I really heard nothing from the stock exhaust if I am to be totally honest. My Fiancee' said she could hear it a little bit when I would drive in.... I liked it a lot better with the ART pipes and then I REALLY liked it when I put my F.I. system on... subtle, but much more power gains and a very special sound right around 3-4 grand like that's a really sweet spot for it IMO. I also don't mind the 16 lbs I save from the combo