The resonator on the Alta cat-back I have just installed looks just like a muffler - is there any functional difference between a resonator and a muffler? How much louder would the car be without a resonator? Would it have more or less power? Just trying to understand what that big shiny can is for!

Thanks, Keith

 

try this?

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/muffler4.htm

 

Thanks. That article makes it sound as though the resonator is really there to reduce noise: "Some cars, especially luxury cars where quiet operation is a key feature, have another component in the exhaust that looks like a muffler, but is called a resonator".

That begs the question - if a cat-back is being added to maximize power - why have a resonator?

 

to reduce noise.

 

i've the Works stainless exhaust, circa 2004. Still looking pretty and working fine, but I've a bit of a rattle in the resonator at 2,800 rpm.

i intended to have Turners replace it with a straight pipe earlier this spring, but didn't - i'd still like to

i expect the result will not be significant for power, will be louder, will be a little lighter, and WON'T rattle...

has anyone done this? am i thinking straight here?

 

It's essentially just to reduce noise. Many people on here have had the resonators removed from their factory or aftermarket exhausts. It won't do much, if anything, for power, but it wil make it louder... which is always a plus!

 

I had my stock resonator and second cat replaced with 3" pipe.Deeper sound and about 20lbs less weight.

 

so hack it out if you will, but be prepared for some unexpected consiquences.

Matt

 

I know this is off topic.

I knew your screen name looked familiar as I just read your article on page 22 in the March-April 2008 MC 2 Magazine.

 

just makes the mini a lot louder. i wouldnt say it drones though. i have a custom made cat back without a resonator and mine doesnt drone at all. we have another mini that has no 2nd cat and that one DRONES!!!!! but if you intend on keeping the alta cat back and just removing the resonator it shouldnt drone.

 

same here! lovin the custom magnaflow catback!

 

that sounds like good advice based on experience - could i get you to elaborate a bit? should i expect a drone at one particular rpm range, or will i have a "pipe organ" that will drone at varying speeds d'ya think?

you might be sparing me a real headache with this insight - i thank you

 

there is no one answer for all exhausts. Ressonator placement and design (along with the rest of the exhaust system) really determin how it sounds as a function of load and RPM. As many who have rolled thier own exhaust have found, it's not as easy as just getting some parts and welding them together.

So, sorry, I can't get specific cause there are too many cases. Just keep in mind that for some exhausts, just taking out the resonator makes things a bit louder (like the one ball) and some it really effs things up!

Matt

 

thanks Matt - i will approach with caution