you’ll love, without introducing too much extra noise inside the cab.
Flowmaster exhaust systems are also known for increasing power, and that’s something you’ll get from the 1500-series, too. The mandrel bends and straight-through flow of the muffler maximizes your engine power.
It’s relatively easy to install the Flowmaster 1500-series exhaust on most Silverado trucks. While it’s not designed for crew cab models with a 2-piece driveshaft, it’s otherwise a perfect fit, no adjustment required. That makes the Flowmaster 1500-series exhaust an affordable, convenient way to get more sound and power from your truck.
Pros
- Maximizes your engine power
- Very affordable choice
- Aggressive, deep roar
- Comes with all hardware and parts included
- DIY installation very easy for most Silverado owners
Cons
- Some extra sound inside the cab
User Impressions
Customer satisfaction is generally high across the board with all five of these exhaust systems. All five of them are bolt-on systems, and come with all the pieces you need to self-install. For most people, the hardest part is removing the old exhaust.
Some users have reported issues with the MBRP S5080AL Single Side Exit Exhaust System after installation, including snapped clamps and rattling in the muffler. These are typically quick fixes, and the exhaust system otherwise works fine, but it’s something to be aware of.
The Bottom Line
Know what you want from your new exhaust before you start your search. Do you want a quiet exhaust or one that roars when you open the throttle? Consider where you’ll be driving, too. Many exhaust systems have a noticeable drone at higher speeds, which can be annoying if you do a lot of highway driving.
Think about what conditions you drive in when you’re shopping for a new exhaust, too. If you’ll be driving in extreme weather conditions, your exhaust system will be more prone to damage from rust and corrosion. A treated system like the Borla 140537BC Exhaust System may be worth the expense. (>>> Check current price on Amazon)
Whichever way you go, all six of the exhaust systems reviewed here are designed to be a perfect fit for a 2017 Silverado 1500. It’s up to you which is the best upgrade for your truck.