Good to know. You are probably the only one that has heard this muffler both ways. I remember in the old "ANSA group buy thread" someone whacked the ANSA tips off but thought it was way too loud. I still haven't installed mine but I may have to rethink it. I was thinking about a custom filler panel but really like the OEM tips better. Fits the space well. How much time did it take to complete?