The 5.7L HEMI is one of the best V8s Chrysler ever built, but the factory exhaust muffles a lot of that character. Bolt on the right cat-back or muffler and you wake up the deep, classic muscle-car rumble, shave a little weight off the truck, and free up a modest bump in flow. Whether your HEMI lives in a Ram 1500, a Charger, a Challenger, a Durango, or a Grand Cherokee, the right system changes how the whole vehicle feels.
We pulled together seven exhaust systems that actually exist on Amazon for the 5.7 HEMI and ranked them on the things that matter to real owners: tone, drone at cruise, build quality, fitment, and how easy they are to install in a driveway. Every pick below is a genuine, widely sold product, and there are no prices here, just honest opinions on what each one does well and where it falls short.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Borla ATAK Cat-Back Exhaust System Best Overall T-304 stainless cat-back, aggressive ATAK sound level, multiple tip options |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Corsa Performance Sport Cat-Back Exhaust Best for No Drone Patented RSC drone-cancelling tech, T-304 stainless, polished tips |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Borla S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust System Best Balanced Sound T-304 stainless cat-back, moderate aggressive tone, million-mile warranty |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Flowmaster American Thunder Cat-Back Exhaust Best Classic Muscle Tone 16-gauge aluminized or stainless, Super 44 muffler, dual rear exit |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
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MagnaFlow Street Series Cat-Back Exhaust Best Refined Tone Stainless straight-through muffler, smooth deep note, polished tips |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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MBRP Installer Series Cat-Back Exhaust Best Value Cat-Back Aluminized or T-409 stainless, mandrel-bent, single or dual exit |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Flowmaster Super 44 Series Muffler Best Budget Muffler Swap Two-chamber aluminized muffler, aggressive race tone, weld-in or clamp |
8.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Borla ATAK Cat-Back Exhaust System: Best Overall
Borla’s ATAK cat-back is the system we keep coming back to when an owner says they want their 5.7 HEMI to sound mean and never look back. ATAK stands for Acoustically Tuned Applied Kinetics, which is Borla’s way of saying they engineered the loudest, most aggressive note in their lineup. On a Ram or a Charger it produces a deep idle, a hard mid-range snarl, and a top-end that genuinely turns heads. The T-304 stainless steel is a step above the cheaper 409 grade you find elsewhere, and it shows in how the system shrugs off corrosion year after year.
The honest weakness is the volume. ATAK is not a quiet system, and at highway speed some drivers notice a resonant drone that gets tiring on long trips. If you spend hours on the interstate every week, Borla’s quieter S-Type is the smarter choice within the same family. But for a HEMI owner who wants the most character and the best metallurgy in one box, the ATAK is the benchmark everything else gets measured against.
- Patented straight-through ATAK technology for the loudest, most aggressive Borla tone
- Full T-304 austenitic stainless steel construction backed by a million-mile warranty
- Dyno-tuned mandrel bends to add flow without robbing low-end torque
Pros: Unmistakable deep, race-bred HEMI bark under throttle; Premium stainless build that survives road salt and years of abuse; Bolt-on fit with no cutting on most applications
Cons: ATAK is genuinely loud, so it can be too much for daily commuters; Sits at the upper end of the build quality spectrum and you pay for it in commitment
2. Corsa Performance Sport Cat-Back Exhaust: Best for No Drone
Corsa built its reputation on solving the one problem that plagues loud exhaust: cabin drone. Their patented Reflective Sound Cancellation technology uses tuned internal chambers instead of packed-fiber mufflers, and the result on a 5.7 HEMI is remarkable. At a steady 70 mph the cabin stays calm and conversation-friendly, then the moment you dig into the throttle the system opens up into a full, aggressive V8 roar. For a HEMI that doubles as a daily driver and a weekend toy, that split personality is exactly what you want.
The trade-off is that the drone-cancelling design keeps idle and light-cruise volume a touch more restrained than a straight ATAK setup. Owners chasing the absolute loudest possible note at a stoplight sometimes wish for more. But for anyone who has lived with a droning aftermarket exhaust on a long road trip and sworn never again, Corsa is the system that lets you have the aggression without the headache.
- Reflective Sound Cancellation chambers eliminate interior drone at cruising speed
- Aggressive wide-open-throttle tone that stays civil during light highway driving
- T-304 stainless steel with mirror-polished tips and straight-through flow
Pros: Genuinely drone-free at highway speed, which is rare for a loud system; Loud and aggressive only when you get on the throttle; Excellent stainless build and clean tip presentation
Cons: Premium engineering means it asks for real commitment; Some owners want it even louder at idle than it delivers
3. Borla S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust System: Best Balanced Sound
If the Borla ATAK is the shouting twin, the S-Type is the one you can take to dinner. It uses the same premium T-304 stainless steel and the same million-mile warranty, but tunes the sound to a more livable level. On a 5.7 HEMI you still get that signature deep, throaty growl on acceleration and a confident idle, but the cabin stays comfortable enough that you are not fighting fatigue on a long drive. It is, for many HEMI owners, the sweet spot in Borla’s range.
The only real knock is that the S-Type is a compromise by design, which means owners who specifically wanted the most aggressive note possible may feel it leaves something on the table. For everyone else, it delivers about ninety percent of the ATAK’s drama with far better manners, and that balance is exactly why it stays so popular. The build quality is identical to the flagship, so you are not giving up anything in durability.
- Notched aggressive sound that sits between the quiet Touring and the loud ATAK
- T-304 stainless construction with the same million-mile Borla warranty
- Mandrel-bent tubing for clean flow and a refined exterior fit
Pros: Deep, satisfying HEMI growl without ATAK-level intensity; Manageable drone for daily driving; Top-tier stainless quality and warranty support
Cons: Not as attention-grabbing as the ATAK for owners chasing maximum volume
4. Flowmaster American Thunder Cat-Back Exhaust: Best Classic Muscle Tone
For a huge number of HEMI owners, the Flowmaster sound IS the aftermarket exhaust sound. The American Thunder cat-back is built around the Super 44 muffler, and on a 5.7 it produces that classic, chesty American muscle tone that has been turning heads in parking lots for decades. The mandrel-bent tubing flows well, the kit bolts on cleanly, and you can choose between aluminized steel to keep costs down or stainless for longevity. It is a system steeped in heritage, and it delivers exactly the character its reputation promises.
The honest weakness is drone. Flowmaster’s aggressive chambered muffler design is wonderful at full throttle but can resonate hard in the cabin at steady highway speed, and the aluminized version will eventually show rust in salty climates. If you do mostly city and back-road driving and you love that old-school rumble, the American Thunder is hard to beat. If your commute is two hours of interstate a day, audition it carefully first, because that drone is the one thing that sends some owners back to the parts store.
- Built around Flowmaster's legendary Super 44 series muffler for that classic American V8 bark
- Mandrel-bent tubing in aluminized or stainless options to match your budget priorities
- Aggressive yet recognizable muscle-car tone that defines the Flowmaster sound
Pros: Iconic, instantly recognizable muscle-car rumble; Strong flow and a noticeable seat-of-the-pants response; Options for both aluminized and stainless construction
Cons: Famous for highway drone that not everyone can live with; Aluminized version does not resist rust as well as full stainless
5. MagnaFlow Street Series Cat-Back Exhaust: Best Refined Tone
MagnaFlow’s Street Series is the pick for the HEMI owner who wants their truck or sedan to sound deeper and more serious without crossing into obnoxious territory. The straight-through, perforated-core stainless muffler produces a smooth, rounded note that is noticeably free of the metallic rasp that cheaper systems sometimes add. The large polished tips look great peeking out from under a Ram bumper, and the overall fit and finish feel a clear step above entry-level kits. It is a tasteful, grown-up take on the HEMI exhaust upgrade.
That refinement is also its limitation. If you are chasing maximum drama and want bystanders to hear you three blocks away, the Street Series will feel too polite. There can also be some drone under load depending on the exact application, so it is not completely immune to the highway resonance issue. But for someone who values a clean, deep, well-mannered tone and quality stainless construction over sheer volume, MagnaFlow nails the brief.
- Straight-through perforated-core muffler for smooth flow and a refined deep tone
- Stainless steel construction with large polished tips for a clean look
- Tuned to add presence without the harsh rasp some systems produce
Pros: Smooth, deep, refined note that avoids raspiness; Quality stainless build with good corrosion resistance; Polished tips give a finished, factory-plus appearance
Cons: More understated than buyers expecting a raucous Flowmaster bark; Can still drone somewhat under load on certain HEMI applications
6. MBRP Installer Series Cat-Back Exhaust: Best Value Cat-Back
MBRP has carved out a loyal following by giving HEMI owners a genuinely solid exhaust without demanding flagship-level commitment, and the Installer Series is the heart of that lineup. You get mandrel-bent tubing for clean flow, a choice of aluminized or T-409 stainless steel, and a bolt-on layout that most people can knock out in an afternoon with basic hand tools. On a 5.7 HEMI it delivers a meaningful jump in volume and a respectable deep tone that clearly outclasses the muffled factory setup.
Where it lands short of the top tier is character. The MBRP note is good and honest, but it does not have the unmistakable signature of a Borla or a Flowmaster, so it can feel a touch generic next to those brands. The aluminized option also will not hold up to road salt the way full stainless does. Still, for an owner who wants a quality, easy-to-install upgrade that delivers most of the experience for a sensible outlay, the Installer Series is one of the smartest buys on this list.
- Mandrel-bent tubing in aluminized or T-409 stainless to balance value and durability
- Bolt-on design engineered for straightforward driveway installation
- Noticeable volume bump and improved flow over the restrictive factory system
Pros: Strong real-world value without feeling cheaply made; Easy bolt-on fit with clear instructions; Available in stainless for better corrosion resistance
Cons: Tone is good but not as distinctive as premium-brand systems; Aluminized version trades some longevity for affordability
7. Flowmaster Super 44 Series Muffler: Best Budget Muffler Swap
Not everyone wants to buy a full cat-back, and the Flowmaster Super 44 is the answer for the HEMI owner who wants maximum impact from a single component. This compact two-chamber muffler is the same heart that lives inside many full kits, and swapping it in for the restrictive factory muffler transforms a quiet 5.7 into something with real attitude. The aggressive Delta Flow design delivers that classic, deep Flowmaster bark, and because it is just one part, it is the most accessible way to completely change how your HEMI sounds.
The catch is twofold. First, the Super 44 is loud and the most drone-prone option on this entire list, so it is not for the noise-sensitive. Second, it is not a bolt-on for most HEMI vehicles, meaning you will need to weld or clamp it in, which usually means a trip to a muffler shop unless you fabricate yourself. The aluminized construction also will not match stainless for long-term rust resistance. But if you want the most dramatic transformation for the least outlay and you do not mind the install hurdle, nothing here beats it on pure sound-per-effort.
- Two-chamber Delta Flow design for an aggressive, deep race-inspired tone
- Compact single muffler swap that fits a wide range of HEMI applications
- Durable aluminized steel construction at a fraction of a full cat-back commitment
Pros: Biggest sound change for the least investment; Aggressive, iconic Flowmaster bark; Simple swap if you can weld or clamp it in
Cons: Loudest and most drone-prone option here; Requires welding or fabrication on most HEMI setups
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an aftermarket exhaust add horsepower to my 5.7 HEMI?
Yes, but be realistic about the numbers. A quality cat-back exhaust frees up some of the restriction in the factory system, and on a 5.7 HEMI that typically translates to a modest gain, often in the single-digit to low-double-digit horsepower range depending on the system and the rest of your setup. The bigger, more noticeable benefit for most owners is the improved throttle response and the dramatically better sound. If raw power is your main goal, an exhaust is best paired with a cold air intake and a tune rather than relied on alone.
What is the difference between a cat-back and an axle-back system?
A cat-back system replaces everything from the catalytic converters back, including the mid-pipes, mufflers, and tips, so it offers the most complete change in flow and sound. An axle-back system only replaces the section behind the rear axle, usually just the muffler and tips, which makes it cheaper and easier to install but limits how much the tone and flow change. For the fullest transformation on a 5.7 HEMI, a cat-back like the Borla or Corsa is the way to go, while an axle-back is a reasonable lighter-touch option.
Why does my new HEMI exhaust drone on the highway?
Drone is a resonant frequency that builds up in the cabin at steady cruising RPM, and it is the single most common complaint with aftermarket exhaust. It happens most with aggressive chambered mufflers, like the Flowmaster Super 44 design, because they are tuned for volume rather than cancellation. If a quiet cabin matters to you, choose a system engineered specifically to kill drone, such as the Corsa with its Reflective Sound Cancellation chambers, or step down to a more moderate option like the Borla S-Type. Resonators can also be added to tame an existing droning system.
Is a stainless steel exhaust worth it over aluminized steel?
If you live anywhere that uses road salt in winter or you plan to keep your HEMI for many years, stainless steel is genuinely worth the extra investment. Aluminized steel, like the budget versions of the Flowmaster and MBRP systems, works fine and sounds great out of the box, but it will eventually surface rust and degrade faster, especially around welds. T-304 stainless, used by Borla and Corsa, resists corrosion dramatically better and tends to come with much longer warranties. For a long-term keeper, stainless pays for itself in durability and resale.
Can I install a 5.7 HEMI cat-back exhaust myself?
Most cat-back systems on this list, including the Borla, Corsa, MagnaFlow, and MBRP kits, are designed as bolt-on installations that a reasonably handy owner can complete in an afternoon with basic hand tools, jack stands, and some penetrating oil for the factory clamps. The main exception is a standalone muffler like the Flowmaster Super 44, which usually requires welding or clamping in and is better left to a muffler shop unless you can fabricate. Always work on a cool exhaust, support the vehicle safely, and do a test fit before fully tightening everything.
Our Verdict
For the best all-around 5.7 HEMI exhaust, the Borla ATAK Cat-Back is our top pick, pairing the most aggressive Borla tone with premium T-304 stainless construction and a million-mile warranty, so long as you can live with serious volume. If drone-free daily driving matters more to you, the Corsa Performance Sport Cat-Back is the runner up and arguably the smarter choice for a HEMI that does double duty as a commuter and a weekend performer, thanks to its patented sound-cancellation chambers that stay civil at cruise and roar when you open the throttle.
