Catback research

Spent as much time on here as possible on catback. Everything I reseach on here leaves me still clueless due to so many if, ands and buts. Alot like Congress.
I'm not looking for anything but the smartest move. Noise seems to be the priority. Same w/ the intake issue. It's beyond me that one would be more concerned w/ sound over performance. Even how it looks.
Is there any way to find out an unbiased answer to what really is the best route wheather it be statistics and what are the gains, pros and cons so I can decide where to throw my cash away.
I've had Toyota reps say leave everything alone and others at different dealerships say absolutely, convert!
Can I get performance from a Catback system that sounds good and not to loud? Hear the TRD does just that. My truck doen't have it.
I also did notice there were some serious arguments on cold air intake here. So hard to make a decision w/ this too.

 

Change the muffler to one you like and /this thread

 

Getting good responce about CAI. Ran into a guy who has an AFE set up w/ a throttle body spacer that creates a turbine affect that twist the air like a tornado? Says he did extensive research and this was his choice. MaybeI should ask, Do I want the most air or the coldest air? Do they all allow more air? If more air is the most gain will a filter do the job? I did get a responce about oil filters vs. dry. Made since that oil type could cause probs w/ fuel sensors.

 

I have a lot to learn. Including abbreviations. What is maf? mods after filter? You have been a big help to my Q's. Thanks. What are u running for CAI?

 

interesting

 

I've had my AFe CAI and catback on for 2 tanks of gas now and no increase in mileage and I drive like there's an egg under my foot. Stay at 2000 rpm. I did inflate my tires to 50 lbs. and I went from 16.3 to 16.8.