The Complete Guide to Muffler Deletes on Your 2020 Dodge Charger

How to Fix Muffler Replacement

For 2020 Dodge Charger owners, modifying the exhaust system is a popular first step toward personalizing the car's sound and performance. This guide focuses on the most common exhaust modifications reported by owners: muffler deletes and replacements. As one enthusiastic new owner shared, "My first ever dodge at 19 and I love it... so far within my first week of having it I’ve only did a muffler delete is there any more suggestions yall have !!!!!" This sentiment is common, but it's crucial to understand the implications, from the desired sound to potential legal and mechanical consequences.

Symptoms

Owners pursue muffler work primarily to change the auditory character of their vehicle. The stock exhaust on the 2020 Charger, particularly on R/T models, is often described as too quiet or lacking personality. The goal is to achieve a more aggressive and engaging soundtrack that matches the car's muscular appearance.

The desired sound profiles are very specific. Owners frequently use terms like a "deep sinister rumble at idle" and a "fitting flex on the throttle." Others are chasing more extreme acoustic effects, such as loud "cracking" or "gun shots type sounds" on deceleration or during gear shifts. This is often referred to as "crackle" or "pop" tunes within the exhaust note, a highly sought-after trait in performance vehicles.

However, these modifications can lead to unintended symptoms. A primary concern is drone—a constant, low-frequency booming sound inside the cabin at certain highway speeds, which can make long drives fatiguing. More seriously, a full delete of mufflers, resonators, and catalytic converters can trigger the check engine light due to altered backpressure and removed oxygen sensors, and will certainly cause a vehicle to fail emissions inspections. As one owner facing legal issues asked, "I recently got a state ref and need to pass inspections to operate my charger. I don’t got cats, mufflers or resonators on my setup..." This highlights a critical adverse effect of overly aggressive modifications.

Most Likely Cause

The single most common cause for owners seeking a muffler replacement or delete is dissatisfaction with the factory exhaust note. The stock system is engineered for a balance of performance, fuel efficiency, sound compliance, and cabin comfort. For enthusiasts, this balance leans too far toward quietness and civility. The factory mufflers and resonators are designed to dampen sound waves and reduce overall volume, which many owners perceive as muting the character of the V8 engine. Therefore, the root cause driving this modification is not a failure of a component, but an intentional owner-driven desire to enhance the vehicle's auditory presence and sporty feel by removing or swapping these restrictive factory parts.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing your need or plan for a muffler change is about defining your goals and understanding your car's current setup.

First, identify your desired outcome. Listen to sound clips of different setups: mid-muffler delete, axle-back replacement, or full cat-back systems. Be specific. Are you looking for a deeper tone, louder volume, or specific crackles? As one owner pondered, "I dont want it crazy loud but I'd love a deep sinister rumble at idle." Clearly defining this will guide your parts choice.

Next, physically inspect your factory exhaust. Safely jack up the rear of the vehicle and support it on jack stands. Identify the mufflers—they are the large, oval-shaped chambers at the very rear of the exhaust system before the tailpipes. Also, locate the mid-mufflers or resonators, which are typically smaller cylindrical components found further forward, near the center of the car. Understanding what you have is key to knowing what you'll remove.

Finally, research local regulations. This is a critical diagnostic step. Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles or check municipal codes regarding exhaust noise and modification. Many areas have laws against excessive noise or the removal of emissions equipment (like catalytic converters). Diagnosing the legal landscape is as important as diagnosing the car itself to avoid fines or "state ref" orders.

Step-by-Step Fix

Replacing or deleting the mufflers is a common DIY project. Here is a general step-by-step guide for a mid-muffler delete, one of the most popular modifications.

1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the front wheels. Jack up the rear of the vehicle and place it securely on jack stands rated for its weight. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

2. Locate and Mark: While under the car, locate the mid-mufflers (or rear mufflers if doing a delete there). Use a marker or painter's tape to indicate your cut lines. You typically want to cut the pipe a few inches before and after the muffler body to allow room for welding or clamping in a straight pipe section. As one owner shared: "Have any of you don't the mid muffler delete and if so how long have you had it? Curious if anyone has any adverse effects from it" — planning is key before cutting.

3. Cut the Pipes: Using a reciprocating saw with a metal-cutting blade or an angle grinder, carefully cut through the exhaust pipe at your marked locations. Wear safety glasses and gloves. Be prepared for the muffler section to drop once freed.

4. Install Replacement Section: For a delete, you will install a straight pipe "delete kit" or a section of mandrel-bent pipe that matches your exhaust diameter. The two main methods are welding or using heavy-duty exhaust clamps. Welding provides the most secure and leak-free seal but requires skill and equipment. Clamping is more accessible for DIYers; ensure the clamps are very tight and consider using exhaust sealant paste at the joints.

5. Re-check and Lower: Once the new pipe is secured, double-check all connections for tightness. Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands. Start the engine and listen carefully for any exhaust leaks (a ticking or hissing sound). Check for excessive movement in the new piping. Take a short test drive, listening for the new sound profile and checking for any new vibrations.

Parts and Tools Needed

The parts required depend entirely on the type of modification you choose.

• For a Mid-Muffler Delete: A "mid-muffler delete kit" specific to the 2020 Dodge Charger R/T or Scat Pack. These kits often include pre-bent pipes and clamps. Alternatively, you can have a muffler shop fabricate pipes.
• For an Axle-Back Replacement: An aftermarket axle-back exhaust system. This replaces the mufflers and tailpipe section from the rear axle back. Brands like Borla, Corsa, and MagnaFlow offer bolt-on kits with various sound levels.
• For a Full Cat-Back System: A complete cat-back exhaust. This replaces everything from the catalytic converters back, often including an X-pipe or H-pipe resonator. This is the most comprehensive (and expensive) bolt-on upgrade.
• OEM Replacement: If you need to revert to stock for legal reasons, a factory exhaust system from a dealership or salvage yard. As one owner inquired, "Will a 2020 scat pack exhaust setup fit on my 2020 dodge charger rt" — confirming fitment is crucial.

Tools Needed:

• Floor jack and rated jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses and gloves
• Reciprocating saw with metal blades or angle grinder
• Wrenches and sockets (for unbolting axle-back systems or hangers)
• Exhaust hanger removal tool (helpful)
• Measuring tape and marker
• Welding equipment (if welding, not clamping)

Real Owner Costs

Costs vary dramatically based on the route you take.

• DIY Mid-Muffler Delete (Clamp-On Kit): This is the most budget-friendly option. A basic delete pipe kit can cost between $100 and $250. If you do the labor yourself, your total cost is just the kit. One owner's experience starting with a simple delete aligns with this low-cost entry point into modifications.

• Professional Mid-Muffler Delete: If you take your car to a local muffler shop, they can cut out the mufflers and weld in straight pipes typically in under an hour. Expect to pay between $150 and $300 for this service, including parts and labor.

• Aftermarket Axle-Back System: A quality bolt-on axle-back kit from a reputable brand ranges from $800 to $1,500 for the parts alone. Professional installation might add another $150-$300. This offers a refined sound and often uses better materials than stock.

• Full Cat-Back Exhaust System: This is a significant investment. Parts for a premium cat-back system can cost from $1,200 to over $2,500. Installation is more involved, potentially costing $300-$500 at a shop.

• OEM Exhaust Replacement (for Referee): If you've removed your entire system and need to re-install a stock one to pass inspection, cost depends on the source. A new factory system from a dealer can be prohibitively expensive ($2,000+). Finding a used stock exhaust from a salvage yard or a part-out (like the mentioned Scat Pack system) is more economical, likely in the $300-$800 range, plus installation.

Prevention

"Prevention" in this context means preventing regret, legal trouble, or an undesirable sound.

First, prevent dissatisfaction by doing extensive research. Watch dozens of video sound clips of the exact modification you're considering on the same model and engine (5.7L Hemi R/T). Sound inside a cabin is very different from a YouTube video filmed outside the car.

Second, prevent legal issues by knowing and obeying local laws. Avoid deleting catalytic converters. In many regions, even a muffler delete can result in a ticket for excessive noise. Keeping your factory parts in storage is a wise preventative measure, allowing you to revert if necessary.

Third, prevent drone and poor performance by choosing reputable parts. A simple delete is cheap but may introduce unbearable cabin drone. Spending more on a properly engineered aftermarket system that uses Helmholtz resonators or specific chamber designs can give you the sound you want without the negative side effects. As one owner wisely noted regarding modifications in general, "Any aftermarket parts won’t add value." Consider the long-term ownership experience, not just the initial thrill.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from DODGE owners:

Owner Experiences

"My first ever dodge at 19 and I love it got it at 45k miles which I feel like is a amazing deal and this is only the start glad to be apart of the dodge community so far within my first week of having it I’ve only did a muffler delete is there any more suggestions yall have !!!!!" — LoanUseful4605 (source)

"Have any of you don't the mid muffler delete and if so how long have you had it? Curious if anyone has any adverse effects from it and any other advice related to this would be welcomed." — Bartucdabloody (source)

"Any aftermarket parts won’t add value. Whatever they offer will go towards the price of the new car and any leftover will be added to the price of the new car." — Flashy_Elevator_7654 (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to do a muffler delete? A: For an experienced DIYer with the right tools, a simple mid-muffler delete using a clamp-on kit can be done in 2-3 hours, including jacking up the car and finishing the install. A professional muffler shop can typically complete the cutting and welding in under an hour.

Q: Can I drive with a muffler delete? A: Mechanically, yes, the car will drive. However, you may be driving illegally depending on your local noise ordinances. Furthermore, removing too much exhaust (like resonators and cats) can cause engine lights and will definitely cause you to fail any smog or safety inspection. As evidenced by owner reports, it can lead to a "state ref" order, requiring you to fix it to legally operate the vehicle.

Q: Is a muffler delete a common first mod on the 2020 Charger? A: Absolutely. Based on owner discussions, it is one of the most popular and frequently mentioned first modifications. It's relatively inexpensive and dramatically changes the car's character, making it a tempting starting point for new owners looking to personalize their ride.

Q: Will a muffler delete hurt my engine or cause "adverse effects"? A: A simple muffler delete alone is unlikely to harm the engine. The primary "adverse effects" owners report are excessive cabin drone during highway cruising, increased interior noise levels, and potential legal trouble. Removing catalytic converters or significant changes to backpressure without a proper tune can lead to engine performance issues.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended for a muffler replacement? A: For a simple bolt-on axle-back kit, a competent DIYer can handle it with basic tools and jack stands. For a mid-muffler delete that requires cutting and welding, unless you are skilled with a welder, it is strongly recommended to use a professional muffler shop. Their work will be cleaner, safer (proper welds), and often very affordable for this specific task.

Q: Does disabling MDS (Multi-Displacement System) change the exhaust sound? A: Some owners note that the switch to 4-cylinder mode can make the exhaust sound uneven or less appealing. As one owner suggested, "MDS can be disabled with a handheld tuner, but in the meantime you can use the paddle shifters or autostick and it will never switch to 4 cylinder mode." This is a software fix, but using manual mode is a free and immediate way to keep the V8 sound consistent.