In searching for the best exhaust system for your Nissan Titan pickup, there are many systems to choose from and several different manufacturers of those systems. In this review, we will compare some of the exhaust systems that we feel are the best on the market.
Best Exhaust System for Nissan Titan – Top Picks:
| JBA 40-1400 3" | aFe 49-46102-B | Flowmaster 717910 | Gibson 60-0012 | aFe Power 49-46112-B | DNA CBE-NTT07-56L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  | |
| OEM Part Number | 401400 | 49-46102-B | 717910 | 60-0012 | 49-46112-B | CBE-NTT07-56L |
| Model Years | 2004-2009 | 2004-2015 | 2017-2021 | 2004-2008 | 2016-2019 | 2004-2015 |
| Engine Type | V8 5.6L | V8 5.6L | V8 5.6L | V8 5.6L | V8 5.0L | V8 5.6L |
| Item Weight (pounds) | 10 | 45 | 53.8 | 55 | 35 | 40.6 |
| Latest Price | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon | Find on Amazon |
Benefits of an Aftermarket Exhaust System
Very seldom do vehicle manufacturers install an exhaust system with performance in mind. They always consider the needs of the general public rather than someone who has a specific interest in better performance. A quiet exhaust system comes at a cost of performance, horsepower, and fuel economy.
More Power – Adding a quality aftermarket exhaust system can result in more horsepower, torque, and better fuel efficiency due to reducing back pressure on your engine, enabling it to breathe easier.
Best Exhaust System for Increased Power: Gibson Performance Exhaust 60-0012
Improved Fuel Economy – Upgrading to a performance exhaust will have an impact on the amount of fuel your engine uses, approximately a 10-15% improvement. That is, if, you can keep your foot out of the gas pedal just to hear your engine roar.
Best Exhaust System for Improved Fuel Economy: JBA 40-1400 3”
Aggressive Engine Sound – Aftermarket exhaust systems are designed to give your Titan a distinctly aggressive sound. Increased sound may not appeal to everyone, but it loudly claims “I’m powerful, move out of my way”.
Best Exhaust System for Aggressive Engine Sound: DNA Motoring CBE-NTT07-56L 3″
Style and Appeal – Visual clues that exhibit your truck’s power to other auto enthusiasts is an additional benefit to an aftermarket exhaust system. Side-exit exhausts or dual exhausts with fancy chrome or black finishes inform people that this truck is powerful and not anything to fool with.
Best Exhaust System for Style and Appeal: aFe Power 49-46112-B
Exhaust System Reviews
JBA 40-1400 3”
The JBA Performance Exhaust system will add more power to your Nissan Titan. It has a stainless steel muffler and a polished stainless steel tip that won’t discolor over time due to heat and weather. The system will provide increases in horsepower, torque, fuel efficiency, and add an aggressive sound.
The sound is not overly aggressive, so if that is the reason for purchasing this system, you might want to look elsewhere. There will be little to no drone heard inside the cab though. Fuel mileage is estimated to improve about 1.5 miles per gallon.
Pros
- Polished tip will not discolor over time
- Engine sound is increased without being overwhelming
- Easy installation using OE mounting locations
- One year warranty
Cons
- Will not fit a truck with a long bed
- Not all pipes are stainless steel
- Low quality clamps
aFe 49-46102-B MACH Force XP
The aFe MACH Force XP is constructed of mandrel-bent 2.5-inch stainless steel tubing and includes a 3-inch, 304 stainless steel, wrinkled, black powder coated tip. The large diameter pipes will reduce exhaust restriction to give your Titan increased horsepower and torque.
The MACH Force XP has been dyno-tested by aFe to provide an additional 8+ horsepower and increase torque by 12+ lbs x ft. It utilizes the factory mounting locations making for an easy installation process. It creates an aggressive, deep tone especially during acceleration.
Pros
- Outflows factory exhaust system by 150%
- Stainless steel tubing
- Provides increases in horsepower and torque
- Does not require a CARB EO#
Cons
- Drones at lower RPMs and at highway speeds
- Several owner complaints concerning metal on metal squeaking noises
Flowmaster 717910
Constructed of a single 3-inch pipe, the Flowmaster 717910 carries the exhaust in a straight-through system that is more efficient and effective than the factory system that came on your truck. By reducing back pressure, it will help your engine deliver more horsepower and increased torque. Because this system makes it easier for your engine to breathe, the engine will burn less fuel, giving you an increase in fuel mileage. The increased power will show itself particularly in uphill driving, towing, and pulling performance.
The 4.5-inch, black ceramic coated tips will improve the looks of your truck, while also delivering a satisfying, deep throated rumble.
Pros
- Aggressive sound improvement
- Increases power and torque
- Uses factory hanger locations
Cons
- Moderately difficult to install
- Complaints about sub-par powder coating on the tips
Gibson Performance Exhaust 60-0012
If you want to free up those horses under your truck’s hood, the Gibson Performance Exhaust system may be the one for you. With 4-inch mandrel bent 409-L stainless steel tubes and a whopping 6-inch black ceramic coated slash cut tip, this system will deliver dyno-tested increases in both horsepower and torque.
The baffles and chambers are designed to virtually eliminate exhaust back pressure for unrestricted exhaust gas flow. Also, this exhaust system is covered by a lifetime warranty from Gibson.
Pros
- Delivers an extra 10-20 horsepower
- Will not void factory warranty
- Increased engine sound and minimal drone
- Great customer service
Cons
- Past quality issues with ceramic coated tips
- Owners complain that the clamps included are of sub-par quality
aFe Power 49-46112-B
Constructed from durable 5-inch 409 stainless steel, the aFe Large Bore Performance exhaust system will increase exhaust flow by up to 65% over the factory system. The 6-inch black stainless steel tip has slash-cut vents to reduce exhaust temperature. The tip has a laser-cut aFe power badge riveted to it to increase the system’s overall style.
This system installs at the factory mounting locations, using original equipment style hangers, which makes for an easier installation process. The smoother, mandrel bent tubes make for freer-flowing exhaust gases, resulting in increased horsepower and torque.
Pros
- Fits crew cab and standard size truck beds
- 5-inch black slash-cut intercooled tip
- Does not require a CARB EO#
Cons
- Tip scratches easily
- Some installation issues sited by purchasers
- Quality problems noted by purchasers concerning accessory parts
DNA Motoring CBE-NTT07-56L 3″
This DNA Motoring exhaust system will deliver that deeply aggressive roar that you are hoping for due to its fine-tuned resonators. It has been dyno-tested to produce increases of 15 to 25 horsepower and provide a much better low end torque.
The system is constructed of T-304 stainless steel with mandrel bent tubing and TIG welded, CNC machined flanges, which helps to make the system resist corrosion and rust. Some reviews claim the pipes are too short, but that is because an exhaust tip needs to be added which is not included with the system.
Pros
- Aggressive sound improvement
- Increases horsepower 15-25hp
- Little to no drone
Cons
- Difficult fit compared to the competition
- No installation instructs included
- Exhaust tip not included
Conclusion
The factory-installed exhaust system is very restrictive because it is designed to deliver a quiet driving experience. While this is good for the general public, it is not what a truck enthusiast desires. Adding an aftermarket exhaust system will provide your Nissan Titan with a freer-flowing exhaust. Horsepower will increase between 15hp and 25hp and a better sounding engine will be noticeable. Also, while most trucks average only about 15 mpg around town, you can expect to gain about a 10% improvement in fuel economy, which will save you a lot of money at the pump.