Any suggestions for just a replacement a better engine note. I'm not looking for a full exaust or even cat back.

 

Depends on what model you have (LS, LT or SS)
Then it depends on what sound you're looking for.

 

It’s an 11, so a 2.2 or 2.4 , a sort muffler if the Magnaflow or Gibson are good 2 inch inlet for the 2.2 and 2 1/4 inches inlet for the 2.4.

 

There’s no good way to get subtle changes with just the muffler. The OEM one is very durable and pretty quiet. A good replacement will be perhaps quieter and won’t last as long. A cheapie will fail quick and add a bunch of back pressure. A “performance” style muffle will be MUCH louder with no improvement in performance to speak of; it just sounds silly on a slow car.

There’s a good chance the first thing to fail will be the exhaust pipe, which includes the resonator and runs between the downpipe (with the catalytic converters), and the muffler. Specifically, it tends to corrode at the attached heat shield at the hump over the axle. Repairing that may last longer than buying a whole new non-stainless aftermarket replacement.

My 2008 LS 2.2L got a hole in it as described above and I replaced it with a Walker exhaust pipe/resonator for a 2.4L which is larger and diameter and has a longer resonator. Bolted right in with the same flanges. You can’t buy new stainless flanges to weld on if the old ones are too rotted. Saved the muffler. I liked the sound and I’m pretty sure performance improved. Had hope to find a used 2.4 muffler from a wreck but sold the car.

 

This isn’t my cup of tea, but a sound check for you