GMC Sierra Exhaust Upgrade Guide

As a GMC Sierra owner, there are countless modifications available to make your truck an expression of your unique style and personality. From upgrading your lighting, suspension, and wheels to enhancing your engine and exhaust system, there are plenty of ways to make your Sierra stand out. One of the most impactful upgrades is enhancing your exhaust system, which not only gives your Sierra a powerful new sound but also boosts its performance. Let’s dive into our GMC Sierra exhaust upgrade guide to help you understand what to expect when upgrading your exhaust.

How Upgrading Your Exhaust Improves Power & Performance

Swapping out your factory exhaust for a more free-flowing aftermarket system allows your engine to breathe easier, unleashing additional horsepower. The stock exhaust system on your Sierra is designed with everyday driving in mind, meaning it has room for improvement if you're looking to boost performance. By upgrading components like your exhaust manifolds, midpipe, and cat-back system, you can significantly enhance your Sierra’s power and torque.

Upgrading Sierra Exhaust Manifolds/Headers

The exhaust manifolds on your Sierra connect to the cylinder heads and direct exhaust gases to the midpipe. Stock manifolds are often restrictive as they are designed to work with the factory exhaust system. Aftermarket manifolds, commonly known as headers, are typically made from wider diameter, smoother tubing, which allows for less restrictive exhaust flow. These headers can usually be installed as a bolt-on upgrade, but due to their location, professional installation may be necessary. Depending on the year of your Sierra, the catalytic converters might be integrated with the headers.

Upgrading Sierra Midpipes

After the headers, the exhaust gases flow through the midpipe, which connects the headers to the cat-back exhaust system. Midpipes generally include catalytic converters (depending on the model year) and feature an H or X design to balance exhaust flow. Factory midpipes are often not optimized and are made from smaller diameter tubing. Upgrading to aftermarket midpipes with larger tubing, an optimized crossover, and high-flow cats can significantly enhance your Sierra’s performance.

Upgrading Sierra Cat-Back Exhaust Systems

The cat-back portion of your exhaust system refers to everything from the end of the midpipe to the exhaust tip, including lead pipes, mufflers, and tips. This is one of the most popular upgrades among Sierra owners, as there is a wide range of cat-back exhaust systems to choose from, making it an ideal first step in a full exhaust system upgrade.

GMC Sierra Exhaust Upgrades From Deviate Dezigns

If you’re ready to give your Sierra the exhaust upgrade it deserves, explore Deviate Dezigns’ extensive selection of exhaust kits specifically designed for GMC Sierras. Deviate Dezigns offers high-quality exhaust kits from industry-leading brands like Magnaflow, Corsa, Borla, Gibson, aFe, and more. Have questions about your Sierra or need assistance in building your ideal exhaust system? Contact our knowledgeable customer service team to get expert advice and guidance.