After doing some research and taking some risks, I was able to find out how to get exactly what I was looking for. I now have a custom Axleback exhaust with 2.5" diameter piping, connecting to a Borla ProXS muffler that is just perfect. The exhaust is loud enough to where I can hear it nicely when I downshift, and has a firm and comfortable grumble at idle (after cleaning the throttle body to fix my incredibly low 400 rpm idle issue). however, when im cruising on the highway in overdrive, there is no drone. at all. this configuration is the perfect way to have an exhaust that doesnt make you go insane after driving for 20 minutes, but still allows for those little air burbles and downshifts to be heard when the time is right. if anyone is looking for an exhaust setup, i highly recommend copying this one.
