I have found the same thing with the raspy sound. My SVT exhaust is pretty raspy in the morning. When the exhaust hets warm the noise mellows out. That was one of the reasons the resonator was there.

Roger

98 SVT E0, Black 3.0L, y- pipe, open air filter, ported lower intake manifold, Quaife diff. 220hp at the wheels through the stock exhaust and manifolds. Blown motor, help on the way...... 97 GTI VR6, Green lots of mods, 205 hp at the wheels