I feel so ashamed for asking this...but what is a resonator?

There, I searched first and asked second. Please be gentle. :D


Thanks,
Jason

They use it to quiet the exhaust, if you take it out your car will be louder

I am not any type of exhaust expert, nor an expert on anything mechanical for that matter :tongue: . However a resonator goes in-line in the exhaust before the muffler. Keeps the sound at a reasonable street level.

Correct me if I am wrong boys, or further clarification anyone? :D

A resonator is a chamber that's placed in the exhaust system (usually between the cat and the muffler) that's normally packed with fiberglass. Although the name "resonator" suggests it would make it louder it in fact is designed to control certain frequencies by damping certain frequencies in the exhaust note quieting the exhaust significantly and usually making it sound much broader and more pleasing. Generally there is no performance loss or gain (usually very marginal when there is, like 1-2 hp at best) which makes them pretty much necessary on any car intended to be driven on the street. Without them, most 4 cylinder engines sound like a 500 pound hive of very angry bees.

Without them, most 4 cylinder engines sound like a 500 pound hive of very angry bees.


LOL! I hate that sound.


Well, I just bought a Ractive muffler with a 4" tip and I don't want it to be too loud. A buddy of mine has a Ractive muffler and it sounds good and I don't think he did anything other just put it on the car. I want a sporty tone but I don't want to be obnoxious either. You guys think a resonator might be a good idea?

If you plan on driving it on the street it's always a good idea, quieter means easier to tolerate and less attention from the cops. Also, you should already have a resonator on the car if the exhaust is still stock so see how it sounds first and if you're not entirely happy with it consider a larger (longer) resonator but you'll probably have to have it custom fit at a muffler shop. If you like it on your friends car then you'll probably not have any problems when you install it on yours.