How to make the truck a bit quieter without sacrificing character/performance

[futon]

Recently purchased '98 B4000.

I don't have a lot of detail on the exhaust equipment make and model, but I know the previous owner installed:

• Two high-flow cats
• A muffler that's barely wider than the exhaust pipe
• Vibrant resonator
• Dual 3" exhaust

Truck also has a K&N air filter that's likely contributing.

The resonator makes my head explode at 3000rpm.

Should I replace the muffler first? If so, what would you recommend?

Restore the factory airbox?

Thanks

 

[franklin2]

Put the stock exhaust back on it. Not sure about the Mazdas in 1998, but most OEM's by then were using a magnetic stainless for the exhaust, which lasts a very long time. You can probably find a stock system in the junkyard in good shape.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Can you do the work yourself? Or is money no object? Franklins suggestion is good. But I'm cheap and would try putting in the largest stock type mufflers that fits. If that option actually is cheapest...
Also I'm not an exhaust guru...