Is there a good "DIY" cat-back solution?

[AutoEuphoria]

Long story short, I'm looking for a slightly louder/more aggressive exhaust note. I currently have a catless DP and MP, but I'm afraid that if I just remove the resonator or muffler (or both) it's going to be too loud. Has anyone come up with a good solution that would be, say, half of the cost of a cat-back exhaust system, gives a good exhaust note, but isn't terribly loud/annoying? I really like the way the Vibrant exhaust sounds - every clip I've heard of that exhaust makes me drool. Is there a cost-effective way of getting that sound without buying the whole unit?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8HMMNHZF3U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wxhf1z6ciHU

EDIT: looking online it seems that Vibrant sells just the mufflers...anyone know which piece they use for the MS3 exhaust? Is it this one?
http://www.protegegarage.com/product_info.php?products_id=1162

 

[SallySpeed3]

I think removing one resonator would be the way to go. I've heard sound clips on youtube that do a comparison between stock exhausts/one resonator removed and the difference is very slight, but just enough.

Have you considered taking it to an exhaust shop? They could do 3 inch piping for you, I can't imagine it costing as much as some of the catbacks out there. Just order a muffler and reso's and have them set it up. It's worth a quote at least.

 

[714ms3]

If I might offer my 0.02c; If you consider the muffler a resonator then there are in fact 3 resonators. If I were you, I would have the exhaust shop remove the resonator closest to the muffler first (not the muffler itself), and see how you like the sound. If not satisfied then remove the resonator under the passenger seat (might drone a bit).
I have them both removed, and although it sounds great from outside, if there is no music playing on long road trips it starts to bug me just a little bit.

 

[MSMS3]

Question: If you are now running catless dp/rp like me, into the stock CBE, aren't you already a good bit louder and don't you already have a bad drone at 2500 rpm? I couldn't stand that drone and put in a third very large reso (3 inch straight through Vibrant) in the middle of my rp and whipped that. Drone tamed without taking away the character of the catless dp/rp sound or its enhanced performance.

But if you're looking for more volume and a change in sound, experimenting with resos seems the best way to go as suggested. Don't play with the muffler, IMHO. You can always have your muffler shop weld any removed reso back in place, or put in one from an aftermarket source (Vibrant, Magnaflow, etc.) if the sound is not to your liking.

I agree that for the changes you are seeking, a new CBE is a lot of money to spend and there are better ways to get what you want.

 

[Saskatchewan17]

You could try pricing a custom CBE with a couple of vibrant ultra quiet resos.

 

[Biggu]

Imo just buy the whole unit, the reason why its cost is high is because it comes with a highflow cat, btw it connects to your DP and not your RP so you wont be able to use the catess rp.

I have the vibrant exhaust and a CS down pipe and i absolutely love the sound.

 

[MM BOOST]

I installed my Turbo XS downpipe and catless race pipe on my stock catback with the rear muffler and 1 resonator removed. Basically, it was just 1 resonator. It was pretty damn loud, but it sounded AWESOME...sounded like a WRX/SRt-4 mixed to me. I had to have a solution tho, it was just way too loud. So i installed a racing beat catback...then it went from loud to almost as quiet as it was stock. I was not happy. So I removed the chambered muffler replaced with straight pipe. Way too loud. So I put a cannister muffler in place of the dual tips. Sounded GREAT, but I didnt like the look and it was rusting, so I cut it off, put the dual tips back on and then put on a magnaflow 3" straight through muffler where the chambered RB muffler was. Holy HELL my car sounds awesome now...I forgot to mention I had a magnaflow high flow cat installed as well. Car sounds absolutely deep, smooth inside, gurgly outside, and just mean as all get out. So happy with the exhaust.

For your situation, I recommend removing 1 resonator or either replacing the muffler with like a magnaflow or something. All up to you.