i had already done the resonator delete. it makes a little difference in sound i posted up vids of it.
idle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ_ihSVfnl8
Reving
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rciUeBwXamo
I was thinking about doing the same thing but honestly its not worth it..
Any shop will want: $100 - $150 dollars to delete a resonator (unless ur doing it yourself)
Custom cat-less downpipe $200 - $250 dollars including installation, which will make the car louder but not too loud plus u will gain more hp than any cat-back exhaust.
For $100 dollars more u will gain sound and power!
Actually the Downpipe on ebay (surewin?) is only like 115$ shipped I believe. If you'd rather not be catless pick up a magnaflow high-flow cat for $80 and have it welded in.
I did this a few months ago on my MKV. You have to cut off the muffler that is in the middle of the car, not the muffler with the tips (obviously). I got a stainless pipe from a company and it fit perfect. It sounded a little louder and more "gurgly". There was/is drone on the highway when I gave it gas, along with a little extra vibration. Honestly, it sounded good at idle and that was about it. On the highway, it sounded like an old car that needed a new muffler/exhaust system. I took it off about a month ago and have not missed it at all. I would have much rather saved the money and time spent on this. I would not recommend it at all.
I removed the resonator on my GTI, replaced it with a straight pipe and it sounds really good, not too loud but just a bit louder than normal. I have the DSG transmission and in between gears it sounds kinda like an indy car changing gears. I actually also want to remove the silencer ( flat silencer holding both tips ?) and replace regular pipes but not sure if that will be too much. Has anyone tried this? I will post a video while driving so you can hear the difference. Thanks
...... by the way, i paid $25 dls to have it removed and place new pipe at a regular moffler shop.