Moved this over to SVT Performance where you're more likely to get good answers.

 

To me, my car with a header and stealth exhaust was still too loud and "ricey". I added this Vibrant ultra quiet resonator behind the magnaflow FSwerks muffler which toned the exhaust note down to a tolerable level. It retains much of the throat but takes the annoying rasp and harshness away.

 

Perfect, do you have a picture by any chance? It fit in the tunnel right behind the stealth muffler?

 

I imagine the 02's are similar to my '07 as far as unibody layout on the underside. The case is roughly 4x6 so if mounted so the elongated portion of the case is vertical it does NOT hang down any farther than the magnaflow that FSwerks welds on and the narrow 4 inch allows plenty of clearance to the sides of the tunnel. The vibrant piece is pricey and I was not real thrilled to drop that much on a muffler, especially such a small one, but it really takes the harsh bite out and leaves the "performance" sound. Had I known before hand, I would have purchased the race exhaust and used this magnaflow muffler which is the same group as the one FSwerks installs but is 9 inches longer.

A lot of what you're experiencing is normal break in of packed perforated mufflers. They get louder. Some like this, others get annoyed. Should mine become noticeably louder over time, I'll cut the old magnaflow out in install the one linked above.

 

Isn't the stock stealth muffler a 5 inch???

 

The "stealth" muffler behind the flex pipe up front is a magnaflow 6" round case 18" long... at least the one I received from FSwerks.

 

Do you really think that 27" one will fit? I might go that route.

 

Ok, it is 18", so must be the same. Thanks!!

 

Magnaflow's do that over time, you blow the packing right out of them. I put this one on my SVT with HFC and was VERY pleased

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015KTB3Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's longer than the original Magnaflow but there is plenty of room.