Ok, so i know there is a MILLION thread on exhaust.. but i went to the local custom exhaust shop today and they quoted me $600 to do a 2 1/2 inch cat back to two "bullet" mufflers with tips..
What does everyone else pay? This sounds a little overpriced to me... am i wrong? what should i be expecting to pay?

Maybe you could snag an SSEi tailpipe and have the mufflers swapped out instead? I would bet that'* cheaper.

the big problem with that is it would be a one piece stainless set from the SSEi. i dont think that would be too easy to come by.. and probably expensive too

Are you looking for sound or performance? Your stock cat back flows pretty good but the manifolds/down pipe are a restriction.

im looking for both... mostly performance.. but i want some sound too of corse
I understand that 2k+ SSEi'* have a very free flowing exhaust but im not sure about the SE

I'm pretty sure you have good stainless 2.5" pipe right now. If you do, then you really shouldn't bother replacing it.
PEM'* is where it'* at for performance hands down. There only $150. You can get a high flow cat for 60 bucks and a muffler for around the same(not 100% on the muffler).

Its not 2.5, its either 2.125 or 2.25...

for the record.. who does the PEMs? i remember seeing them but not sure where

Hmm yeah it'* probably 2.25. That'* what i've got.
You might want to find an ssei exhaust at the wrecker. It would be a lot cheaper than $600.
http://www.hulkspeed.com/ does the pems.

I ahev made several inquiries about availability of PEMS for my 1995 SSEi; however, I have not received any response.

That'* because you have a series 1. He mainly deals with the series 2 engine.