Author Topic: stock resonator--restrictive or not? (Read 5249 times)

colin86325 · « **on:** June 29, 2010, 11:28:06 PM »

Has anybody cut one open to see its construction?

I'm thinking about putting a new exhaust system on my car and will be using a resonator to avoid a ricer Honda sound, but am wondering how free-flowing the stock resonator is vs an aftermarket straight-though design.

Any experiences?

jscribble · « **Reply #1 on:** June 29, 2010, 11:46:11 PM »

Barely restrictive I would say, but go aftermarket if you're worried at all. I recently dumped it when I put together new exhaust, you NEED a cat to kill rice sound (personally tested), but without a resonator, you'll get some significant cackle. I have been running w/out for about a month. It's tolerable noise if you're so inclined, but a bit noisier than I think it should be at part throttle, 2800 - 3500 it likes to cackle. Consensus (from 3 people interviewed by me, after having run the car past them) is that it does not sound ricey, just cackle. Sounds pretty damn good under heavy throttle, but a lot of cackle on part throttle...

Stock res is not very restrictive, but companies like jegs and summit have loads of resonators that are very free flowing. Measure longest straight section of pipe, and have the local muffler shop weld it in for you. Quality muffler probably also worth it.

On a positive note, I took a hemi charger clean off the line to about 50 mph today on my way home from work. I did have about a half second roll on him, but him not being ready isn't my fault... My brother was behind me and said it sounds damn good when I romp on it. Cheapy no-brand muffler, no-brand universal cat, and no res.

I sourced a 12" 2.25 - 4.5 - 2.25 res from summit for ~$40. Probably going to order it soon. If you plan your exhaust better than I did, you could probably fit a ~20" res in there. Longer resonator, milder tone from what I understand.

colin86325 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 30, 2010, 10:15:39 AM »

Thanks for the detailed response! Yes I definitely want to keep a mellow tone, while freeing up some flow. I think there might be room for a 24" resonator, but I will have to take a measurement.

When I do this I think I might cut up the old resonator just for curiousity.

jscribble · « **Reply #3 on:** June 30, 2010, 10:26:06 AM »

Quote from: colin86325;94069

When I do this I think I might cut up the old resonator just for curiousity.

I'd like to see that too. Post pics if you can.

I wish I had planned my exhaust better. I think 24" is possible, and wanted to go that route, but realized I don't have room for it now. Thinking of swapping the muffler for a flowmaster 60 series too. One of these days I'll have to post a video.

monko141 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 30, 2010, 07:40:55 PM »

I managed to put a 24" one in. For some reason the pic I have won't upload.

jscribble · « **Reply #5 on:** June 30, 2010, 07:59:05 PM »

I made a photobucket account so I didn't have to monkey around. Much easier.

colin86325 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 30, 2010, 08:30:17 PM »

Quote from: monko141;94104

I managed to put a 24" one in. For some reason the pic I have won't upload.

What type of muffler did you run in the rear, and how is the overall sound (post a sound clip if possible)? I want to avoid sounding live a Civic at all cost...

jscribble · « **Reply #7 on:** June 30, 2010, 09:09:11 PM »

Mine is a worst case scenario, and sounds decent. It is a similar style to the stock muffler, full size. Also interested in your setup, monko. Pics would be great too.

colin86325 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 01, 2010, 04:58:24 PM »

I'm not sure how a Flowmaster would sound with our little 4-cylinder engines.

jscribble · « **Reply #9 on:** July 01, 2010, 05:06:34 PM »

The flowmaster 60 series is designed for low displacement engines. I will take a video when I get mine done.

monko141 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 01, 2010, 09:48:27 PM »

Can't get anything to upload from Photobucket either. I've never had a problem uploading pics on R3V.
My exhaust has been a nightmare. First I cut the cat out. Sounded like crap since the muffler was worn out. Bought a POS catback system from Bav auto and made the car sound completely rice. Installed the 24" resonator and it toned it down nicely. But, the tubing from the POS catback system has broken twice at the muffler and twice at the resonator. Also the muffler is such a POS it has already worn out.
Moral of the story, buy quality and do not eliminate the spring loaded coupler behind the cat.
I am eventually putting a stock muffler back on that I have already bought from Bluntech with some heavier tubing. I am also going to reinstall the spring loaded coupler.

jscribble · « **Reply #11 on:** July 01, 2010, 10:46:51 PM »

Luck, monko. Sorry to hear about your troubles.

Norbi · « **Reply #12 on:** July 02, 2010, 10:29:39 AM »

hey there. i've a full Supersprint exhaust with cat made for the E30 318is. But it has no sound, only the engine. I want to have some decent low sound, but i decided not to take out the cat, coz it's originally maded, and it will only crap this nice exhaust.
So i'm looking for some sport air filters (K&N, Green,....), and here is the deal.
To go with a filter in to the original airbox (http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?Prod=33-2059 - this is made for the IS)
Or to check something universal like this (http://www.knfilters.com/universal/universal.htm).
I think the uni is not the best way, so if there is a good quality open air filter made for the 318IS, just show me.