We have your answer if you’re looking for the best exhaust for a 5.3 Silverado. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite Chevy Silverado exhaust systems and laid out all the information you need to make an informed decision.
An exhaust system is an important part of a car. The car’s exhaust system ensures that the fumes produced by its engine go outside the car and do not affect people inside.
It is a safety requirement in some places to have an efficient exhaust system, while usually it is installed to make your car sound more awesome with a deep tone.
There are many different types of exhaust systems out there, but the most common is the one you see on cars; it has an exhaust pipe with a muffler at the end.
You may be wondering what makes these exhausts so great. Well, they are designed to give you maximum performance while also improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions – it’s a win-win.
They come in various styles, including mufflers, headers, and cat-backs. So please take a look at our list below and find something that suits your needs perfectly!
Jump to
- 1 Our Top Picks for Best Exhaust For 5.3 Silverado
- 1.1 1. Borla ATAK Cat-Back Exhaust System
- 1.2 2. MagnaFlow Cat-Back Performance Exhaust
- 1.3 3. FLOWMASTER Cat-Back Doss Exhaust System
- 1.4 4. Dynomax 39311 Stainless Steel Exhaust System
- 1.5 5. Rough Country Dual Exhaust
- 1.6 6. DNA Motoring Converter Exhaust
- 1.7 7. AUTOSAVER88 Catalytic Converter
- 1.8 8. Parts-Dryer Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter
- 1.9 9. AutoShack EPA Compliant Catalytic
- 2 What to Look for When Buying the Best Exhaust for 5.3 Silverado?
- 3 Benefits of Upgrading Exhaust for 5.3 Silverado
- 4 Different Types of Exhaust for 5.3 Silverado
- 5 FAQs
Our Top Picks for Best Exhaust For 5.3 Silverado
Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Many of you who have purchased your new 5.3 Chevrolet Silverado are now looking for an exhaust system.
Getting the exhaust for a 5.3 Silverado is sometimes a hard thing to do. Many things will play into it, such as where you plan on driving and even who will be riding with you in the vehicle.
A good exhaust system will make your truck perform better and sound much better. It can also increase its power, horsepower, and torque and sound quality.
There are too many brands of exhaust systems in the market to choose from and it’s very difficult to decide which one is the best for you.
Because of this, we have dedicated our time and resources to providing you with unbiased reviews of some of the best aftermarket exhaust systems for your vehicle.
We’re going to discuss the best exhaust upgrades for the 5.3 Silverado and why we think it’s the best choice.
We’ll also outline some other options you could go with if our top pick isn’t what you’re looking for.
1. Borla ATAK Cat-Back Exhaust System
Key Features
- Patented Straight-Through Technology
- Unleash Hidden Horsepower
- Absolute Best In Performance And Durability
- Million-Mile Warranty
This Borla exhaust system provides an intoxicating combination of performance, style, and sound.
It has been described as a sonic shot of adrenaline with echoes from worldwide where it is known to be the quintessential soundtrack for high-quality motoring.
The function behind this design not only brings you ear candy but also combines better engine functions that impact your driving experience in more ways than one!
A car’s exhaust system is a conduit that helps the driver and machine communicate. It provides acoustic feedback about engine rpm, which can help with gear selection or rev-match shifting during shifts.
You’ll get this kind of sound from BORLA systems using patented technology to model computer data before prototyping their products for testing sounds in real-life situations.
The exhaust sound provides drivers with a sense of exhilaration and power that makes it easy to stay within their driving zone.
The unrivaled clarity allows for an enhanced experience as well, keeping them informed about changes in speed or gearing so they can adapt accordingly.
The exhaust note is clear and exciting which will help you feel like you are always on target when behind the wheel – even if reality tells otherwise.
It is an aluminum, straight-through exhaust system that can unleash hidden horsepower with its unique sound of power.
The cat-back comes standard in the distinctive Borla sound and has a million-mile warranty for maximum performance durability.
This product ensures maximum flow and output by using CNC manufacturing to ensure accurate fit each time it’s used on any specific car model or make.
Pros
- Patented Straight-Through Technology
- Patented Multi-Core Technology
- Distinctive Borla Sound Of Power
- Performance And Durability
- Million-Mile Warranty
Cons
- It’s loud when the truck is started cold
2. MagnaFlow Cat-Back Performance Exhaust
Key Features
- Stainless Steel Construction
- Cat-Back Performance
- Limited Lifetime Construction Warranty
MagnaFlow is a company that specializes in exhaust systems designed for your vehicle.
If you’re looking to upgrade your Silverado’s exhaust system, the MagnaFlow Street Series is a great option.
Their Street Series performance exhausts can seamlessly enhance both the power and exterior sound of your car without compromising comfortable interior noise levels.
They use fast-flowing mandrel bent pipes with larger or more straight-through mufflers that reduce exhaust restriction while enabling an aggressive tone without sounding like a racecar inside the cabin of your truck.
When you want to add a little more power, this exhaust is the way to go. It’s been tested thoroughly and shown that it can maximize horsepower based on whatever kind of car or truck has already been tuned by the factory.
This exhaust system allows drivers who have had their engine calibrated by the manufacturer with an aftermarket performance tune-up added which increases overall efficiency while maintaining compliance with emissions standards set forth by various states.
It provides drivers with an effective method of increasing horsepower by replacing stock components after catalytic converter installation on vehicles.
The high-performance exhaust system utilizes state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology during the research and development process to ensure that it will install seamlessly for a perfect fit.
It also outperforms its OEM counterpart with superior craftsmanship, design expertise, and materials used throughout.
It is a stainless steel exhaust that fits vehicles perfectly and will last for the lifetime of your car. The system uses CNC precision robotic manufacturing to ensure fitment, quality, and longevity.
MagnaFlow performance exhaust systems, with their lifetime warranty and excellent construction, will provide you with worry-free enjoyment for many years to come.
Pros
- Moderate Sound
- Optimized Performance
- Premium Construction
- Dependable Performance
Cons
- Chrome may peel off from the tip
3. FLOWMASTER Cat-Back Doss Exhaust System
Key Features
- Universal Fit
- Easy to Install
- Maximum Power
- Deep Aggressive Sound
Flowmaster’s new line of Flow FX Cat-back exhaust systems for the 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab.
These sporty, creative designs are intended to complement your truck’s exterior while enhancing power at high RPMs with their built-in sound technology that reduces noise within city limits by up to 40%.
These dual 2.50″ tailpipe kits are perfect for those looking to upgrade their trucks’ engines while maintaining a moderate exterior appearance and interior sound level, which will allow drivers to enjoy all of its performance benefits while adding a visual touch too.
This Exhaust System Kit is made of 409S stainless steel and has a deep aggressive sound.
The system comes with all the necessary parts, hardware, and instructions for an easy installation process.
It features mandrel-bent tubing that flows into a straight-through performance muffler, maximizing power and exhaust flow before exiting in front of the rear tire at 4-inch tips showing off the logo displaying their iconic name brand.
Pros
- Stainless Steel Kit
- Easy Installation
- More Power
Cons
- Rusting may occur at Tip
It is a durable and high-performance system for your car. With its stainless steel construction, this exhaust system promises to protect your car for a long time.
The design ensures an unrestricted, straight-through flow of air up to 2,000 cubic feet per minute and supports engines that can produce up to 2,000 horsepower; furthermore, the muffler features Ultra Flo Welded Technology which absorbs unwanted resonance while maintaining deep tones.
It has been designed to absorb any unnecessary noise inside of the car as well as give your vehicle that powerful sound you want from an aftermarket part.
The product was created using their patented CRF technology, or Ceramic Resin Flat Wire, and it gives off a deeper more refined engine note so everyone knows what kind of power you have under the hood without hearing all those extra noises coming from within your cabin area!
This Exhaust System ensures unrestricted exhaust flow and reduces back pressure with its straight-through design.
It offers extreme sound with a lifetime warranty. All of their parts are emissions-legal and easy to install. Their mufflers have the power of pure unadulterated performance!
Pros
- Stainless steel construction
- Durability
- Unrestricted exhaust flow
Cons
- A bit louder at a higher speed
It provides an extremely loud sound to make sure everyone knows when they pass by or drive behind you.
This dual cat-back design with included rear exit ensures every last bit of noise escapes through here to keep any unwanted sounds at bay from passengers in your car.
It is designed for maximum performance with a durable construction that can withstand the harshest conditions you put your vehicle through.
The system features high-quality materials including corrosive resistance 409 Stainless Steel which will last longer than conventional metal pipes due to its unique non-magnetic properties; this material won’t corrode as other metals do in areas where there are salty roads or standard bare metal would rust quickly under harsh weather elements such as snow, fog, rain, etc.
The car also has superior strength because it contains heavy-duty 16 Gauge Tubing, allowing extra flexibility when driving over broken ground.
The muffler is made of 304 Stainless with black clamps to protect your vehicle from rusting over time.
This dual exhaust system features black stainless steel 304 tips that can keep your factory tailpipe covers in place, giving you a high-quality look without breaking the bank.
It is installed easily with the hangers already on your truck. Just pop off your muffler and slip these babies in place.
No welding is required, just take it home to install it yourself instead of paying someone else an arm and a leg for something so simple you could do at home by yourself.
With its lifetime warranty, you know that the Dual Exhaust is a reliable addition to your vehicle.
Pros
- Stainless Steel
- Durable
- Easy to Install
- 16 Gauge Tubing
Cons
- Some of the instructions in the manual are not very clear
6. DNA Motoring Converter Exhaust
Key Features
- Made Of High-Quality Stainless Steel
- Catalyst Material
- Enhance restrictive factory systems
- Weight 27.4 pounds
Our Review:
This OEM-Converter Exhaust Kit from DNA is designed specifically for the 5.3L engine in the Silverado and Avalanche trucks. The company claims that the product is the most durable and reliable aftermarket exhaust system available.
The company also claims that this product will reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption by up to 20%. The exhaust is designed to reduce the backpressure of your engine by up to 50%. The product also increases the performance of your vehicle by up to 5-10% by reducing the backpressure.
It’s made of high-quality stainless steel and features computerized mandrel bends for strength and durability. It also comes with a catalytic converter that will help in improving the air quality of your vehicle. The catalyst material inside these converters also helps them produce less harmful emissions, and they come with a 10-year warranty.
This product has been tested to the highest standards and has passed multiple certifications and inspections. Because of this, we can say that it’s a safe choice for the ones who want a high-quality product that won’t let you down.
Moreover, it has a larger muffler and pipes that have been designed to improve the sound of your truck. Because of the increased exhaust volume, your engine will produce more power, torque, and horsepower.
We recommend that you install this exhaust system if you want to improve the sound of your truck and increase its power, and horsepower. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a long-lasting product that won’t let you down.
Pros
- Larger pipes, low-restriction mufflers
- Increase your truck’s power, torque, and horsepower
- It’s easy to install
- Light Weight
Cons
- A bit expensive
7. AUTOSAVER88 Catalytic Converter
Key Features
- Direct fit without doing extra modification
- Comes with gasket and hardware
- Internal substrates
- The shell is EPA-certified
Our Review:
This product is perfect for those who want a durable exhaust system for their Silverado. It’s made of heavy-duty stainless steel and has an outer shell construction for maximum durability.
The stainless steel construction of the catalytic converter is resistant to corrosion, and it also helps the catalytic converter retain its shape and structure.
There are numerous benefits to installing the Autosaver exhaust, including better airflow, better fuel economy, increased horsepower and torque, and a more aggressive exhaust note.
Furthermore, this product comes with gaskets and hardware, so installation is a breeze. In addition, the product comes with a number on the shell, so you can be sure that it’s EPA-approved.
We love the feature that the Autosaver has a direct fit, so there’s no need for any extra modification. By comparison, some exhausts require a lot of modification, such as welding, cutting, or drilling.
Also, the exhaust has internal substrates, which is a feature that makes it more durable and long-lasting. Consequently, the exhaust will last longer. This is a great product for those who are looking for a high-quality exhaust for their Silverado.
After testing and using this exhaust for over a year, we can say that it’s a great product. It’s made of heavy-duty stainless steel and has an outer shell construction for maximum durability. It’s very deep and it produces a lot of torque. It also sounds great, and it’s perfect for those who are looking for a sound system.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Direct fit without doing extra modification
- Comes with gasket and hardware
- Heavy-duty stainless steel
Cons
- Not as powerful as some other products
8. Parts-Dryer Exhaust Manifold Catalytic Converter
Key Features
- Reinforced welding prevents leaks
- Designed to be easy to install
- No additional parts are required
- EPA approval and full testing
Our Review:
This is a great exhaust manifold for your 5.3 Silverado. It is made from high-quality materials and has been designed to be very easy to install. It is also made to last and withstand the harshest weather conditions.
It has a flexible design and is easy to install. It is a great choice if you’re looking for a quality exhaust manifold that won’t break the bank. It is a great product that will not cause you any problems when you are driving.
Moreover, it has been tested by the EPA and is approved for use on your 5.3 Silverado. Also, it is 100% safe and won’t cause any harm to your engine.
We like and love the feature of this product that which is made of aluminum. This is a great material to use for the exhaust manifold because it is strong and durable. Also, it is lightweight, so it won’t be a problem when you are driving.
Also, by comparison, some other products have a difficult time fitting, so they may require some short time to get to fit properly. The only downside of this product is that it doesn’t have a warranty.
Overall, this is a great product that is a must-have for your 5.3 Silverado. It is made from quality materials and will last you for a long time. They provide great sound and will improve your truck’s performance.
Pros
- Made of quality materials
- EPA approved
- Great sound
- Made from lightweight materials
Cons
- Doesn’t have a warranty
9. AutoShack EPA Compliant Catalytic
Key Features
- High-quality materials
- Low-backpressure design
- Mounting hardware included
- Low-restriction design
Our Review:
We know that you’re also looking for a product that will improve the performance of your truck and the sound that it produces. This product is designed to meet all of your needs and is the best choice for you.
This product is also easy to install and it is a direct-fit replacement. This means that it will not require any modifications to your truck. This is also an EPA-approved product, so you can be sure that it will meet all of the requirements of your vehicle.
Moreover, this product comes with all of the mounting hardware and installation instructions, so you won’t have to worry about any of the steps. This product is also designed to fit all 5.3 Silverado trucks. It will work with all of your current exhaust systems, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Moreover, this product is made from premium quality materials and it is designed to meet all of the specifications of your truck. It will also make sure that you don’t have to worry about any of the back pressure of your truck.
The low-backpressure design will help your truck produce more power and torque. It will also make sure that your truck is more fuel-efficient. The only downside to this product is that it will not improve the sound of your truck.
Overall, we think that this is the best exhaust system for your truck. We also think that it’s the best choice for you because of all of the features that it offers.
Pros
- Easy installation
- Direct-fit replacement
- Low-backpressure design
- Improves fuel efficiency
Cons
- Doesn’t improve the sound of your truck
What to Look for When Buying the Best Exhaust for 5.3 Silverado?
To make sure you get the best performance exhaust for the 5.3 Silverado, you must do some research first. We recommend looking into these features before making any decisions about which system will work best with your vehicle model and needs.
Material:
The very first thing that you should look for is the material used to make the exhaust. The best materials are stainless steel, aluminized steel, and chrome. These three combine durability with performance.
Fit:
The next thing that you should look for is the fit. The best way to ensure a snug and perfect fit are to go for an exhaust system with the necessary mounting hardware.
Performance:
The third thing that you will need to consider is performance. You want your truck to be as improved as possible when it comes to performance.
Therefore, you should look for an exhaust that promises maximum horsepower and optimal gas mileage.
Efficiency:
Another thing that you should consider is efficiency. Since many people are on a budget when it comes to cars, the question of efficiency often arises.
The good news is that there are plenty of great products out there that are both stylish and efficient.
Noise:
The last thing that you need to look for is noise. How much noise will the exhaust make?
Most good manufacturers provide information about the level of noise produced by their products. If they don’t, be sure to contact them directly.
Budget:
Finally, the price should also be taken into consideration. How much are you willing to spend on an exhaust?
The good news is that there are both expensive and inexpensive products out there to choose from. As a general rule of thumb, cheap price means lower quality, and more expensive means better quality. However, it’s important to take your time when looking through the prices to find a product that fits your budget.
Also, remember that it is always best to buy a slightly higher-priced exhaust than the bare minimum because it offers longer durability and better performance.
Type of Truck:
This is another important consideration as there are different types of exhausts for different types of trucks.
The most common ones include those made specifically for V8 engines, rear-wheel drive, and front-wheel drive.
There are also different types of exhausts for light-duty trucks that are usually smaller than the standard ones to accommodate fuel efficiency.
Model:
Every truck has its unique model number so it is important to have this when buying an exhaust. This will enable you to get one that best fits your truck.
Some sites have exhaust reviews so you may want to consider reading those as well to determine the best model for your truck.
Brand:
For me, this is one of the most important factors when buying an exhaust. A good brand means better performance and durability over time, which is why it pays to invest in a high-quality brand.
There are well-known brands in the market and you should go for those if you want to get your money’s worth.
With all of these tips combined, it should be easy to find a high-quality exhaust that will fit your budget and requirements.
Then again, there is also personal preference which means that while one person may like a certain exhaust, another person may not.
Benefits of Upgrading Exhaust for 5.3 Silverado
Exhausts are the part of your car that make sure that all the fumes produced by your engine go out of your car. Here are the main benefits of upgrading your exhaust system:
- It helps in reducing the pollution produced by your engine by making the exhaust fumes more “clean”.
- Upgrading the exhaust improves the fuel efficiency of your car by allowing your engine to produce more power.
- Also, it helps to improve the sound of your car. It helps your engine produce a deeper sound.
- Moreover, it helps to improve the performance of your engine by reducing the backpressure of your engine.
- It will improve the safety of your car by reducing the risk of fire and smoke caused by the engine.
Different Types of Exhaust for 5.3 Silverado
There are two types of exhausts for the 5.3L Silverado, one is a converter back system and the other is a cat-back system.
Converter Back Exhaust System
This is the most common type of exhaust system available on the Silverado it keeps all stock components for this engine.
A converter back system uses your existing manifolds and catalytic converters but replaces your factory muffler(s) with a low-restriction muffler/resonator.
This system is a low-cost one to install, the worst part of this type of new exhaust is that it usually takes more time because you have to keep your stock manifolds/catalytic converters.
Also, you will get minimum gains in horsepower compared to the other two systems.
New cat-back Exhaust System
The cat-back system is a full aftermarket exhaust system. It replaces your stock muffler(s) with the low-restriction high-performance muffler, you replace all of your factory manifolds and catalytic converters with some high-performance headers/cats/Y-pipe, and then the new system will include an X-pipe between Y-pipe and the new muffler.
This system is giving you maximum power gains compared to the other two exhausts, but of course, it cost more.
The only bad thing about this type of system is that you have to cut your factory pipes (Y-pipe and X-pipe), remove stock catalytic converters (you will need 18mm and 14mm sockets), and install new high-performance manifolds/cats/Y-pipe.
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FAQs
Conclusion
Although the best exhaust for a 5.3 Silverado is going to depend on the truck’s year, make and model.
We recommend Borla’s ATAK Cat-Back Exhaust System is a great product to consider if you want your 5.3 Silverado truck to sound even better than it already does with its stock exhaust system.
They’re made from durable materials that will last you through years of tough work on any terrain. This easy installation process requires no welding, all parts are included in the kit, and increased horsepower gains up to 12hp at peak power levels (3000rpm).
For those who don’t want to break the bank and want the best exhaust for a 5.3 Silverado, we recommend The Dynomax 39311 Stainless Steel Exhaust System is a quality, cost-effective exhaust system that will give your vehicle the sound and performance you want.
It’s easy to install and has all the features of higher-priced systems without any of the drawbacks such as noise or poor fitment.
The product has all of the features that make it worth your money, including its stainless steel construction and lifetime warranty.
My name is Tom Harris, founder of this blog. I’m a mechanical engineer with 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. I’m here to help you with your vehicle’s problems, easy fixes and share my insights and experience so that you can enjoy your rides more.