The plan is to get my MR tuned @ CBRD with simple supporting mods- intake, boost controller, fuel pump, and maybe some exhaust components. Which leads to these questions:

How much power am I sacrificing with the stock exhaust given the mods and tune listed above? Any more than 20 whp?

I like how quiet the stock exhaust is (wish it was a bit more throaty under WOT). I do not want any drone whatsoever and don't want to be heard from blocks away while WOT

Would there be any drone with a high flow cat + the stock exhaust?
What about a high flow cat + a "quiet" 3" catback?
Any reason to look at an aftermarket downpipe given my noise concerns?

I'm not opposed to keeping all of the stock exhaust components. I'm essentially looking for the best combo of being quiet without leaving too much easily made power on the table

thanks for any input. sorry to post the 20000000th exhaust thread

None, the stock exhaust flows really well from 2014 on. You will be chasing sound more than anything, but honestly after adding a test pipe and standard boltons the stock exhaust on my 2014 sounds pretty damn cool. I'd modify first then see if you want more sound.

stock catback for sure then. minimal exhaust noise, all turbo and engine noise. Nice setup

This is definitely my opinion, but I absolutely hate the stock tips. So if I went the same route as you I would look into simply cutting off the tips and putting something a little cleaner looking in the bumper!

pics?

Any drone at all with a test pipe and stock catback? Any raspiness?

I was leaning towards a HFC due to inspection reasons but could always swap a test pipe in and out if needed

you read my mind. I'm not a fan of the stock tips at all. If I end up keeping the stock cat back that's something I'll get done for sure

No drone no raspiness, just has a deeper tone to it. Sounds great and worth trying before you buy something else. Maybe it will change enough that you like it as is, as I did, or maybe you find you need more. You don't need to tune for a CBE so it is just a freebie to try it out stock and see if you want a change.

If I was tempted by any exhaust it would be the Sakura Street Exhaust. Sounds the best to me of ones that are out there.