I've been tossing a few exhaust setup ideas around in my head for a while now, but am having trouble deciding what to do.


I'm currently running a stock exhaust setup, with the exception of a custom axle-back to a Megan Racing M-RS muffler. Pretty standard issue stuff, and sounds stock more or less. I'm looking to get a little more sound and of course, a little more power without breaking the bank or making the car sound too obnoxious. I don't mind an aggressive exhaust note but I want it to be crisp/smooth, not raspy and overbearing. With that being said, here are the options I am considering.

1. NeedsWings headers + NeedsWings catless downpipes + retain factory resonator
2. NeedsWings headers + factory downpipes + delete factory resonator
3. NeedsWings headers + factory downpipes + retain factory resonator
4. NeedsWings headers + custom downpipes deleting 2 of the 4 cats + delete factory resonator
5. NeedsWings headers + custom downpipes deleting 2 of the 4 cats + retain factory resonator
6. Factory headers +NeedsWings catless downpipes + retain factory resonator
7. Factory headers + custom downpipes deleting 2 of the 4 cats + delete factory resonator
8. Factory headers + custom downpipes deleting 2 of the 4 cats + retain factory resonator

Why am I considering so many different options? Well, consider this. The county in which I reside in requires emissions to be done every 2 years to renew your vehicle registration. So as awesome as the NeedsWings catless downpipes look, deleting all 4 cats might not be a wise decision for me, hence why I am considering having an exhaust shop build me some custom downpipes retaining 2 of the 4 factory cats (there are a bunch of reputable places in my area that could build me a set). Then of course are the headers and the factory resonator. The new log-style headers NeedsWings offers look pretty promising, but are they really worth me shelling out $1,000+ considering my goals here? And then there's the resonator. Deleting it may or may not yield a small power gain (probably in the top of the powerband) but will alter the exhaust note. My top option right now from both an affordability and power/sound standpoint is probably either option #2 or option #7. I just spoke with a buddy of mine that does custom exhaust work and he recommended keeping the front cats and just deleting the rear + the resonator. What's everyone's opinion?