Well I finally got my exhaust mod done after contemplating which route to go. After hearing so many different exhaust kits, and trying to justify the prices, I ended up going with the resonator-delete/x-pipe route. You guys that have gone this route already have inspired me. Parts and labor was approx $200 and it is exactly what I was looking for.

Goals:

- Much better full throttle sound outside the car
- Better idle sound, but not loud at all
- No noticeable difference inside the car under normal driving
- No annoying resonances at lower RPMs
- No loud popping under deceleration
- No pinging sound in the exhaust when cold
- No decrease in torque, and if possible, a gain in the mid and top end

Well, this mod satisfied the goals and put a big grin on my face. It is quiet and deep at idle, and wakes up big time when you kick it and sounds excellent. Exhaust sound preference is a very individual thing so, what sounds good to me may not sound good to you. Ain't nuthin' wrong with that.

No g-tech's or anything like that have been done yet but it feels the same to slightly stronger in the WOT @ 60-100mph range. This is my new bang for the buck recommendation. It is wife friendly as it it totally undetectable from within the cabin (until you put your foot in it). And it only took 40 minutes at my local exhaust shop.

Some pics and sound clips:

The 'before' shot:




Cutting off the resonator:




Test-fitting the x-pipe




Welding the x-pipe to the new pipes:




Welding new OEM type hangers to the x-pipe




The finished product:




Video clips (was using a digital still cam in video mode, so A/V is not great. The mic cannot pick up the depth and makes it sound a little higher pitched but you get the idea).

These are around 2MB each, WMV format:

Inside the car, windows up

Another clip from inside.

Outside car, from rear