larger piping will actualy muffle the sound more, since it is giving more area to muffle the sound, just like if you get a turbo, since it is in your exhaust system, it muffles your exhaust note a little.
Yes, if you want a PERFORMANCE muffler, get a catback. Cat back is new piping from your catalytic converter, which is just between your twon front seats under the car. From that back, you get new piping, and then a new muffler on the end of the piping. That's a catback system.
Our piping is all bolt on, so you can install the bolt on catback systems sold for our car with just a 14mm deep socket ratchet, and half an hour. Well of course you need to jack up the car and put it on jackstands.
I got an HKS angled catback, with 2.5" piping, really I suggest if you are not going to turbo your car, don't go bigger than 2.25" piping, otherwise you will lose low end torque. My 2.5" piping is only cause I'm getting a turbo system soon.
Other good catbacks...
Bosal Cat-back
RacingBeat Cat-back
JIC Catback (expensive)
Greddy Catback (expensive)
any other suggestions, guys?
also.. our engine sounds a lot deeper and louder than a 1.8l honda engine, when un muffled. Honda engines tend to sound like a motorcycle.