I just got my ('06 R53) JCW back with the resonator removed. I enjoy the sound, except for an "airy"-raspy-like "tinggy" sound mixed in with the pop n burble. Is this a normal result from this modification?

 

yes. i did the same to mine, but with supersprint headers, hi flow cat, and 2.5" pipe all the way back to the jcw muffs (finally cut out that crimp). it was quite raspy at first, but after a few weeks, it went away... either that, or ive gotten used to it! but pretty sure itll go away after a while.

mine pops like crazy in all gears now if i engine brake, and almost between each gear as well. its more like a very loud SNAP than pop actually. i didnt like it at first, but its grown on me.

 

Thanks! It still sounds nice accelerating

 

Just did the same here, same result. '06 JCW, developed a leak at center hanger, had the whole resonator taken out with the new pipe welded in - thought the stock exhaust had an awesome sound, but too quiet.

I love the pops and crackles but wish the tone of them was as deep as with the resonator in place. Might do a full Milltek catback someday, but for now can't really beat this setup for the price. I do wonder if there's a measureable change on a dyno just removing the resonator, if it nets a few HP like most catbacks...

 

I did the same last year too -- resonator and "crimp" near the back end removed. The snapping sound seems to be most apparent when cold -- after warming up for a few minutes, I get more pops and burbles (rather than snaps). I definitely prefer it now vs. before when the resonator was on.

One of these days I'd like to add a header and see if that will lower the sound a bit.

 

it wont. itll snap MORE. mine snaps constantly, any engine braking in nearly every gear, in between most shifts: SNAP SNAP SNAP!!! i dont have to even try to make this thing snap and pop...

engine braking is the most snappy. lol

 

Quick sound clip.
http://youtu.be/qOowOnSmtyA

 

I just did this to mine over the weekend and mine sounds nearly identical to yours. It's a beautiful sound

 

I am very happy with my resonator delete on my 04 JCW.
Will try for some video next week when it warms up. Dave.

 

What's it sound like at highways speeds after the resonator delete? Does it have an annoying drone around 3000rpms?

 

I have not noticed any drone at highway speeds.
Mostly under excelleration is where I notice the sound difference.
And the Rice Krispy snap-crackle-pop!

 

I do hear a bit of drone past 3k rpms on the freeway. But it's not loud enough to bother me. I have my music pretty loud while I'm driving, I can't hear it over my music.

 

My 2004 JCW w/ resonator removed for about a year now. Love it, only thing 5 months ago, the right muffler. Internally came unwelded or a baffle is broken inside. Only at idle or initial excelleration can you hear it. VERY annoying going to replace the mufflers with Borla XR-1's most likely.

Even though my MC40 only has 57k on it doubt the warranty will cover it.