Best Chevy Colorado Aftermarket Exhaust Systems

Why Install an Aftermarket Exhaust System?

To begin, let’s discuss some of the qualities of a factory-installed exhaust system. From the factory, manufacturers install exhaust systems that aim to reduce noise levels; this often translates to smaller-diameter piping, restrictive resonators, and oversized mufflers. While these systems deliver quiet, drone-free operation, they come with an unfortunate side effect: poor exhaust flow. 

As you're likely already aware, airflow is critical for an internal combustion engine’s efficiency, and just as vital as cool condensed air flowing in is hot, burned exhaust gasses flowing out. After all, an engine only inhales as much air as it expels exhaust. 

High-performance exhaust systems help to improve overall efficiency by reducing exhaust restrictions and maximizing exhaust flow. Aftermarket exhaust manufacturers typically accomplish this feat using large-diameter mandrel-bent piping, high-flow resonators, and straight-through mufflers. As a byproduct of these highly efficient components, more sound escapes from the tailpipe(s), resulting in the deep, throaty exhaust notes beloved by auto enthusiasts! 

So, in short, installing an aftermarket exhaust serves two primary functions: improving efficiency/performance and crafting a sporty exhaust note.

Exhaust System Types

Not all exhaust systems are created equal. There are three primary exhaust types manufactured and sold, including header-back, cat-back, and axle-back. Let’s dive into the characteristics that set these systems apart.

Header-Back Exhaust Systems

Header-back exhaust systems are the most invasive of the three styles, replacing every portion of the exhaust system from the headers and back. These systems remove nearly all restrictions, delivering the most significant performance gains and, typically, the most aggressive exhaust notes. However, these systems come at a cost. 

Header-back exhaust systems are typically the most expensive due to replacing the most piping and exhaust components. Additionally, these systems often aren’t street-legal, as they remove emissions equipment, like catalytic converters.

Cat-Back

Cat-back exhaust systems are the most popular aftermarket exhaust style, as they feature the best compromise between performance and legality. These systems replace everything from the catalytic converter (cat) and back, including the B-pipe, resonator, muffler, tailpipe, and exhaust tip. 

These systems deliver solid performance and audible gains while retaining the factory catalytic converters, thus allowing your vehicle to retain legality on the road. While typically less expensive than header-back systems, cat-back systems still fall in the mid-price range.

Axle-Back

Finally, we have our lowest price point and, respectively, least invasive exhaust style: axle-back systems. These systems replace everything from the axle and back, which typically includes the tailpipe and, depending on the application, the muffler. 

These systems offer a simple installation and mild performance gains at an affordable price point; however, we’d recommend a cat-back system for those craving notable performance gains and a sporty exhaust note.

Top Chevy Colorado Exhaust Systems

In this section, we’re discussing our top five picks for our favorite exhaust systems, each offering a solid blend of performance, sound quality, build quality, and ease of installation.

Borla S-Type Exhaust System

The S-Types Exhaust System is a premium exhaust from the experts at Borla, offering a high-end stainless steel construction, high-flow piping, mufflers, and resonators, and the deep, throaty exhaust note you’ve been craving! 

This exhaust system is manufactured entirely from T-304 stainless steel, which features a high chromium content to prevent the formation of rust and scaling. No matter the climate, this system offers a lifetime of performance! 

Borla utilizes high-flow mandrel-bent tubing and S-Type mufflers to provide dyno-proven performance gains and a deep, throaty exhaust note. Borla proudly manufactures all S-Type systems in the USA and backs them with a one-million-mile warranty. 

Features: 

• Corrosion-resistant T-304 stainless steel construction

• Provides a throaty, performance-inspired exhaust note

• S-Type mufflers deliver the ideal sound and noise level

• Mandrel-bent tubing for smooth, uninterrupted exhaust flow

• Dyno-tested performance gains 

• Available with polished or black-chrome exhaust tips

• USA-made

• One-million-mile warranty

MBRP Installer Series Exhaust System

The MBRP Installer Series Exhaust System is a premium cat-back exhaust offering outstanding build quality, performance, and sound quality, making for a sporty and enjoyable driving experience! 

This system is manufactured from hot-dipped aluminized steel, which, while not as corrosion-resistant as stainless steel, offers excellent durability and longevity in warmer climates. MBRP includes durable T-304 stainless steel exhaust tips with each purchase, offering a stylish, high-luster finish for years! 

This product features a simple bolt-on installation into the factory exhaust hanger locations, making mounting a breeze. MBRP backs the Installer Series Exhaust System with a limited 3-year warranty. 

Features: 

• Heavy-duty aluminized steel construction

• Mandrel-bent tubing

• Dyno-proven performance gains

• Moderate exhaust tone

• Corrosion-resistant T304 stainless steel exhaust tips

• Simple bolt-on installation

• Limited 3-year warranty

Flowmaster FlowFX Exhaust System

Flowmaster is a well-known and regarded name in the automotive exhaust industry, renowned for producing high-quality, high-performance products that deliver a classic Flowmaster exhaust note. The FlowFX Exhaust System is no exception, featuring durable all-stainless construction, mandrel-bent tubing, precision-tuned FlowFX muffler, and simple bolt-on installation! 

Flowmaster backs the FlowFX Exhaust System with a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing and material defects. 

Features: 

• Durable stainless steel construction

• Mandrel-bent tubing for maximum flow

• Dyno-tested and proven to increase performance

• Includes FlowFX muffler

• Uses factory hanger locations for easy installation

• Limited lifetime warranty

Corsa Sport Series Exhaust System

The Corsa Sport Series Exhaust System delivers exceptional performance and sound quality, making it the ideal choice for your Colorado! This high-end cat-back system is built to last, featuring a durable T-304 stainless steel construction to resist rust and scaling. 

This system utilizes mandrel-bent tubing to eliminate restrictions; when paired with the system’s high-flow muffler, the Corsa Sport Series exhaust delivers an aggressive exhaust note after a cold start, a moderate note under acceleration, and stock-like in-cabin drone.

This product features a simple bolt-on installation using factory hanger locations and clamps. Corsa proudly manufactures the Sport Series Exhaust System in the USA and backs it with a limited lifetime warranty.  

Features: 

• T-304 stainless steel construction

• Mandrel-bent tubing increases airflow

• Dyno-proven horsepower & torque gains

• Provides aggressive cold start, moderate note under acceleration, and stock-like in-cabin drone

• Simple bolt-on installation

• USA-made

• Limited lifetime warranty

MagnaFlow Street Series Performance Exhaust System

MagnaFlow is an industry leader in performance, and with such high-end products as the Street Series Performance Exhaust System, there’s no debate! 

This exhaust system is manufactured entirely from T-409 stainless steel, offering excellent corrosion resistance and durability. Magnaflow utilizes mandrel-bent piping and a straight-through muffler to promote smooth exhaust flow, ensuring maximum efficiency and performance. 

The MagnaFlow Street Series Performance Exhaust System features a simple bolt-on installation for easy at-home mounting. Each system is manufactured in the USA and receives a limited lifetime structural and one-year finish warranty. 

Features: 

• T-409 stainless steel construction

• Polished stainless steel or black-coated tips are available

• Mandrel-bent pipes promote superior exhaust flow

• Straight-through muffler decreases restrictions

• Dyno-proven horsepower and torque gains

• Moderate exterior tone with mild interior resonance

• Easy, bolt-on installation

• USA-made

• Limited lifetime structural / 1-year finish warranty