Oops. Forgot you were in Illinois. Yes, the rust subtraction formula is different in areas that use salt in the winter. The gravel we use over here actually sandblasts the exhaust, and keeps the rust under control!

If you already had your exhaust already done.. than yes.. why not remove the resonator with a straight pipe.. but be forwarned that it will increase the drone inside your car. You can probably still talk over it.. but for some people.. it might be a little annoying or give them headaches.. personally.. who cares what your passenger thinks though.

Just a idea for you ifin` you want; don`t go to a single muffler, see if your muff shop can put a y-pipe near the back of your Bonnie, then slipt the exhaust to both sides of the car I`m putting baffled bottles on next with my ractive tips. if you want a unique sound ,deep but not over-bearing try something like this ..... just a wee idea for you to ponder

What about fitting a larger pipe over or a smaller pipe inside the existing as a straight pipe instead of a resonator? Then clamp it down. I think I'm just gonna buy a 2 1/4inch pipe from autozone, then cut cut, weld weld, and be done.

Can be done that way.. or you can get the ID of the straight pipe to match the OD of the pipes you got already on your car.. simply slide it over and clamp it down with exhaust clamps.