One of the best ways of upgrading the performance of your Dodge Ram 2500 diesel engine is to install a high performance exhaust system. By lessening the restriction of exhaust gases and backpressure, while at the same time reducing the temperatures of those gases, you can increase your engine’s performance and also increase your fuel mileage. Another consideration in choosing a performance exhaust system is style. In addition to improving performance, the exhaust system should look good hanging under your truck and increase your pride of ownership. MagnaFlow 18954 PRO Series is our top pick (>>> Find on Amazon).
Best Exhaust System for Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel – Top Picks:
| MagnaFlow 17876 | Diamond Eye K5252A | MagnaFlow 18954 | MBRP S61340PLM | Exhaust K3122ANE | OCPTY 4" | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  | |
| OEM Part Number | 17876 | K5252A | 18954 | S61340PLM | K3122ANE | 106338-5209-1734598591 |
| Model Years | 2003-2007 | 2007-2012 | 2007, 2008, 2010 | 2007, 2008, 2010 | 1998-2002 | 2013-2016 |
| Engine Type | L6 ( 5.9L) | 6.7L | L6 (6.7L) | L6 (6.7L) | L6 ( 5.9L) | L6 (6.7L) |
| Item Weight (pounds) | 58 | 45.2 | 63 | 39 | No data | 29.5 |
| Latest Price | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon |
Improvement to the Engine’s Ability to Breathe
A performance exhaust system will allow exhaust gases to be expelled through the pipes with less restriction so that the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to expel them. As a result, overall engine efficiency will be improved.
Best Exhaust System for Improved Airflow: MBRP S61340PLM Exhaust System
Increases in Fuel Economy
Because a performance exhaust system improves and maintains optimal air levels in the engine, you can expect to see better fuel economy in the 1-2% range. That may not seem like much of an improvement, but take into account how many miles you put on your vehicle each year. Small savings can become substantial over time.
Best Exhaust System for Increased Fuel Economy: MagnaFlow 18954 PRO Series Aluminized Cat-Back System
Better Throttle Response
More efficiently removing dirty exhaust gases, because you have replaced the more restrictive pipes, results in improved engine efficiency. The addition of a performance exhaust system improves engine horsepower, on average in the range of 7-18 horsepower.
Best Exhaust System for Better Throttle Response: MagnaFlow 18954 PRO Series Aluminized Cat-Back System
Engine Sound
You’ve heard the saying “Say it like you mean it”. With a performance exhaust system, everyone will hear that sharply increased, deep and throaty rumble as your Powerstroke 6.0 comes rolling down the street.
Best Exhaust System for Engine Sound: MBRP S61340PLM Exhaust System
Improved Vehicle Style
An exhaust system is not all about performance. These aftermarket exhaust systems can also make your truck look just that much cooler. From polished aluminum pipes to chrome tips, they will increase the style and pride of ownership of your vehicle.
Best Exhaust System for Improved Vehicle Style: MagnaFlow 18954 PRO Series Aluminized Cat-Back System
MagnaFlow PRO Series Cat-Back Exhaust System 17876
The Pro Series 17876 is a cat-back system that features aluminized stainless steel construction and is designed to provide a power boost to your Ram 2500. The pipes are 5-inches in diameter, mandrel-bent, with a straight-through design. MagnaFlow’s R&D team specifically builds their systems to outperform the original factory installed exhaust system and their systems are always easy to install on your truck.
The Pro Series 17876 will increase your exhaust sound, aggressively on the outside yet moderately for the inside of the cab. It is a little quieter than some owners may want, but it is still nice and throaty, all without making carrying on a conversation in the cab difficult to be heard. This MagnaFlow system uses a single passenger side exit. The 17876 system does not include a muffler or a tip.
Pros
- Aluminized stainless steel construction
- Moderate sounding
- 50 state legal
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- No tips included
Diamond Eye K5252A Exhaust Kit
Upgrading your exhaust system to the Diamond Eye K5252A will give your Dodge Ram increased horsepower and torque, while doing a better job of reducing exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) than the factory installed system. Designed to be a perfect fit, the Diamond Eye is constructed with a high-quality blend of 409 stainless steel and 16-gauge aluminized steel with 5-inch pipes.
You can expect to gain 1-2 mpg on fuel economy so you will be passing those gas stations a little more often than you used to. The system installs using common hand tools. It will deliver a mellow, yet rich, exhaust sound.
Pros
- Fuel mileage increases
- Reduces EGTs
- 5-inch stainless and aluminized steel construction for added durability
- Mean and throaty sounding
Cons
- Tends to drone
- Angle of exhaust direction may cause concerns
MagnaFlow 18954 PRO Series Aluminized Cat-Back System
This MagnaFlow exhaust features 5-inch, 409 stainless steel tubing and is a single passenger side exit system. It comes with a 6-inch polished stainless steel tip that will increase the overall look of your truck.
With overlapped MIG welds, the system will not leak at the joints, so that you can be assured that you will hear nothing other than that deep, throaty roar you are looking for. Because this MagnaFlow system has 20% less bends than the factory installed system, you will see performance gains in horsepower (3-23hp) and torque (6-28 ft/lbs). Installation is easy with no hassle. The exhaust system requires no drilling, cutting, or welding and best of all, it is legal in all 50 states
Pros
- Constructed of 409 stainless steel
- Mounts at the factory positions
- 50 state legal
- 3-23 horsepower improvement
Cons
MBRP S61340PLM Exhaust System
This MBRP exhaust system is a single side exit DPF (diesel particulate filter) system, constructed of 16-gauge, aluminized steel. Maintenance-free DPF systems are designed to oxidize, or burn, larger exhaust particles before they are passed through the filter, lessening soot emissions.
This is considered a race-only system and is designed to perform. Getting the hot air out is critical to getting clean air in and that is what this MBRP system will do. The main tubing has a 5-inch diameter and the exhaust sound is considered moderately loud. It should give you an increase of up to 18 more horsepower and 28 ft/lbs of torque. It is easy to install and bolts on in as little as 1½-2 hours.
Pros
- High-quality 16-gauge, aluminized steel construction
- Resists rust and corrosion
- Great at reducing backpressure
Cons
- Race only product
- Tip not included
- Not 50 state legal
Northeastern Exhaust K3122ANE
The K3122ANE exhaust system is built using 409 stainless steel for better durability than other aluminized steel systems. Because this system has non-wrinkled pipes for less restrictive exhaust gas flow, you will notice gains in both horsepower and torque. It is a direct fit system with no clamps and no welding required.
Pros
- 409 stainless steel construction
- Low price
Cons
- Expansion joints questionable
- Customers report installation problems with hangers and gaskets
OCPTY 4″ Aluminized Steel Exhaust
Constructed using aluminized steel, OCPTY systems resist rust and corrosion and do a better job of sealing leaks. Also aluminized steel resists cracking and warping when exposed to high temperature exhaust gases. It has 4-inch tubing and meets original quality standards. OCPTY may not be a famous name manufacturer, but it offers a good, high-quality system that will enhance the aesthetics of your Ram truck.
Pros
- Aluminized construction resists rust and corrosion
- Solid seals helps prevent exhaust leaks
- Direct fit
- Economically priced
Cons
Conclusion
A performance exhaust system is a great way to enhance the sound and the power of your Dodge Ram 2500. All six of the above choices are great exhaust systems. In addition to power and sound, style should be considered. Will your choice of a particular exhaust system also enhance the look of your truck? Overall, it is our opinion that the best of the best for a Ram 2500 is the MagnaFlow 18954 PRO Series Aluminized Cat-Back System. It is our top pick for improving fuel economy, throttle response, and adding style to your truck, all in one exhaust system (>>> Check on Amazon).