Your car deserves to get rid of the waste gases in a way that improves its performance.
Especially because car exhausts are costly, you need to make sure you’re making the right investment.
Sound and performance are two reasons you might want to change your current car exhaust system; it, however, is important to choose a system with good performance which will last you a long way without fail.
The GMC Sierra has complex arrangements, so it might become a hassle to understand and choose the best components for your car.
After thorough research and comparisons, I have compiled some of the best exhaust systems for GMC Sierra that will leave your car’s engine sounding like the best one on the road.
Table of Contents
- 1 7 Top Rated GMC Sierra Exhausts Comparisons
- 1.1 1. Borla 140537 Outlet ATAK Cat-Back Exhaust System
- 1.2 2. Flowmaster 817689 Outlaw Stainless Steel Aggressive Sound Cat-Back Exhaust System
- 1.3 3. FLOWMASTER Cat-Back Doss Exhaust System Kit
- 1.4 4. MBRP S5081BLK Exhaust System Cat Back
- 1.5 5. MagnaFlow Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System
- 1.6 6. CORSA 14866 Cat-Back Exhaust System
- 1.7 7. BORLA 140546 Cat-Back Exhaust System
- 2 Frequently Asked Questions
- 3 Conclusion
7 Top Rated GMC Sierra Exhausts Comparisons
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | EDITOR'S RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK  | 9.7 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | Flowmaster 817689 Outlaw Stainless Steel Aggressive Sound Cat-Back Exhaust System | 9.5 | CHECK ON AMAZON |
BEST BUDGET  | 9.1 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8.8 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8.6 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8.2 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
 | 8 | CHECK ON AMAZON |
1. Borla 140537 Outlet ATAK Cat-Back Exhaust System
The Borla 140537 Outlet ATAK Cat-Black Exhaust System is definitely worth checking out; it is one of the most popular exhausts for the GMC Sierra and my number one recommendation.
Using ATAK (acoustically tuned applied kinetics) technology, this exhaust will produce the highest quality sound possible; all without letting the noise enter the inside of your car.
Not only this, this exhaust is suitable for other cars, like the GMC Silverado and 2014–15 Chevrolet, etc.
All of the parts of this exhaust are made of T-304 aerospace-grade stainless steel. The welding is of mandrel-bent tubes that help improve the gas speed.
Stainless steel is an excellent material that makes the exhaust pretty durable, and not only this; the exhaust also has a million-mile warranty; it will now last you for as long as you live.
It is built to be legal in 50+ states, so you can ride it wherever you want.
It has two cab beds, two different sizes, and you can change them from one to another without using any special equipment, so you don’t have to worry about buying anything new.
Some exhausts have manual systems, and some have auto systems, but this one has both, so now it will depend on your preference, and you can change it whenever you like.
The muffler uses straight-through patented technology; this helps improve the horsepower; the straight-through and multicore technology mean that horsepower can be increased by up to 15%.
That’s a remarkable increase in performance!
The diameter of its inlet is 2.75”, the diameter of the outlet is 2.25, and the tips’ diameter and length is 4” and 14” respectively, and they will fit your engine perfectly.
I have to mention that ATAK is Borla’s best-sounding system. This exhaust has the loudest, aggressive throaty growl, and it also increases the flow as much as possible.
Moreover, the installation process will not be a problem; the hardware needed for installing comes with the exhaust and the exhaust bolts onto your vehicle.
It has a few configurations, e.g., Cat-Back, Rear Section, and X/Y/ Down Pipes. It is a high-quality, fuel-efficient exhaust, and you will love it.
Of course, it is important to note that it is highly-priced, so if you’re on a budget, this just might not be for you.
- Uses ATAK technology
- High-quality sound
- Durable
- Million-mile warranty
- Fuel efficient
- Might create friction
- Sound lowers going downhill
- Expensive
Borla is known to create some of the best sounding exhausts; their technology makes it impossible for us not to love the loud, attractive sounds.
If you want the best sound, then definitely check it out because it has all the features that a high-quality exhaust requires.
2. Flowmaster 817689 Outlaw Stainless Steel Aggressive Sound Cat-Back Exhaust System
My second most recommended product is also quite popular among GMC Sierra owners.
The Flowmaster 817689 Outlaw Stainless Steel Aggressive Sound Cat-Back Exhaust System is another cool tone for your GMC Sierra.
Street legal and having a lifetime warranty, this exhaust system weighs only 65.8 pounds; it is comparatively light. It uses factory mount locations and has an easy bolt-on installation.
All the necessary hardware is included in the packaging, so you will not have a problem installing it if you know how to install one.
It installs in less than an hour and has Axle-back and Cat-Back systems. The tips are made of ceramic, and unlike many exhausts in the market, this item is rust-free.
You will not find many exhausts that don’t rust in the market, but this fixed the problem.
The color of the tips is black, the exterior is painted, so it looks good. The components are made of 409 stainless steel.
The full exhaust includes rolled tips, pipes, and an Outlaw Delta force muffler. The mandrel-bent pipes ensure spectacular airflow, and you will love the increase in performance.
Previous customers greatly recommend this exhaust, most of them have loved the performance, so you can know that it lives up to its name.
Because it is so durable, you will not have any problems with damage, and it will preserve its quality and look for a long time.
Furthermore, the sturdy constructions due to the stainless steel means it is strong as ever and most importantly, the sound.
The sound output is marvelous. It produces an aggressive roar that you will love; it will make an impression on anyone passing by.
The roar will be better than anyone else on the street, so it is a treat to use while racing, with your car sounding the best.
Moreover, the price is also something to be weary of; this exhaust is heavy on the pockets.
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Highly durable
- Good feedback from customers
- Aggressive sound
- The sound might be too annoying
- Expensive
The exhaust will not leave you having many complaints, except if you don’t prefer the throaty, aggressive sound it produces.
If, however, you do not find the tone a problem, then this is a great option to choose.
3. FLOWMASTER Cat-Back Doss Exhaust System Kit
Another great Flowmaster exhaust system is the 717787 Cat-Back Doss Exhaust System Kit.
This is a newer item than the other Flowmaster exhaust systems. With a lifetime warranty, this exhaust is dyno-tuned to improve performance greatly.
Dyno tuning is a method to achieve the best possible horsepower and torque while keeping an optimal air-fuel ratio.
This exhaust will deliver some of the best performance, leaving you satisfied. It is also not as costly as some of the other options.
The sound, like the other ones, is of great quality. It is aggressive, perfect to compliment your GMC Sierra. However, it is not as loud as the others; it isn’t low, but a kind of medium.
If you don’t want a really loud sound but something still interesting, this is a good pick; the sound is kind of deep.
It also comes with dual black ceramic, stainless steel tips. These black 4-inch tips end at the rear tire.
A 409S stainless steel mandrel-bent tubing is also included, which goes through the muffler. This is to deliver awesome sound performance and increased power.
The exhaust weighs 41.6 lbs and measures 40.5 × 20.5 × 10 inches.
All the important parts needed for the installation process are included in the packaging and the instructions. The installation is not easy but manageable.
The exhaust is built to be more powerful than most other exhausts and has higher torque, and it is made to deal with getting rid of the exhaust gases more quickly and precisely than the stock exhaust.
It is also not very easy to install, especially if compared to most other exhausts. However, if it is a huge problem, then you can always get professional help.
- Lifetime warranty
- Dyno tuned
- Moderately aggressive sound
- Powerful
- It might be too loud when taking off
- Not easy to install
This exhaust is perfect if you want a more moderate sound and don’t prefer the other exhaust systems’ loud sounds.
Flowmaster has been producing exhausts for more than 30 years, and this improved version is not made to let you down.
4. MBRP S5081BLK Exhaust System Cat Back
The MBRP Black series exhaust systems are built to provide maximum flow while keeping the exhaust temperatures low.
The MBRP S5081BLK Exhaust System Cat Back is one of these exhausts.
This exhaust is built to increase torque and horsepower while also highly efficient, and the custom engineering ensures higher increases in horsepower than most other exhausts.
This model is highly rated as durable, easy to install, and has good sound quality, and most customers also agree that it is worth the price.
It has a fully mandrel bent tubing. The mandrel bents decrease backpressure and turbulence to deliver the best airflow.
They also strive to have a similar diameter throughout the pipe which will aid in better airflow.
Also, interestingly, it is built with the least possible degree angles; this will help the exhaust exit quicker.
This exhaust model has gone through track, road, and dyno tests to ensure that it meets all requirements and delivers great performance.
Coming in various styles and exit types, so you can choose whichever style you prefer. It comes in seven different series, and all these series are made with different materials.
Some, for example, use T-304 stainless steel and some T-309 stainless.
The T-304 stainless is rigid due to having high chromium and nickel compositions; the T-309 stainless, on the other hand, is very resistant to corrosion.
The sound is without any drone noise, as some people find it annoying, but it does not have that problem.
The design is bold, with black coat finishing, which helps it resist rusting and corrosion. The installation process as well is easy to do by oneself.
You won’t need to go anywhere for the installation, it has been simplified for your convenience, and the entire process can be done in less than an hour, saving you time.
And, of course, it has street legality in 50+ states.
- Increases horsepower
- Mandrel-bent tubing
- Corrosion-resistant
- No drone noise
- Simplified installation process
- It doesn't fit a lot of trucks
This exhaust has been very cleverly built and is a good value for the price. It is worth it to check out.
5. MagnaFlow Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System
A great product to look after if you’re not looking for the loudest sound is the MagnaFlow Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System.
It does have a throaty, aggressive sound like the others, but it is not as loud as to scare anyone away.
But then, the sound is a preference for every customer, so if you want a louder sound, then there are other options.
Again, the installation process is easy, bolt-on, and at the factory joints, using basic hand tools, so it will not be a hassle.
The stainless steel construction means the exhaust is strong, durable, and rust-free. The welds are overlapped and free from leakage.
It comes with different system types, the Magnaflow series, the XL series, and the Pro series, and all the systems come with a lifetime warranty.
The horsepower increase will be around 3-23, whereas the torque increases 6-28 lbs. This is the result of lesser bends than the stock exhaust, which are about 20% less.
The welds overlap each other, making the seals tight and leak-free. The mufflers are built of a steel mesh core, which helps keep the temperature stable.
These exhausts come in different models made to fit the specific model, make, and year of your car, so be ensured they will fit perfectly because they’re not one size fits all.
Lastly, the mufflers are polished with stainless steel, and even the tips are polished stainless.
These mufflers also have sound-absorbing material, so now you don’t get the annoying noise and vibration that other exhaust systems might have.
The exhaust is also street legal in more than 50 states.
As many people find drone sounds annoying, this might be a problem. In addition, the exhaust’s chrome tips might rust as well.
- Not too loud
- Easy installation
- Lifetime warranty
- Horsepower increase
- Drone sounds at high speed
- Chrome tips might rust
This is a great option to choose if you prefer the lower tones in your exhaust system; after all, not everyone loves to be so aggressive and attention-grabbing.
6. CORSA 14866 Cat-Back Exhaust System
This Corsa 14866 Cat-Back Exhaust System is probably the easiest one to install of all on my list today.
The clamp-on tip design helps attach the exhaust to your engine all at once; you don’t have to worry about the installation process at all.
The double shields mean your engine will be protected from any temperature changes, so will your exhaust due to the exhaust’s stainless steel material.
This exhaust even promises fuel economy while delivering excellent performance, all at once.
It is built with Power Pulse RSCT technology; therefore, you will find no drone sounds at any speed you go at.
Because the tubes are madrel bent, the backpressure is reduced; the benefits are increased horsepower and higher torque.
The material is completely T 304, 304 L, or 321 L stainless; these materials have proven to be highly resistant, durable, and strong.
With street legality in 50+ states, this exhaust comes with a lifetime warranty; you only have to spend the money once.
The reflective technology of the muffler also blocks all unnecessary noises.
Now you can have the perfect sound in your engine without any disturbances. The sound is strong and throaty, just what your Sierra needs.
Because there are no disturbing noises, the engine will sound high quality and strong, and aggressive at the same time.
Another important complaint is that it might be louder than some people would like, but then, everyone has preferences regarding how loud exactly they want their engine to sound.
- Easy to install
- Resistant to high temperatures
- No drone noises
- Lifetime warranty
- Too heavy
- It might be too loud for you
The two main reasons to buy a new exhaust is to improve performance with a different sound, one you would prefer.
This exhaust, like many others, performs the function well and therefore is a customer favorite and is for those who prefer the louder tones.
7. BORLA 140546 Cat-Back Exhaust System
The last one on my most recommended list is another Borla exhaust.
This BORLA 140546 Ca-Back Exhaust System features the ATAK system more towards the louder sounds because ATAK is the loudest Borla system.
This exhaust is built to remove more air from your exhaust, therefore more power. This means high increases in horsepower, which is increased up to 15%.
It operates relatively quietly owing to its Touring System. It is computer-controlled CNC manufactured, which translates to a more durable exhaust that fits your engine perfectly.
There are three different options for the sound and power, the ATAK, which, as I mentioned, is the loudest; the S–type, which is more moderate; and the Touring option, with has increased power but has a sound lower than the other options.
This provides the solution for different sound preferences; you can choose whichever you like.
With better fuel economy and a deeper, loud, aggressive sound, and a smooth flow ensured by the mandrel-bent tubing, the Borla 140546 has been dyno tested.
It comes with a million-mile warranty and street-legality in 50+ states.
- Loud sound
- Increases horsepower up to 15%
- Fuel economy
- Million-mile warranty
- Size cannot be adjusted
Borla makes some of the most customer favorite sounds in their exhausts. Among them is the 140546 because, with its roar, it might be just what you’re looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What Are Mufflers In Exhausts?
Mufflers are devices that help with filtering any unnecessary noises, including drone noises in exhausts people find so annoying.
Q2. What Material Should I Choose When Buying An Exhaust For My GMC Sierra?
Exhausts come in many materials. But you should choose any stainless steel material.
This is because stainless steel is very durable, and it will not rust or corrode, keeping your exhaust as it is over time.
Q3. If I Have A Crack In My Sierra Exhaust, Is That A Problem?
Yes. The crack will cause a lot of annoying noise, defeating the purpose of the exhaust. Also, if you don’t fix it timely by welding, the crack will become bigger, creating even more problems.
Q4. What Does A Cat-Back Exhaust System Mean?
This system starts at the backside of the catalytic convertor. You can replace anything behind it using the muffler and the pipework that it comes with.
Conclusion
There are many different options to choose from when buying a new exhaust for the GMC Sierra, do all your research before choosing the right one.
For example, with various exhaust sounds in the market, you might find the sound to not be exactly the kind you wanted it to be after you buy it, and it is always important to choose a high-quality, long-lasting product worth the purchase.
All the exhausts I mentioned deliver high performance, are made of durable material, have a lifetime warranty, and are admired by customers everywhere.
After comparison, considering all its features and benefits, I would recommend the Borla 140537 Outlet ATAK Cat-Back Exhaust System for GMC Sierra.
I am Tahir Azam, and I have been writing amazing articles for TaxiHack for as long as I can remember. I know everything that is to know when it comes to automobiles and is always on top of industry news and developments. While I am not an expert by any means, I pride myself on knowing the ins and outs of many different problems and, of course, their solutions. The articles on our website are some of the best and well-researched content that you will find, and I spend countless hours making sure this remains to be true. This is why I ask you to take your time out and read some of my articles, especially if you find a topic that resonates with you or is something you are looking into. This way, you will find the perfect mix of information and tips on your desired topic. Learn more about Tahir.
