The resonator on my Magnaflow exhaust is rattling - again. This is my 2nd resonator in a year, and I haven’t even put 10k miles on the system yet.

Before I go though the hassle of having it replaced, I’m curious: Do I really need it? What if I just had it replaced with straight pipe? Would the effect be more sound? Less power? Both?

Thanks for the insight.

 

Can you say LOUD AS HELL!!!!.

 

As in not install the Magnaflow midpipe? I have a magnaflow on the way and am wondering if its an interesting thing to play with Or course that would mean cutting the oem exhaust.

 

Yeah, I wouldn't want to be your neighbor :smile: You also might draw a leetle police notice...

 

I had the resenator on my JCW removed and I love it, but then again it was not as loud as a magnaflow is going to, but I did see better gas milage and more back burble

 

Based on my experience, I don't think it would be a good idea. I have the Borla "Race" cat-back exhaust and I have had 2 resonators crap out on me (start rattling like crazy). Not wanting to go through the delay and hassle of replacing yet another one, we took out the resonator and replaced with a straight pipe (made from an OEM MINI exhaust). It is now much louder than the Borla Race, and not in a good way. I loved the sporty sound and volume of the Borla. Now the car sounds just like a loud early 90s Honda with a big can on it (not that there's anything wrong with that if you like that kind of sound) . I'm going to try again with another resonator.

Another possible solution to replace the resonator is a Moroso Spiral Flow for about $50, but I don't know how that would sound.

 

What is the deal with all the resonators crapping out on these HIGH DOLLAR exhaust systems. Is it a positioning thing? Is it poor materials? Is it poor design?

 

When I had my resonator replaced by Magnaflow, they told me that there were some problematic welds inside that had been breaking. I sold the exhaust so I don't know how well the new resonator has held up, but I believe that Magnaflow told me that they had improved the design to eliminate this problem .. . .

 

BTW, I meant to tell you, I agree that it sounds like crap since you removed the resonator! Noticed it when driving behind you on the way home from Mont Tremblant.

 

I'm going to be doing this with my exhaust. I can post within the next week or so as to how it goes.

 

OK, that's 2 votes for removing it and about a dozen for Dear God Shut That Thing Up.

I guess it's back to Magnaflow for another warranty claim. I just hope I don't have to do this once a year. I love my 'flow, but it's not worth this trouble...

Thanks guys.

 

I'd like to hear more about resonators.
What exactly is it they do?
Do they hinder flow as much, more or less then a muffler? Then a cat?

Thanks

 

I would love to say this came off the top of my head, but it did not. You want to know, ask an expert. In this case I referred to Milltek's website FAQ's.

There you go.

Sean

 

a resonator would have nothing to do with passing emissions, right, i know if i delete the CAT then i am screwed but just wondering about the resonator.

 

has no effect on emissions....you can run it without a muffler and still passs.

 

Having had my Magnaflow for almost 2 years, when I saw your post only one thing came to mind.


"Magnaflow - can I live with only ONE resonator"

I will be adding a second resonator before I am completely deaf.

This is actually on the advice of Magnaflow's technical support.
Adding a second resonator just before the split in the rear is their suggestion to eliminate the drone at certain RPMs.

Bill

 

When I did my exhaust, the shop didn't have the right size so I tried it without. I have the OBX header, Magnaflow CAT and muffler. Loud as hell. All the 19 year old honda modders follow me around, my wife won't drive the car, and my head rings for about 15 minutes after I get to work! It's LOUD AS HELL!!!!!!

Go ahead and try, you can always weld one back in. And they aren't magic, go to a muffler shop you trust, and ask for what you want. We actually tried four different mufflers on the car before I chose the Magnaflow!

Matt

 

This might be a good choice.