Resonator? Or No Resonator?
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Im still trying to get things rolling with my exhaust project (as well as funds lol) but i have run into a little bit of a snag..many people i speak to believe i should remove the resonator to achieve the best sound possible out of my 3.8 N/A..but other people i speak to say that it is going to make the sound obnoxious and unbearable..in my original plans i was going without the resonator..but now i have began second guessing that decision..lol what do you guys think?? To keep the resonator or to not keep the resonator, that is the question..
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If you like a Raspy Back fire tip sound that take off the Resonator like i did ![Smile](https://www.gmforum.com/gm/images/smilies/smile.gif)
i love mine. its not to loud at highway speeds
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i love mine. its not to loud at highway speeds
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How about no exhuast at all, now thats cheap
Shadd'* straight pipe, 3" split into 2.5", high flow cat only.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v6...t=MVI_1712.flv
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Shadd'* straight pipe, 3" split into 2.5", high flow cat only.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v6...t=MVI_1712.flv
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I honestly am not sure where this raspiness is coming from...
I have been running without a resonator for some time now and it honestly sounds better to me. Volume inside the car has not increased, though it has outside. As for raspiness, if anything I prefer the sound NOW compared to when I had the resonator on...before it sounded flat and even a little buzzy to me. Now it sounds fuller and, believe it or not, less buzzy. I wouldn't have it any other way.
As for backfiring "pops"...I only experience that when first starting the car or revving in idle. During driving I experience no such phenomenon. But I also had the same experience WITH the resonator. No discernable change in volume of these after the resonator delete...
I guess it depends on the exhaust system you have.
In any event, and in conclusion, to answer your question I feel that with my particular car and exhaust system, removing the resonator was a great idea that improved the sound. Your experience might be different.
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I have been running without a resonator for some time now and it honestly sounds better to me. Volume inside the car has not increased, though it has outside. As for raspiness, if anything I prefer the sound NOW compared to when I had the resonator on...before it sounded flat and even a little buzzy to me. Now it sounds fuller and, believe it or not, less buzzy. I wouldn't have it any other way.
As for backfiring "pops"...I only experience that when first starting the car or revving in idle. During driving I experience no such phenomenon. But I also had the same experience WITH the resonator. No discernable change in volume of these after the resonator delete...
I guess it depends on the exhaust system you have.
In any event, and in conclusion, to answer your question I feel that with my particular car and exhaust system, removing the resonator was a great idea that improved the sound. Your experience might be different.
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From my point of view, I'd say exactly the opposite, which is why I added a resonator to a 93 SSEi that never had one from the factory. Sound quality is much improved now.
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Mine only Pops when i down shift at high speeds.
Other then that, you all have seen my videos.
i think this sounds very good.
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ic.php?t=66471
Other then that, you all have seen my videos.
i think this sounds very good.
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ic.php?t=66471
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Do the rest of your exhaust work first then see how you like the sound. If you still think theres room for improvement, then you might want to remove the resonator.
Replacing the resonator with a glasspack is also another option that wont inhibit performance, should make things a little louder, but should still cut down on some of the raspyness and popping. Glasspacks can be snagged online for as cheap as 20-30 bucks.
Replacing the resonator with a glasspack is also another option that wont inhibit performance, should make things a little louder, but should still cut down on some of the raspyness and popping. Glasspacks can be snagged online for as cheap as 20-30 bucks.
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Exhaust sounds and peoples preferences of same are so varied that you have to use your judgment, based on the perceptions you get from what people are saying, and take into account what YOU want yours to sound like.
Some like it loud and obnoxious (subjective judgement, I know...lol), others like it low and mellow. Even others prefer the cabin drone that many dislike.
Consider what you are after and then act accordingly. After all, you are the one who will have to be satisfied.
Some like it loud and obnoxious (subjective judgement, I know...lol), others like it low and mellow. Even others prefer the cabin drone that many dislike.
Consider what you are after and then act accordingly. After all, you are the one who will have to be satisfied.