Straight pipes will almost always cause popping on decel. I would block the pair valve if i was you and see how that works. The PAIR injects fresh air into the exhaust which causes the popping you hear which is unburnt fuel igniting in your exhaust. So this is where i would start. Try this and if its still popping let us know
But i would doubt your running to rich if exhaust is all youve changed if anything youd be running to lean.