Want to do exhaust but what to do?

[99SilveradoRob]

So, my next mod for my 99 with the 4.8 is the exhaust. But, I dont know what to do. I do want something that benefits me performance wise but just something that wont hurt me performance wise, but at the same time I really want to have a real nice sound. So whats the best bet for me. If I can have it done for a somewhat reasonable price then I would love to do something from the headers back. But, I know the headers can get costly so would it be possible to do something without changing the headers but still having true dual with two mufflers? Also, the crazy idea of simply cutting out the muffler and putting a pipe from the cat back out both sides came into my head. Now I am fully aware that this will in no way benefit me performance wise but will it hurt gas mileage or more importantly the motor? Not to mention the fact that it is not legal in any way in MA but I'll worry about that next year when I get it inspected or when I get pulled over several times. So, whats is everyones opinion on this? And by the way its a Regular Cab short bed. Thanks in advance.

[NoRiceHere01]

it shouldnt really affect the mileage to remove the muffler.it seems to me that the muffler on mine wasnt all that restrictive, it just robbed the sound.thats y theyre so big.they have enough crap in them to quiet the sound but its spread out inside so it doesnt ristrict flow.that being said, i cut mine right in front of the y where the 2 pipes connect after the cats and split it to true duals.i then put on thrush turbo mufflers for about $20 each and ran no tail pipes.its not really that loud but it does have a nice deep tone.most people would probably not like the way it resonates on the highway tho.as far as performance is concerned however, im pretty happy.its gotta be more free then the original exhaust.altogether i spent about $90 including all the needed pipe.i wasnt gonna spend $80 apiece for 2 flowmasters and still not have all the other needed hardware.its not quite loud enough for me, but its a start