I recently had to change the rear muffler on my '01 Sentra SE 2.0L, and rather than pay the $160-something for an OE replacement, I opted for a Cherry Bomb Turbo oval muffler, which ran me about $34. I'm digging the sound the muffler is providing, not like one of those ricey "fart cans" that sound like a chainsaw, it actually sounds deep and throaty; surprising given that it's coming out of a 2.0L I4.

But I'm curious, what exactly is the difference between a resonator and a muffler? If I needed (or wanted) to replace the resonator (front muffler, right?) could I just put another CB Turbo muffler in it's place? The car also has a short ram intake, so I figure I might as well help the car breathe out easier...

I don't want the car to get really loud, cops tend to cramp my style...but would the car pass emissions or safety inspections if I swapped the resonator for a regular muffler? Or would I lose too much back pressure and stall out when I gun it?