straight through section replacing rear muffler?

[$heepy]

im looking for some experience or educated opinions here.

i have a 96 model vs berlina with an ecotec v6. (auto)

im a little bit broke atm and am wanting to do something to my exhaust to make it sound a bit better, but not make it load seeming as i start work at 5 in the morning and dont want to wake everybody up when i leave at 4.30.

I've been searching through the forums but still haven't had any real clear answers, just a bunch of opinions. would a straight through section at the rear sound alright but still keep it reasonably quite?

if so what size pipe should i get put in?
what sort of price would i be looking at? (have been quoted $45 with out tip)
will it help with fuel economy?

[5lcalais]

just jump on ebay an buy a second hand sports system 2 1/2" not 2 loud and easy to install picked mine up for $75