Best Exhaust Systems for Chevy Silverado (2019-2024): Borla vs. Flowmaster vs. Magnaflow Compared
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Best Exhaust System for Chevy Silverado (2019–2024): Which Brand Wins?
If you own a 2019–2024 Chevy Silverado, you already know this truck means business — but the factory exhaust system is about as exciting as a traffic jam. Upgrading to an aftermarket exhaust is one of the fastest ways to unlock a deeper, more aggressive sound, squeeze out extra horsepower, and give your Silverado the personality it deserves. The good news? The best exhaust system for Chevy Silverado is easier to find than ever — as long as you know what to look for. In this guide, we’re putting three of the biggest names head-to-head: Borla, Flowmaster, and MagnaFlow.
Quick Comparison: Borla vs. Flowmaster vs. MagnaFlow for the 2019–2024 Silverado
| Feature | Borla ATAK / S-Type | Flowmaster American Thunder | MagnaFlow Street Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | T-304 Stainless Steel | 409S Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Sound Level | Very Aggressive (ATAK) / Moderate (S-Type) | Aggressive, Classic Muscle | Deep, Moderate Tone |
| HP Gain (Estimated) | Up to 15–20 hp | Up to 10–15 hp | Up to 10–15 hp |
| Drone at Highway Speed | Minimal | Moderate | Very Low |
| Warranty | Million-Mile Warranty | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime |
| Price Range | $$$$ (Premium) | $$ (Budget-Friendly) | $$$ (Mid-Range) |
| Best For | Performance & Prestige | Budget-Conscious Sound Seekers | Balanced Daily Drivers |
Detailed Breakdown: Each Exhaust System for the 2019–2024 Chevy Silverado
1. Borla ATAK / S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust — The Premium Performer
Borla has earned a cult following among truck enthusiasts, and for good reason. Built from aircraft-grade T-304 stainless steel, Borla exhaust systems are engineered to outlast the truck itself — which is why they back every system with their legendary Million-Mile Warranty. For the 2019–2024 Silverado, Borla offers two popular tunes:
- ATAK: The loudest option in the Borla lineup — a deep, race-inspired roar that announces your arrival before you even hit the throttle.
- S-Type: A refined, sporty tone that’s still noticeably louder than stock but won’t rattle your fillings on the daily commute.
Drone is exceptionally well-managed in both versions, which is a known weak point with some competitors. Installation is a straightforward bolt-on process with no cutting or welding required on most Silverado trims. If you’re pairing this with a cold air intake or a tune, the performance gains become even more noticeable.
Best for: Silverado owners who want the best of everything and don’t mind paying for it.
👉 Check the Borla Cat-Back Exhaust for Your Silverado
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2. Flowmaster American Thunder Cat-Back Exhaust — The Classic Muscle Sound
Flowmaster is arguably the most recognizable name in aftermarket exhaust, and their American Thunder series delivers exactly what its name promises: a bold, aggressive, old-school muscle truck growl that turns heads at every stoplight. For Silverado owners who want maximum sound impact on a tighter budget, this is the go-to choice.
Flowmaster uses 409S stainless steel construction — solid quality for the price point — and fitment for the 2019–2024 Silverado is direct and clean. The delta-flow technology inside the muffler generates that signature Flowmaster rumble while still improving exhaust flow over the factory system.
The one honest caveat: highway drone. At sustained speeds between 65–75 mph, some Silverado owners report a noticeable interior drone. It’s manageable for most, but worth knowing before you buy — especially if you rack up a lot of highway miles.
Best for: Drivers who want maximum sound impact without breaking the bank.
👉 Shop Flowmaster American Thunder for the Silverado
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3. MagnaFlow Street Series Cat-Back Exhaust — The Daily Driver’s Sweet Spot
MagnaFlow has built its reputation on one core promise: a deep, throaty exhaust note with zero compromises on driveability. The Street Series for the 2019–2024 Chevy Silverado hits that target squarely. The tone is noticeably improved over stock — rich and muscular at full throttle — but it stays refined and drone-free at highway speeds, making it an ideal upgrade for Silverados that double as work trucks and weekend rigs.
MagnaFlow uses a straight-through perforated core muffler design packed with stainless steel mesh, which maximizes exhaust flow while keeping interior cabin noise civilized. Installation hardware is included and fitment is direct for most 2019–2024 Silverado 1500 configurations including both the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines.
The Street Series also hits a genuinely competitive price point — typically less than Borla but delivering noticeably better refinement than the Flowmaster on long hauls. It’s the exhaust we’d recommend to most Silverado owners without hesitation.
Best for: Daily drivers, commuters, and work truck owners who want real improvement without any tradeoffs.
👉 Find the MagnaFlow Street Series for Your Silverado
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Which Exhaust Should You Buy for Your 2019–2024 Chevy Silverado?
Here’s the honest breakdown based on your priorities:
- Choose Borla if you want the absolute best combination of sound quality, performance gain, and long-term durability. The million-mile warranty alone is worth the premium for a truck you plan to keep.
- Choose Flowmaster if your budget is the primary concern and you want the loudest, most aggressive sound possible. Just go in knowing about the potential for highway drone.
- Choose MagnaFlow if you want the best all-around experience — great sound, minimal drone, solid build quality, and a fair price. This is the safe bet for most Silverado owners.
Regardless of which system you choose, any of these three brands will be a massive improvement over the factory exhaust on your 2019–2024 Silverado. You’ll notice the difference the moment you fire it up in the driveway.
👉 Browse All Silverado Exhaust Systems
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will a cat-back exhaust void my Chevy Silverado’s warranty?
Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a dealer cannot void your warranty simply because you installed an aftermarket exhaust. However, if a dealership can prove the exhaust system directly caused a specific failure, they may deny that particular repair. Cat-back systems are generally considered low-risk modifications for warranty purposes.
How much horsepower does an exhaust system add to a Chevy Silverado?
A quality cat-back exhaust system can add roughly 10–20 horsepower on a 2019–2024 Chevy Silverado, depending on the engine (5.3L or 6.2L V8) and whether it’s paired with other upgrades like a cold air intake or performance tune. Gains are most noticeable at wide-open throttle.
Can I install a cat-back exhaust on my Silverado myself?
Yes! All three systems covered in this article — Borla, Flowmaster, and MagnaFlow — are direct-fit cat-back systems designed for bolt-on installation with basic hand tools. Most Silverado owners with moderate DIY skills can complete the install in 1–2 hours. No welding or cutting is required.
Does the exhaust system fit both the 5.3L and 6.2L Silverado engines?
Most aftermarket exhaust brands offer separate SKUs for the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines in the 2019–2024 Silverado. Always confirm fitment using the manufacturer’s vehicle selector tool or by checking the part number against your specific engine and cab/bed configuration before purchasing.
What is exhaust drone and how do I avoid it?
Exhaust drone is a low-frequency resonance that creates a constant, fatiguing hum inside the cabin at certain engine RPM ranges — typically 65–75 mph highway cruising. To minimize drone on your Silverado, choose systems engineered with resonators, like MagnaFlow or Borla S-Type. Flowmaster is more prone to drone due to its chamber-style muffler design.