Dropping a tired, rust-flecked factory exhaust off a 2019 Ram 1500 V8 isn’t just about noise—it’s about reclaiming the low-frequency punch the HEMI was born to sing. The right aftermarket system transforms throttle response, shaves rotational mass from the rear axle, and replaces the muted hum with a controlled, aggressive bark that announces your arrival without waking the entire block at 6 a.m.
I’m Amir — the founder and writer behind Four Wheel Ask. My research process involves combing through hundreds of verified owner reports, comparing mandrel bend tolerances, measuring pipe wall thickness claims against real-world reviews, and tracking how each system’s tonality evolves after a few thousand miles of soot and heat cycling.
Whether you’re chasing a mellow cruising tone or a straight-pipe thunderclap, the right 2019 ram 1500 exhaust transforms your driving experience more than any other single bolt-on upgrade.
How To Choose The Best 2019 RAM 1500 Exhaust
Choosing the right exhaust for a 2019 Ram 1500 isn’t about picking the loudest muffler on the shelf. You have to weigh material longevity against winter road salt, pipe routing against cab configuration, and sound profile against your daily commute mileage. Here’s the breakdown.
Material: T304, T409, Or Aluminized
T304 stainless steel resists corrosion better than any other option—critical if you drive in snow-belt states where brine eats aluminized pipes within a few winters. T409 is a magnetic stainless that holds up well and costs less than T304, while aluminized steel offers a budget-friendly starting point but will eventually rust from the inside out if moisture accumulates in the packing material.
Sound Profile: Chambered Mufflers vs. Straight-Through
Chambered mufflers (like traditional Flowmasters) produce a deep, classic muscle-car note with some internal restriction. Straight-through designs use perforated tubes and acoustic packing to flow more freely, often delivering a louder, more aggressive exhaust note at wide-open throttle. The trade-off is potential interior drone at highway speeds if the system lacks a Helmholtz resonator or proper tuning for the 5.7L HEMI’s firing order.
Fitment And Cab Size
The 2019 Ram 1500 comes in Quad Cab, Crew Cab, and regular cab variants, each with different wheelbase lengths. Many cat-back kits are designed to fit all cab configurations, but the tailpipe section may need to be trimmed if your truck has a shorter bed. Always verify whether the kit is specifically listed for the 2019 Ram 1500 (DT platform) rather than the classic model, as the frame and hanger locations differ between generations.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MagnaFlow 19433 | D-Fit Muffler | Deep rumble, OEM integration | 3 in. straight-through core | Amazon |
| Borla ATAK 140753BC | Cat-Back | Aggressive WOT sound | T-304, dual 5 in. tips | Amazon |
| Flowmaster Outlaw 817690 | Cat-Back | Loud, throaty, no drone | 3 in. stainless, black tips | Amazon |
| Borla S-Type 140752BC | Cat-Back | Quiet cruising, strong pull | T-304, no drone guarantee | Amazon |
| MBRP S5142AL | Cat-Back | Budget cat-back, single exit | Aluminized, 3 in. pipe | Amazon |
| MBRP S5143409 | Muffler Replacement | Easy DIY swap, low drone | T409, 3 in. round body | Amazon |
| Shopline Flowmaster Super 10 | Muffler Back | Aggressive tone, dual exit | 3 in. mandrel, Super 10 | Amazon |
| Truck Exhaust Kits Dual System | Muffler Back | Entry-level dual exit | Aluminized, Flow II, chrome tips | Amazon |
| Flowmaster FlowFX 717857 | Cat-Back | Mellow upgrade, black tips | 3 in. 409, 4.5 in. tip | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust D-Fit Muffler Kit 19433
The MagnaFlow D-Fit 19433 is engineered specifically for the 2019 Ram 1500 DT platform with a 5.7L HEMI. Its straight-through perforated core and acoustic packing deliver the classic MagnaFlow deep rumble without overwhelming the cabin—multiple owners report it’s “not too loud, but definitely noticeable” on cold starts, with a pleasant growl under acceleration that settles to near-stock levels during highway cruising.
Fitment is nearly seamless, thanks to extensive 3D scanning during development. The kit integrates into the factory hanger positions and requires cutting only behind the stock muffler. Owners with 2019–2023 Ram models consistently praise the straightforward install, noting that it took about an hour with basic tools. The limited lifetime construction warranty adds long-term peace of mind.
The only trade-off is that the sound will mature and get slightly louder over the first thousand miles as the packing breaks in. Some owners find the cold-start bark more prominent than expected, though none describe it as obnoxious. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion well, making this a solid pick for year-round driving.
What works
- Deep, resonant tone without drone
- Direct-fit design requires minimal cutting
- Lifetime construction warranty
- Works with E-Torque models
What doesn’t
- Cold-start bark may surprise neighbors
- Sound gets louder after break-in
2. Borla ATAK Cat-Back Exhaust 140753BC
Borla’s ATAK (Acoustically Tuned Applied Kinetics) system is the loudest offering in their line, designed for 2019–2023 Ram 1500 V8s including E-Torque models. The T-304 stainless construction is fully welded in the USA, and the dual split rear exit with single 5-inch black chrome tips per side gives a menacing rear profile that matches the sound.
Owners consistently describe the ATAK as “tastefully loud”—it roars under wide-open throttle without becoming obnoxious inside the cabin during cruising. The no-drone guarantee holds true at highway speeds, with a mild burble in the pipes rather than a resonant headache. Installation is straightforward with a bolt-on fit, though removing the factory rusted hardware can be the hardest part.
The premium price reflects the material quality, the proprietary multi-core muffler design, and the lifetime warranty. Buyers who have switched from other brands to the ATAK report being impressed by the absence of interior drone and the refined aggression when the cam phasing shifts under load.
What works
- Loud, aggressive WOT sound
- Zero highway drone
- Full T-304 stainless with lifetime warranty
- Made in USA
What doesn’t
- Significant investment compared to muffler swaps
- Too loud for some daily drivers
3. Flowmaster Outlaw Cat-Back 817690
The Flowmaster Outlaw 817690 is a true cat-back system that fits 2009–2024 classic and DT model Ram 1500s with 4.7L or 5.7L engines. It uses a straight-through muffler design that delivers an aggressive, throaty, and loud exhaust note—owners describe it as “deep, powerful, and mean” without interior drone thanks to careful tuning.
Installation uses factory hanger locations and clears the spare tire. The hardest part reported is removing the original rusted pipes, but once the Outlaw is on, the sound is exactly what HEMI enthusiasts want: loud enough to turn heads at startup but tame enough during light cruise to avoid fatigue. The black ceramic coated tips add a stealthy, high-end look.
Fitment varies slightly by cab configuration—some owners trimmed about 7.5 to 8 inches off the tailpipe for their specific wheelbase. The included clamps are noted as weak points by a few reviewers, but the system can be welded for permanent installation. Overall, this is the go-to choice for anyone who wants a no-compromise aggressive bark.
What works
- Loud, deep, muscle-car tone
- No noticeable drone at highway speeds
- Fits multiple Ram 1500 generations
- Black tips look aggressive
What doesn’t
- Clamps are cheap and may need replacement
- Tailpipe may require trimming
4. Borla S-Type Cat-Back 140752BC
Borla’s S-Type system occupies the middle ground between the Touring and ATAK lines, offering a volume that is louder than stock but quieter than the ATAK—ideal for daily drivers who want a strong V8 presence without overwhelming the cabin. The T-304 stainless steel construction with dual split rear exit and 5-inch black chrome tips delivers a premium appearance and long-term durability.
Multiple owners report that the S-Type sounds fantastic on the 5.7L HEMI, with a noticeable roar under throttle and a mild burble at idle. The no-drone guarantee holds true—reviewers note that highway cruising remains comfortable, with no resonant frequencies that cause fatigue. Installation is straightforward with bolt-on connections, though removing factory hardware can be time-consuming.
One owner noted a damaged out-of-round part upon delivery but still praised Borla’s customer service. The overall consensus is that the S-Type provides the best balance of sound quality and daily usability among premium cat-back options, especially for those who occasionally tow or carry passengers.
What works
- Perfect balance of sound and daily comfort
- No drone at any RPM
- Premium T-304 construction
- Made in USA with lifetime warranty
What doesn’t
- Higher cost for a cat-back system
- Quality control issues reported on a minority of units
5. MBRP S5142AL Aluminized Single Side Cat-Back
The MBRP S5142AL is a budget-oriented cat-back system built with aluminized steel and a mirror-polished T304 stainless steel tip. It’s designed for 2009–2018 classic Ram 1500s with a single exhaust exit—this means 2019 DT platform owners will need to verify fitment, but many report success with the 4.7L or 5.7L V8s when the correct bed length is measured.
Sound quality is described as a rich, mellow exhaust note that isn’t obnoxious—quieter than a muffler delete but noticeably deeper than the factory system. Owners appreciate the claimed 1-2 MPG improvement and modest torque boost. Installation requires common hand tools and takes about an hour, though some reviewers found that the included pipes don’t always line up perfectly with factory hangers.
The aluminized steel is the main compromise: it resists corrosion less effectively than T304 stainless, especially in salt-belt climates. Several owners also noted that the kit doesn’t truly replace the entire cat-back system since the factory pipes are the same diameter—it’s essentially a muffler-and-tailpipe replacement. For the price, though, it delivers a solid sound improvement without breaking the bank.
What works
- Affordable entry into cat-back sound
- Deep, mellow tone without excessive volume
- Easy DIY install with basic tools
What doesn’t
- Aluminized steel less durable than stainless
- Fitment may require minor adjustments
- Not a true cat-back for all models
6. MBRP S5143409 T409 Stainless Muffler Replacement
The MBRP S5143409 is a muffler replacement kit designed for 2019 Ram 1500s with the 5.7L V8. It uses T409 stainless steel—a magnetic alloy that offers better corrosion resistance than aluminized steel but less than T304. The 3-inch inlet and outlet with a round body fit directly behind the factory catalytic converter.
Owners praise the sound profile as a perfect middle ground: louder than the factory muffler and louder than expected at idle—one review called it a “loud” surprise—but it loses that background growl at cruising speeds. Many describe it as similar to a Flowmaster Outlaw but with less drone, making it comfortable for long highway trips. Installation involves cutting the stock muffler behind the weld and using the supplied clamps to attach the new unit.
Build quality is solid for the price point, with nice clamp hardware included. Reviewers note that it fits perfectly on both 2019 and newer DT models, and several owners reported installing it in under an hour with a sawzall. The biggest downside is that it’s not a full cat-back system, so you won’t get the visual upgrade of new tailpipes or tips.
What works
- Great sound upgrade on a budget
- Minimal interior drone
- Easy to install in under an hour
- T409 stainless resists corrosion well
What doesn’t
- Only muffler replacement—no tailpipe upgrade
- Louder than some expect at idle
7. Shopline Dual 3-Inch with Flowmaster Super 10
This Shopline kit combines dual 3-inch mandrel-bent aluminized pipes with a genuine Flowmaster Super 10 muffler, created for 2009–2018 classic Ram 1500 models. The Super 10 is one of the most aggressive mufflers in the Flowmaster lineup, producing a raw, aggressive tone that stands out on the HEMI V8.
Reviewers are split on fitment: some report a perfect bolt-on experience with minimal adjustments, while others found that the pipes were about 4 inches short and required additional extension pieces. The included clamps are universally described as the weakest point—several owners replaced them with premium-grade U-bolts before final installation. The sound quality, however, is exactly what you’d expect from a Super 10—loud, throaty, and aggressive.
For the price, this system delivers impressive bang for the buck for anyone chasing raw noise. It is not a set-and-forget product—be prepared to cut, weld, or buy extension tubes if your specific wheelbase falls outside the nominal fitting window. Regular cab and short-bed owners seem to have the best luck with direct fitment.
What works
- Classic Flowmaster Super 10 tone
- Dual 3-inch pipe for maximum flow
- Good value for aggressive sound
What doesn’t
- Fitment issues on some cab/bed configurations
- Hardware quality is poor—replace clamps
- May need additional pipe sections
8. Truck Exhaust Kits Dual System with Flow II Muffler
This budget-oriented dual exhaust kit uses 2.5-inch aluminized mandrel-bent pipes, a straight-through stainless Flow II muffler, and chrome-plated tips. It’s designed for a range of Ram 1500 years, though fitment can be hit-or-miss—some owners reported needing to cut and extend pipes, while others enjoyed a perfect no-modification install on their 2005 Ram 1500.
Sound quality earns consistently positive marks: owners describe it as “great sounding” with a noticeable improvement over the factory system. The straight-through muffler design keeps flow unrestricted, and the chrome tips add a clean visual upgrade at the rear. Installation is described as a two-person job, and welding is not required but recommended for maximum longevity.
The aluminized tubing and “China-quality” hardware are the main compromises. The included U-bolts are prone to stripping before they can be fully tightened, and some owners had to purchase extension pipes to bridge fitment gaps. For the budget-minded buyer who is handy with a saw and a welder, this kit offers the lowest entry point to a dual-exit sound upgrade.
What works
- Least expensive dual-exit option
- Good sound from the Flow II muffler
- Installation hardware included
What doesn’t
- Hardware quality is poor—strips easily
- Fitment varies by cab configuration
- Aluminized steel will rust over time
9. Flowmaster FlowFX Cat-Back 717857
The Flowmaster FlowFX 717857 is a cat-back system built from T409 stainless steel with a straight-through performance muffler and a large 4.5-inch black ceramic coated tip. While the official fitment is for 2014–2019 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 models, several owners with Ram 1500s have adapted it with minor modifications, but this is not a direct-fit application for the Ram platform without custom work.
Sound quality is described as a deep, powerful tone that is slightly louder than stock but still family-friendly—one owner called it “just a tick louder than I hoped.” The straight-through design flows well and eliminates restriction, but the noise level can increase noticeably under towing loads. Installation uses factory hanger locations after the original system is removed, which is straightforward on trucks without heavy rust.
The major drawback for Ram owners is that this system is not engineered for their chassis. The factory hanger positions, tip angle, and pipe routing are designed for GM trucks, so fitment on a Ram will require cutting, welding, and custom bracket fabrication. The T409 material is durable but the price point lands in mid-range territory, making it hard to recommend for Ram owners when purpose-built options exist at similar pricing.
What works
- Deep, clean sound profile
- Large black ceramic tip looks great
- Easy install on compatible GM trucks
What doesn’t
- Not designed for Ram 1500—requires fabrication
- Louder than expected when towing
Hardware & Specs Guide
Pipe Diameter And Mandrel Bends
The 2019 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI flows best with a 3-inch mandrel-bent pipe from the catalytic converter rearward. A true mandrel bend maintains the full inner diameter through each curve, preventing exhaust gas turbulence that robs low-end torque. Systems using 2.5-inch pipe may create a noticeable bottleneck at higher RPMs, while 3.5-inch pipes can actually reduce back pressure enough to cost torque below 3,000 RPM—the 3-inch sweet spot preserves the HEMI’s broad power band.
Muffler Core Design And Packing
Straight-through perforated core mufflers use acoustic fiber packing to absorb high-frequency sound waves while letting low-frequency rumble pass through—this is why many owners describe a “deep tone without drone.” Chambered mufflers rely on sound wave cancellation inside welded partitions, which creates a more traditional muscle-car bark but with slightly more restriction. Over time, fiber packing can burn out if the muffler runs too lean or sees sustained high-load driving, causing the system to get progressively louder. T304 stainless packing retains its acoustic properties longer than aluminized alternatives.
FAQ
Will a cat-back exhaust void my factory warranty on a 2019 Ram 1500?
How does the 5.7L HEMI sound different from the 3.6L Pentastar with an aftermarket exhaust?
Can I install a dual-exit cat-back system on a 2019 Ram 1500 Quad Cab with a 6-foot-4 bed?
Does removing the muffler but keeping the resonator cause drone at highway speeds?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most buyers, the 2019 ram 1500 exhaust winner is the MagnaFlow 19433 D-Fit because it combines the iconic MagnaFlow deep rumble with direct-fit simplicity, a limited lifetime warranty, and a volume level that works for daily driving. If you want maximum aggression without sacrificing cruising comfort, grab the Borla ATAK 140753BC for its no-drone guarantee and premium T-304 construction. And for the budget-mimded DIYer who wants to wake up the HEMI on a tighter budget, the MBRP S5143409 muffler replacement delivers impressive tone with minimal investment and a straightforward afternoon install.
Certification: BSc in Mechanical Engineering
Education: Mechanical engineer
Lives In: 539 W Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75208, USA
Md Amir is an auto mechanic student and writer with over half a decade of experience in the automotive field. He has worked with top automotive brands such as Lexus, Quantum, and also owns two automotive blogs autocarneed.com and taxiwiz.com.