I am planning on adding headers to my 02SE. Where I live, I do not need to pass emisions, so that is not a consideration in my exhaust modifications. (IE cat/no Cat)

I want my exhaust to be as quiet as possible durring highway cruising and while driving in the city like my grandfather (doubt he broke 40mi/h on highway in his life). Durring hard acceleration I'd like to make the kid in the civic beside me crap his pants.

What is the experience with the stock muffler vs. varrious aftermarket cat back systems? I have read the franken car is quiet and Brian says his cattman catback sounds great.

Do I need to add the aftermarket cat back?
Is the resonator an important part in the chain?

 

are you asking exactly ...
I have stock cat-back + headers and it sounds stock .. but doesn't act stock.

 

Sorry, I'm aware that I often sound like I am on crack, but don't have the liberty of knowing when that is unless someone tells me.

I think you answered my question. I just want to make sure that headers and a stock muffler would not sound like fecal mater. IE take a 1000 mi trip without earplugs but sound mean at WOT. (i'd take too quiet over too loud)

 

You cannot tell in the least bit, slight different tone, but no drone/nothing loud at all.

I think this is holding me back though after 6000 .. but for what you want I'm sure you'll be fine.