Truck Accessories Buyer's Guide

Exhaust Systems & Headers: The Complete Truck Performance Guide

From cat-back to DPF-back, headers to diesel manifolds — everything you need to choose the right exhaust upgrade for your truck or HD workhorse.

The factory exhaust system on most trucks isn't designed for performance — it's designed to be quiet, cheap to produce, and compliant with emissions standards. That means there's usually real power and real sound left on the table. But "aftermarket exhaust" covers an enormous range of products, from simple cat-back systems that change the tone to full header and DPF-back setups that unlock measurable horsepower and torque. This guide breaks down what's actually in the catalog, organized by what you're trying to accomplish — so you can find the right solution rather than just the loudest one.

Cat-Back vs. DPF-Back vs. Headers: What's the Actual Difference?

A cat-back system starts after the catalytic converter and replaces everything back to the tailpipe. It's the most common exhaust upgrade — legal in all 50 states, bolt-on, and the primary way to change sound and gain modest power on a gas truck. A DPF-back system (Diesel Particulate Filter-back) does the same thing for diesel trucks — it starts downstream of the DPF, which remains in place for full emissions compliance. It improves flow, drops exhaust temps, and gives diesel trucks a more aggressive note. Headers and exhaust manifolds are the upstream side — they replace the cast-iron manifolds that collect exhaust gases from each cylinder, and they make the most significant difference in peak power. Diesel manifold upgrades also help reduce cracking and warping common in high-heat Duramax applications. Know which problem you're solving before you buy.

Cat-Back Exhaust: Gas Trucks

304 stainless, 409 stainless, and aluminized options — the material choice affects longevity and price. 304 is the premium; 409 is a solid midrange; aluminized is the entry point.

System / Line Pipe Material Sound Profile Best For Price Range
aFe Vulcan Series 304 Stainless Steel Deep, aggressive — dual tips 2019–2026 Silverado / Sierra 1500 From $1,153
aFe Apollo GT Series 409 Stainless Steel Moderate — refined tone, single or dual exit 2009–2026 Silverado / Sierra 1500 From $884
aFe Gemini XV 304 Stainless Steel Loud, dual-exit cutout option 2009–2026 Silverado / Sierra 1500 From $1,532
aFe MACHForce XP 304 or 409 SS Performance-tuned, moderate to aggressive 2004–2019 Silverado / Sierra 1500 & Colorado From $884
Borla S-Type / ATAK T-304 Stainless S-Type: refined; ATAK: race-loud 2009–2026 Silverado / Sierra 1500 From $1,457
Gibson Aluminized / Stainless Aluminized or T-304 SS Aggressive, deep — Dual Extreme or Sport configurations Wide coverage: Colorado, Silverado, Avalanche From $638
aFe Vulcan Series 4in Cat-Back Silverado 1500
aFe

Cat-Back Exhaust

aFe Vulcan Series 4in/3in 304SS Cat-Back — 2019–2026 Silverado 1500 V8 5.3L

Large 4-inch collector into 3-inch pipe, T-304 stainless throughout, with OE-style tips that keep the look factory-clean. Fits 2019–2026 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 with the V8 5.3L. Mandrel-bent tubing eliminates the flow restrictions that kill mid-range torque.

$1,268.99

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aFe Apollo GT Series Cat-Back Silverado 1500
aFe

Cat-Back Exhaust

aFe Apollo GT Series 409SS Cat-Back — 2019–2026 Silverado / Sierra 1500 V6 4.3L / V8 5.3L

The Apollo GT is aFe's value-performance cat-back — 409 stainless instead of 304, but still mandrel-bent and built for real power gains. Available with polished or black tips; fits the 2019–2026 Silverado and Sierra 1500 across multiple engine options including the 4.3L V6. A strong choice when you want the upgrade without the premium price.

$884.99

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aFe Gemini XV Cat-Back Silverado 1500
aFe

Cat-Back Exhaust

aFe Gemini XV 3in 304SS Cat-Back w/ Black Tips — 2009–2018 Silverado / Sierra 1500 V6 4.3L / V8 4.8L 5.3L

The Gemini XV is aFe's loudest street cat-back — full 304 stainless, dual rear exit, with an available cutout option for maximum volume on demand. Fits 2009–2018 Silverado and Sierra 1500 across V6 and V8 configurations. Built for the owner who wants the sound to make a statement.

$1,852.99

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aFe MACHForce XP Cat-Back Silverado 1500
aFe

Cat-Back Exhaust

aFe MACHForce XP 3in Cat-Back 304SS — 2009–2019 Silverado / Sierra 1500 (Dual Split)

The MACHForce XP has been a mainstay in aFe's lineup for good reason — mandrel-bent 304 stainless with a dual split exit configuration that pushes gases on both sides of the bumper. Fits the 2009–2019 1500 platform across multiple engine options. Unlike universal systems, this is built to the exact roofline and cab dimensions of your truck.

$1,394.99

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Gibson Colorado Dual Extreme Cat-Back
Gibson

Cat-Back Exhaust

Gibson Dual Extreme Cat-Back 2.25in — 2015–2022 Colorado / Canyon L4 2.5L / V6 3.6L

Gibson's Dual Extreme configuration places the exit tips on both sides of the rear bumper for an aggressive look that mid-size trucks rarely pull off from the factory. Built from aluminized steel for durability; fits the 2015–2022 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon in both 2.5L and 3.6L configurations. A real dual exit on a mid-sizer, not just a splitter.

$929.99

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Gibson Dual Split Cat-Back Silverado 1500
Gibson

Cat-Back Exhaust

Gibson Dual Split Cat-Back 3in/2.25in — 2015–2018 Silverado / Sierra 1500 5.3L

Gibson's Dual Split system sends gases through a 3-inch main pipe that splits into two 2.25-inch rear exits — a design that keeps the system out of the tow path while still delivering dual-exit aesthetics. Built from aluminized steel; fits 2014–2018 Silverado and Sierra 1500 with the 5.3L V8 across all trim levels including WT, LS, LT, LTZ, and High Country.

$866.99

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Aluminized vs. 409 vs. 304 Stainless — Which Should You Buy?

Aluminized steel is the entry-level option — it's treated to resist rust but will eventually corrode, typically in 5–10 years depending on climate. It costs less and is a solid pick for older trucks or budget builds. 409 stainless is ferritic stainless — more corrosion-resistant than aluminized, but it can show surface rust in wet climates over time. 304 stainless is the premium — fully austenitic, highly rust-resistant, and what most performance-first brands use. If you're in a salt-belt state and plan to keep the truck, 304 pays for itself. If you're in a dry climate or this is a work truck, aluminized or 409 is a reasonable call.

DPF-Back Exhaust: Diesel Trucks

These systems retain your truck's DPF for full emissions compliance. The real gains are in exhaust gas temperature reduction and flow — which diesel owners feel as improved towing response and EGT management under load.

aFe Atlas DPF-Back Silverado 2500 HD LML
aFe

DPF-Back Exhaust

aFe Atlas 5in DPF-Back Aluminized Steel — 2011–2016 Silverado 2500 HD Duramax LML 6.6L

Five-inch pipe diameter is a significant jump over the factory 4-inch — aluminized steel construction keeps the price in check while dramatically improving exhaust flow on the LML Duramax. Lower EGTs under tow, better turbo spool response, and a deep diesel rumble. Fits 2011–2016 Silverado 2500/3500 HD with the 6.6L LML Duramax.

$420.99

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aFe Large Bore HD DPF-Back Silverado 2500 HD
aFe

DPF-Back Exhaust

aFe Large Bore HD 4in 409SS DPF-Back w/ Black Tips — 2020–2026 Silverado 2500 HD Duramax L5P 6.6L

The Large Bore HD is aFe's modern HD platform exhaust — four-inch 409 stainless pipe with dual exit and black polished tips that look built, not afterthought. Engineered specifically for the 2020–2026 Silverado 2500 and 3500 HD with the L5P Duramax. Flow improvements show up on the gauge: lower EGTs when loaded and better turbo response on the highway.

$808.99

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aFe MACHForce XP DPF-Back Silverado 2500 HD LMM
aFe

DPF-Back Exhaust

aFe MACHForce XP 4in DPF-Back 304SS — 2007–2010 Silverado 2500 HD Duramax LMM 6.6L

304 stainless construction on a system designed for the LMM-era Duramax trucks — one of the most popular diesel platforms for performance builders. The four-inch pipe is a meaningful upgrade from the factory unit, and the mandrel bends keep velocity consistent through every turn. Fits 2007–2010 Silverado and Sierra 2500/3500 HD with the 6.6L LMM.

$500.99

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aFe Rebel XD DPF-Back Silverado 1500 Diesel
aFe

DPF-Back Exhaust

aFe Rebel XD 3in 304SS DPF-Back — 2020–2022 Silverado / Sierra 1500 3.0L Duramax (LM2)

The 3.0L inline-six Duramax in the light-duty Silverado is an often-overlooked diesel — and the Rebel XD is the right exhaust for it. Three-inch 304 stainless pipe, dual black tips, full DPF-back configuration for 100% emissions compliance. Fits 2020–2022 Silverado and Sierra 1500 with the LM2 diesel. Real diesel tone on a half-ton platform.

$871.99

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Gibson Filter-Back Single Exhaust Sierra 2500 HD Black Elite
Gibson

DPF/Filter-Back Exhaust

Gibson Black Elite 4in Filter-Back Single Exhaust — 2011–2016 Sierra 2500 HD / Silverado 2500 HD Duramax 6.6L

Gibson's Black Elite series uses T-304 stainless tips with a black ceramic coating that holds up to heat and road spray without flaking. Single-side exit configuration keeps the system clear of trailer hitches — important for HD trucks that actually work. Fits 2011–2016 GM 2500 and 3500 HD platforms with the 6.6L Duramax.

$683.99

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Gibson Stainless Cat-Back Silverado 2500 HD
Gibson

Cat-Back Exhaust

Gibson Stainless Cat-Back — 2020–2026 Silverado / Sierra 2500–3500 HD Crew Cab 6.6L Gasser

For the gas-powered HD platform — specifically the 2020–2025 Silverado and Sierra 2500/3500 HD crew cab with the 6.6L V8 gasser — this is Gibson's stainless single-side cat-back. Deeper sound than stock without being obnoxious for daily driving, and built from stainless steel to last through years of heavy use. Inventory in stock.

$854.99

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Headers & Exhaust Manifolds

Headers and manifolds are the upstream fix — where gases are collected from each cylinder. On gas trucks, shorty headers are the practical choice for bolt-on power. On diesel trucks, manifold upgrades address cracking, warping, and the flow restrictions built into factory castings.

aFe Twisted Steel Shorty Headers Silverado 1500
aFe

Shorty Headers

aFe Twisted Steel 1-3/4in 304SS Shorty Headers — 2021–2026 Silverado / Sierra 1500 V8 5.3L 6.2L

aFe's Twisted Steel design uses individual primary tubes that merge cleanly into a collector — reducing reversion and improving scavenging compared to the flat-face factory manifold. T-304 stainless, fully compatible with catalytic converters and downstream equipment. Fits 2021–2026 Silverado and Sierra 1500 with the V8 5.3L and 6.2L engines.

$1,195.99

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BD Diesel Exhaust Manifold Kit Silverado 1500 LS
BD Diesel

Exhaust Manifold Kit

BD Diesel Exhaust Manifold Kit (Both Sides) — 1999–2013 Silverado / Sierra 1500 V8

The factory cast-iron manifolds on LS-era GM trucks are known for cracking and warping — BD's replacement kit covers both driver and passenger sides with high-quality iron castings that outflow and outlast the originals. Fits 1999–2013 Silverado and Sierra 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, and Escalade with V8 LS engines. 18 in stock.

$797.99

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BD Diesel Duramax Full Bore Exhaust Manifold
BD Diesel

Diesel Exhaust Manifold

BD Diesel Full Bore Exhaust Manifold — 2001–2010 Silverado / Sierra 2500–3500 HD Duramax 6.6L

The factory Duramax driver-side manifold has a pinch-down design that restricts exhaust flow and contributes to high EGTs — BD's Full Bore replaces it with a fully opened casting that restores exhaust balance across both banks. Fits 2001–2010 Silverado and Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD with the 6.6L Duramax (LB7 through LMM). CARB-compliant; 5 in stock.

$273.99

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BD Diesel Passenger Side Exhaust Manifold Silverado
BD Diesel

Exhaust Manifold

BD Diesel Passenger Side Exhaust Manifold — 2003–2013 Silverado / Sierra 1500 V8

For owners who only need one side — or who are replacing a cracked manifold — BD's passenger-side unit is sold separately. Engineered for LS-series V8 applications across the 2003–2013 Silverado and Sierra 1500 platform, including Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade, and H2 fitments. High-flow castings that outperform the factory piece out of the box. 17 in stock.

$367.99

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Gibson Performance Header Silverado
Gibson

Performance Headers

Gibson 16-Gauge Performance Header — 1999–2001 Silverado 1500 V8 4.8L (Ceramic Coated)

Gibson's performance headers use 16-gauge steel with a ceramic coating that protects against corrosion and retains heat inside the pipe — keeping exhaust velocity high and heat out of the engine bay. Unlike the shorty header category, Gibson's long-tube design is built for maximum displacement. Fits 1999–2001 Silverado 1500 with the 4.8L V8. A proven formula for older trucks that still deserve a real upgrade.

$1,086.99

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BD Diesel Duramax LB7 Up Pipe
BD Diesel

Up Pipe / Connecting Pipe

BD Diesel LB7 Up Pipe Passenger Side — 2001–2004 Silverado / Sierra 2500–3500 HD Duramax 6.6L

The factory up-pipes on early LB7 Duramax trucks are known for cracking at the flex section — a problem that causes boost leaks and unmetered exhaust gas entering the cab. BD's replacement is built to outlast the original; thicker material at the flex joint, leak-tested before shipping. Fits 2001–2004 Silverado and Sierra 2500/3500 HD with the LB7 6.6L Duramax. Sold as passenger side; driver side available separately.

$402.99

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Borla Cat-Back Systems

Borla builds three distinct sound profiles — Touring (refined), S-Type (aggressive street), and ATAK (race-loud). All are T-304 stainless and made in the USA. The right one depends on how you use the truck, not just how loud you want it.

Borla Touring Cat-Back Silverado 1500
Borla

Cat-Back Exhaust

Borla Touring Cat-Back — 2019–2026 Silverado 1500 5.3L V8 CC/SB 147.4in WB

Borla's Touring tune is designed for the owner who wants T-304 stainless quality and measurable power gains without droning on the highway or waking the neighborhood. Cab-and-bed specific fitment for the 2019–2026 Silverado 1500 crew cab short bed — Borla calibrates the resonance chambers to eliminate interior resonance that plagues lesser systems. Uses factory fascia tips.

$1,822.99

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Borla S-Type Cat-Back Silverado 1500
Borla

Cat-Back Exhaust

Borla S-Type Cat-Back — 2019–2025 Silverado 1500 5.3L V8 CC/SB 147.4in WB

The S-Type sits between Touring and ATAK — aggressive enough to turn heads at idle, refined enough for the daily commute without becoming fatiguing. T-304 stainless, uses factory fascia tips. Fitment is specific to the 2019–2025 Silverado 1500 crew cab short bed 5.3L — Borla's cab-specific tuning means no drone at 65 mph, which is where most cat-back systems fail.

$1,759.99

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Borla Colorado S-Type Cat-Back
Borla

Cat-Back Exhaust

Borla S-Type Cat-Back Black Chrome Tips — 2015–2022 Chevrolet Colorado

Borla's S-Type for the Colorado uses the same T-304 stainless and resonance-tuned architecture as their full-size truck systems — scaled for the mid-size platform. Black chrome tips give it a blacked-out look that works with both stock and lifted builds. Fits 2015–2022 Chevrolet Colorado across crew cab and extended cab configurations. One of the few cat-back systems that makes a Colorado sound like it deserves to.

$1,489.99

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Find Your Exhaust Upgrade

Use the filters on our exhaust catalog to narrow by your year, make, and model. Every system in this guide is a direct fit — no universal adapters, no cutting, no fabrication.

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