RAM 1500 Exhaust Upgrades

Upgrading your Ram 1500 exhaust is one of the most exciting modifications you can make. The right setup can drastically change your driving experience by enhancing sound and adding to the overall character of your truck.

There are three primary categories to consider: full exhaust systems, muffler swaps, and muffler deletes. Each option has its strengths, which we will discuss them on this page. Systems can be custom built by a muffler shop or bought as a kit.

RAM 1500 Exhaust Systems

Muffler-Back Ram 1500 Exhaust Systems

A muffler-back exhaust system refers to everything that starts at the muffler and extends to the tailpipe. This usually includes the muffler, too. Dual-back systems are muffler-back systems with two tailpipes.

In most cases, we believe that a simple muffler replacement with a Paradox Performance Muffler is a better value than after market muffler-back systems. But they can also be a great upgrade to a previous upgrade!

Here is a testimonial from a customer who went too far with exhaust upgrades, and ended up with exhaust drone. Paradox solved the problem*:

"I am really, really happy. It was what I wanted in taming the [drone]. It’s like sound control.  Freeway noise cut in 1/2 which is what I was after." - George M. 2016 RAM 1500, Paradox Signature Series Muffler.

*nothing is a guaranteed magic bullet, but overall we have had great results with Paradox Mufflers on Rams. Modified vehicles in particular have may have variables that may contribute to drone. Read our full disclaimer.

Cat-Back Ram 1500 Exhaust Systems

A cat-back exhaust system goes a step further than the muffler-back setup, replacing everything from the catalytic converter to the tailpipe.

For Ram 1500 owners a full cat-back exhaust is usually unnecessary. Ram already equips the truck with 3” mandrel-bent stainless steel pipes that are highly efficient. These pipes minimize back pressure and optimize flow, which means the factory pipes probably aren't holding you back. The weak link in the factory system is typically the muffler. Replacing this with a Paradox Performance Muffler gives you the sound and performance you’re after without the expense of upgrading the whole system.

For Ram 1500 Hemi and 6 cylinder engines, a cat-back system is often overkill unless you're making serious performance upgrades. In most cases, a muffler swap is the best solution to achieve an optimal balance of performance and sound. This is especially true when using Paradox Performance Mufflers. 

"…awesome. Very helpful everytime I called. I have a 2019 Ram 5.7 Hemi and I have the Hot Tamale installed and she sounds great!!!" - Hugh O. 

RAM 1500 Muffler Replacement

One of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance your truck’s exhaust note is by replacing the muffler. Muffler swaps are popular because they provide noticeable results at a fraction of the cost of a full exhaust system. For Ram 1500 trucks, here is the inlet and outlet sizes for the mufflers:

• 2004 to Present: These models require a muffler with a 3.00” inlet and outlet.
• 1994 to 2003: Older Ram 1500 models use a 2.50” inlet and outlet.

Paradox Performance Mufflers are specifically designed to provide a deep, refined tone while combatting the annoying exhaust drone that we've encountered from most of the other brands we've tried.

Best Muffler for Ram 1500

Choosing the right muffler for your Ram 1500 depends on your engine type and your desired sound. Paradox Performance Mufflers offer options for every configuration.

"I gotta tell you....it sounds AWESOME!!!" Glenn B. (2022 Ram 1500 with a Paradox Signature Series Muffler)

 

Best Muffler for Ram 1500 Hemi

The Hemi engine is known for its raw power and strong exhaust note. However, the stock muffler tends to mute this sound, leaving many owners feeling underwhelmed. Paradox Performance Mufflers are perfect for 5.7 Hemi engines. Paradox Mufflers amplify the naturally aggressive sound of the Hemi, creating a deep, throaty tone while still maintaining cabin comfort. The Paradox Signature Series and Paradox Hot Tamale™ both sound excellent on 5.7 Hemi engines.

Best Exhaust for Ram 1500 V6 (and Hurricane Inline 6)

Ram 1500 trucks with a V6 engine or the newer inline-6 Hurricane engine can benefit greatly from a muffler upgrade. A Paradox Performance Muffler can bring out a robust and balanced sound that adds character to the truck. If you're looking to give your Ram a bit more personality, a Paradox Muffler will deliver the perfect balance between aggressive and refined.

For 6 cylinder engines, we usually recommend a Paradox Signature Series Muffler over the louder and more aggressive Paradox Hot Tamale™. We usually recommend keeping the tailpipe resonator on 6 cylinders, but you can delete it for extra sound.

"Based on the advice from you guys, I went with the Signature Series on my '19 3.6l RAM 1500. PERFECT! Zero drone, throaty yet not obnoxious, gave my lil V6 a racy sound. Definitely a very happy customer! Just replaced stock muffler with the Signature Series Elite and deleted the resonator." - Dave A. 

Ram 1500 Muffler Delete

A muffler delete is often one of the first exhaust modifications truck owners consider due to its low cost. However, while a muffler delete does make your truck louder, it often comes with significant downsides: The sound is often raw and unrefined, prone to excessive drone, and is illegal in most places.

For Ram 1500 owners who want a loud, aggressive sound but don't want the drawbacks of a muffler delete, the Paradox Hot Tamale™ Muffler is an excellent alternative. This muffler is about as loud as a straight pipe but delivers a much more refined exhaust note. It dramatically reduces the risk of drone and other harsh sounds thanks to Paradox’s cutting-edge design.

"I am so glad I purchased the Hot Tamale. I am very happy with paradox performance mufflers." - Cameron R. 2022 RAM 1500 Classic

Paradox Mufflers for Ram 1500 Trucks

We believe the easiest and most affordable way to dramatically improve your Ram 1500’s exhaust sound is with a Paradox Performance Muffler. Whether you have a Hemi or a 6-cylinder engine, the right muffler swap can transform your driving experience. Paradox Performance Mufflers are engineered to bring out the best in your truck’s exhaust note without compromising on comfort. 

Since 2004, Ram 1500 trucks require a muffler with a 3.00” inlet and outlet, and for models from 1994 to 2003, you’ll need a 2.50” inlet and outlet muffler. For Ram 1500 models with factory dual exhaust systems that are 2018 and older, you’ll also need a 3” single-to-dual Y-pipe, which is available directly from Paradox. For factory duals on Rams 2019 and newer, a Y-pipe is not needed.

Paradox Performance Mufflers are built with Rams in mind. The transformation in sound quality is undeniable—we own a Ram 1500 equipped with a Paradox Muffler ourselves, so we know firsthand the difference it makes.

"My 18-year-old son just purchased a brand-new RAM 1500 classic. He was in the market for an aggressive, sounding muffler. He looked at all the top names that market their product, which in turn cost the consumer a lot more money. I found Paradox Mufflers on Facebook. Through hours of listening to sound bites, my son decided to purchase a Hot Tamale muffler. He had it installed the other day, ended up loving the aggressive sound. I got home from work and listened to it, I too have a brand new RAM, 1500 Laramie edition. Both trucks have the hemi 5.7, I ordered my muffler over the weekend. I will be getting mine installed next week. Thank you for the services that you do. You have a great sounding mufflers." - Mark R.

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Who We Are

Paradox Performance Company is a small, family-owned American business with a passion for delivering the best in vehicle sound and performance. Our mufflers are proudly overbuilt in the USA, designed for those who value craftsmanship, innovation, and great sound.

Paradox was founded by Mike Barrett, a veteran of the automotive world with over 50 years of experience. Mike's journey began in his father’s custom performance shop, where he developed a deep understanding of how vehicles work—and how to make them better. After doing many things in automotive, Mike founded a performance muffler shop. He experimented with a wide range of muffler brands for his customers, swapping them out like shoes in search of the perfect fit. No brand could match his standards, so Mike invented his own muffler.

Mike's relentless drive for improvement extended to his own Ram 1500, which became a personal testbed for developing Paradox’s groundbreaking technologies. His hands-on approach and constant testing helped refine our designs, ensuring that our mufflers deliver unbeatable sound and performance for Ram 1500 owners.

Today, Mike remains the heart of Paradox, bringing his wealth of knowledge and expertise to everything we do. With Paradox, you're not just getting a muffler—you're benefiting from a lifetime of dedication to excellence in automotive sound.

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