i want to get an exhaust system for my 5sfe. i want a nice deep sound but not so loud that all the cops in town are bustin my balls. any ideas?

Magnaflow Street or Race Series FTW. Although my exhaust which is a 2.5 inch catback, with an Apexi N1 style isn't crazy loud. I have been told by my friend with a WRX STI that it sounds like a stock WRX. I hope that helps ya out a little bit.

yeah ive been looking around for a bolt on system but it looks like its gonna have to be custom built

yeah I first went with an Aerospeed Muffler.. sounded a little raspy.. not loud at all..

then took that off and went with a custom ($120) cat back 2.25 with magnaflow muffler and resonator. Sounded nice and deep and not terribly loud. (probably what you are looking for)

now I have a race header, and 2.25 all the way back with high flow cat.. sounds awesome and is louder than before but not overbearing. to me.. PERFECT

Two choices if you want to stay out of trouble -

A custom-built 2.25" with a resonator and Magnaflow (Flowmaster and other resonant-type mufflers tend to be much louder, Magnaflow is straight through and is packed with fiberglass material to cut down on noise and warm the tone of the muffler up)

Or, you can do what I did and get a GReddy SP....I love mine and it never draws negative attention, only compliments.