How to Make Your Exhaust Louder: The Ultimate Guide for Sound and Style

Let’s be honest: there’s something deeply satisfying about a loud, aggressive exhaust note. Whether you're driving a truck, muscle car, side-by-side, or ATV, upgrading your exhaust for more volume and tone is one of the best ways to enhance your ride’s personality.

So how do you actually make your exhaust louder, without sacrificing performance? And how do you make sure your mods don’t cause problems down the line?

In this guide, we break down exactly how to make your exhaust louder. From bolt-on upgrades to full system replacements, we’ll give you all the options so you can make an informed decision–and we’ll demonstrate why MBRP is the brand most trusted by enthusiasts across North America.

Why Make Your Exhaust Louder?

Louder doesn’t just mean more attention! It can also mean more flow, power, and character. Here are a few reasons drivers choose to increase exhaust sound:

• ✅ More aggressive tone to match performance mods
• ✅ Improved throttle response from better airflow
• ✅ Enhanced driving experience with audible feedback
• ✅ Style and customization to stand out
• ✅ Weight savings with simpler, less restrictive designs

The Top Ways to Make Your Exhaust Louder

Depending on your vehicle and goals, there are several proven methods to amplify your exhaust sound. Here’s what works, and how MBRP makes it easy.

1. Upgrade to a Cat-Back or Axle-Back System

The most effective and legal way to boost sound is by installing an MBRP cat-back or axle-back exhaust system.

• Cat-Back: Replaces everything from the catalytic converter to the tips
• Axle-Back: Replaces only the rear section of the exhaust (mufflers and tips)

MBRP cat-back systems are designed with mandrel-bent tubing and performance-tuned mufflers, offering a deep, aggressive tone and noticeable sound increase over stock. Axle-back kits are easier to install and focus mainly on sound and style.

Choose Your Sound Profile:

• 🔊 Race Profile: Loudest and most aggressive
• 🎯 Street Profile: Strong and bold with minimal drone
• 🔇 Tour Profile: Deeper than stock, but still daily-driver friendly
• 🎚 Active Profile: Adjustable—go from quiet to loud on demand

2. Delete the Muffler or Resonator

Removing sound-deadening components like the muffler or resonator will instantly increase volume.

• Muffler Delete: Replaces the muffler with straight pipe
• Resonator Delete: Removes the resonator (if equipped) for sharper tone

MBRP muffler delete kits are popular among truck and muscle car owners looking for a raw, aggressive exhaust note with minimal restrictions. These are usually off-road or track-only mods, so check local laws before installing.

3. Use Larger Diameter Piping

Wider pipes allow gases to exit more quickly, increasing exhaust volume and tone. MBRP cat-back and turbo-back systems use optimized pipe diameters to balance performance and aggressive sound, without causing drone or backpressure loss.

Note: Bigger isn’t always better. Stick to what’s recommended for your engine to avoid low-end power loss.

4. Go Turbo-Back or DPF-Back (Diesel Only)

For diesel truck owners, upgrading to an MBRP turbo-back or DPF-back system can significantly increase sound–especially when emissions components like mufflers or resonators are removed.

• DPF-Back: Legal and effective
• Turbo-Back: For off-road or race use, maximum flow and volume

These systems also improve towing performance, EGTs, and efficiency, making them a win for both sound and function.

What NOT to Do

🚫 Avoid drilling holes in your exhaust—this weakens the system, causes rust, and can be dangerous.
🚫 Avoid removing emissions components unless you’re building a track-only vehicle.
🚫 Don’t skip proper fitment—a loose or misaligned exhaust will rattle, leak, or worse.

Instead, opt for quality bolt-on systems like MBRP that are engineered for sound, performance, and safety.

Final Thoughts

Making your exhaust louder is about more than volume, it’s about transforming your driving experience. Whether you're after a deep rumble, aggressive roar, or just something that turns heads, MBRP has an exhaust solution tailored to your ride and style.

From bolt-on cat-backs to muffler deletes and resonated tips, MBRP offers the performance, sound tuning, and build quality to make your vehicle look, sound, and feel more powerful.