I've been told if I just have a new muffler put on, I might actually reduce the hp to the rear wheels rather than gain. Is that true? I know it makes the most amount of sense to get a cat back, but would changing the muffler alone hurt?

 

it depends on the size of the muffler i would think. It shoudln't be a big change though. Large exhaust systems on NA can make it feel slower. they are good on FI though. I would get a cat back or one from the stock y pipe back like the R*SR.

 

I was thinking about putting a Magnaflow muffler on there for better sound and performance. The size of the muffler shouldn't be any different from OEM already on there. If I have to get a cat back system then so be it, but I was trying to avoid the $700-$800 price tag.