Need help with exhaust system

I have a 1990 Civic Si Hatchback

So I want to upgrade from the stock exhaust system, but I see a lot of Civics out there with the generic bolt on systems, and they all have that really deep sound that's also kind of muffled, but loud at the same time, and I hate it.

Really what I'm looking for is the best performance, not the best sound, but in terms of sound I also don't want the generic tone. I want something that sounds really open, even if the little backfire noises come through too, that's great.

I was thinking of a couple of things:
a) leaving the stock exhaust and replacing only the muffler with a high-flow or straight-through one, but will this give me a large increase in exhaust flow?

b) creating my own axle-back system by purchasing a series of mandrel bent tubes and a universal muffler and welding them all together

c) buying a generic cat-back system

I've heard that removing the cat significantly increases flow. Has anyone tried this? What about removing the resonator, is my car going to be way too loud?

Also, would anyone know the best exhaust manufacturer to buy a cat-back system from?

Thanks

dont get a fart can, get a man's exhaust. throw some glasspacks on your little civic.

I like MagnaFlow if you want a deeper sound. Go with a cat-back that increases the diameter of the piping as well as a straight through muffler (this is what I am using from MagnaFlow) it will reduce back pressure and sound nice. Yeah Resonator is only good for noise. I dropped one of my two resonators and I think I am beginning to lose my hearing. You can always take the resonator off so if you don't want it to be too loud keep some resonators and take them off one by one until you get the loudness you like.

Get a high quality prefab cat-back system. You'll never have to buy a new exhaust again either. HKS, Apex'i, Greddy, Rs*R, etc, etc... those are a few of the good ones. All have various tones depending on the system.

dont get a fart can, get a man's exhaust. throw some glasspacks on your little civic.

HAHAHAHAH HAHA AHA AHAHAHA AHAH AHAH AHAHAAHAHAHAH.... Why is that so funny?.... oh, I know why... :loser:

Sounds like Cat-back is the only way to go eh. Thanks for the tips guys, now all I need is $600, cuz I'm not about to go and buy a Pacesetter cuz I"ve heard they're just aweful.

Anyone heard anything good about Bosal/Brospeed?

by the way, does Magnaflow make a cat-back system for the 88-91 civic HB cuz I can't seem to find one

word of advice: I can get the muffler I want (Skunk2 Megapower) for 230.00 shipped. Then go to my local muffler shop and get it welded on with new piping for 70.00 and if I'm correct it would be like a catback. Just a thought :D

The Greddy one fits up pretty well on the 90-91's, my friend has one. You could buy a $450 exhaust with great sound and quality, or a $200 one that sounds like a bee, and either way you'll free up like 5hp. You don't have a performance car.

lies 4gs pwn you 4gs can even pwn a ls1