After not finding an aftermarket setup that's right for me, I've decided to make my own catback. After searching through lots of threads and looking at several different mufflers and YouTubing diff. clips, I'm settled on a Vibrant oval muffler (no tip) and possibly a resonator. My car is a SOHC; I will eventually boost it to 220-240whp. Since my power goals are pretty modest, I was gonna run 2.5" piping to keep the sound levels as low as I can without impeding too much flow. I know there are other factors but many 3" exhausts just seem loud to me. Both price and weight will be a factor in my decision. My questions are:

1) For those running a Vibrant exhaust, are you pretty happy with it? I'm looking specifically for a deep tone. My OEM has a couple giant holes in it and I'm sick of the highway droning, though it sounds so deep, everyone thinks it's a catback. lol

2) 2.5" should suffice (for flow), without a resonator (for noise), yes? Or should I use 3" piping/muffler for the flow and add a resonator to keep noise low? Any advice on piping materials? Also, I'd been looking for a dual in/dual out so I can loop the muffler (ala' twin loop), but they're difficult to come by in my price range ($100-120 for a universal). No ebay exhausts and I'm in the air on OBX's longevity.

This is my DD that will see a little track time. Too many ticket-happy cops here for fart cans and such and I don't street race at all. Thanks in advance

Vibrant Street Muffler
Resonator

 

2.5'' should be more than enough, but the cat and resonators will be the backup points. A little backpressure won't hurt you. I had a 3'' exhaust on my last B16 with no resonator and a huge ebay muffler, and it was loud as hell. After getting several tickets I had no choice to have a resonator added. It didn't quiet it down much, but it made it more bass toned, and it sounded like a Subaru WRX rally car. I then added an muffler by Burns Stainless. I can't say enough how much this made a difference. They make some good quiet high-flow mufflers.

 

I like the tone of the vibrant, mine is pretty loud, but I am not running a cat. I think the piping on mine is 2 1/4" but I am not positive.

 

I looked at the Burns mufflers a long while ago and I've always heard good things about them. It can be overwhelming the amount of choices people have with this kinda stuff. I originally just wanted a 2.25" muffler and piping since I had no real plans for the car. After deciding to boost it just one bar, I thought 2.5" would be more ideal.

Thank you both your your responses! You've both given me things to think about.