Borla resonator question - (inlet choke)

[Corvette95]

I was lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time to score a new "old" Borla stainless steel exhaust ( cat back). The resonator has the 1 5/8 inlet restriction, which per Marc H, cost horsepower, and he also states the system is great with the resonator removed. So my question is this, has anyone tried to use the resonator and open up the choked inlet and if so, what was the difference in noise and or resonance? Two, does anyone know where I can get a stainless "x" pipe (of any brand) that I could use in place of the Borla? Three, I can try to install straight Vibrant brand resonators (2). Thoughts and suggestions appreciated.