actually i found results to be opposite on my 94 GSR...i had all the same questions before buying my exhaust, but after purchasing the WS i was actually surprised at the sound..i was told many times its close to stock, but really its not...but thats my fault, i also installed a test pipe, which makes it louder and sort of raspy at certain RPM's but it sounds good...and i found its loudest at idle and up to like 4 grand until the motor/intake resonance takes over, so over 4 grand i really dont even hear the exhasut, but its nice and i also need to paint the can and make it a little less noticeable...enjoy, its nice :thumbup: