Sounds like the Y pipe has got to go. I have not been under the car to look closely. I wonder if there is a easy connection to remove the Y pipe.
Pics on this site show an interesting custom X pipe on a 2002 3.8. Looks like they were able to just remove the y pipe but you can not see all the work back toward the engine.
http://www.cardomain.com/id/celsyus
xpipe is near the last pictures
Hey I might be interested in the Steeda front strut brace. I was reading about installation of this mod and it seemed complicated cutting holes in the plastic part of the upper fire wall and removing material from the underside of the hood, etc. I am just learning and am not sure I want to do that yet. Do you think it was easy to install? Also, will the part you have on the '96 work for an '03?