If you like to listen to car noise, then you are going to like the article we have prepared for you. Muffler suppression and resonator suppression are what you need to improve the sounds that your car can emit.
However, if you want to experience the full potential of the engine, you have to know that you need to remove some of the components. In today’s article, we are going to go over the pros and cons of muffler removal or resonator removal.
What Is The Exhaust System?
Before explaining what mufflers and resonators are, you need to know more about the exhaust system. In the normal production of a car, this system is composed of 6 parts:
- Headers.
- Catalytic converter.
- Resonator.
- Silencer.
- Exhaust tip or tailpipe.
For newer models, automakers spend considerable time and resources designing the ideal exhaust systems for different types of vehicles. In addition, newer cars feature professional exhaust systems, which can provide better flow than a muffler removal system.
Thanks to this, the performance of the car will be much better than with mufflers installed. But on older cars with archaic exhaust systems, muffler removal can result in noticeable gains at high engine speeds.
Not to mention that the car will produce louder, more exhilarating sounds. In addition, emissions and other issues related to road legality will be a different matter.
How Do Mufflers And Resonators Work?
First, mufflers are large cylinders that sit near the end of the exhaust system and help reduce the noise produced by the vehicle’s engine. Cutting these components in half reveals the resonator chambers, which consist of pipes, perforations, and an empty space designed to bounce sound around.
In addition, mufflers can reduce sound across the entire spectrum, from FPR at idle to redline. They can also reduce the amount of hum and other unpleasant noises. On the other hand, resonators are mounted before or after the mufflers, or even on both sides.
Their main purpose is to alter the sounds produced by the engine. Basically, they serve the opposite purpose. A muffler reduces the volume, while noise reduction is left behind.
When it comes to a resonator, the altering sound is its primary function, while volume reduction is not a priority.
Main Comparisons
1. Sound quality
The muffler dampens the sound through the RMP, which means you’ll get louder, rawer sounds coming from the engine. In terms of sound improvement, if you have to remove one, removing the muffler is a much better option than removing the resonator.
Otherwise your rides will become intolerable if you do, especially at idle or when reaching ideal RPMs on the highway.
2. Power Gain
Removing the muffler can sometimes improve vehicle power. It does not divert exhaust gases and therefore creates less back pressure to improve efficiency.
In case you want to find out how much of a gain, we suggest you schedule a dyno test. You can expect an increase of 5 or 10 horsepower.
Removing the resonator does nothing for power to most cars. Some vehicles will gain a little extra horsepower, but nothing exceptional. They usually gain less HP with that weight loss.
Also, you will have little or no backpressure. However, it will reduce the car’s power if you have poor exhaust flow.
3. Gas mileage.
If you remove the muffler, it will not impact gas mileage in any way. A muffler is a sound suppression device that can reduce the intensity of sound waves from combustion.
However, if you have just performed a muffler removal and notice a change in gas mileage, then it is likely caused by something else. Also, a resonator removal would reduce backpressure and increase power, while reducing MPG.
A resonator removal will not have a noticeable effect on torque or gas mileage with most vehicles.
4. A tuning is needed
You don’t need a tune-up for a resonator or a muffler remove. But some tuning is needed if you have changed any parts that impact exhaust flow. Also, be prepared for a lot of noise coming out of your car’s engine.
5. Legal Issues
Unfortunately, neither muffler removal nor resonator removal offers many positive aspects when it comes to fuel economy. If you are looking for a method to reduce your car’s fuel consumption, you should start looking for alternatives.
6. Price of removal
Because both the resonator and muffler require a similar amount of labor and a replacement pipe of about the same length, both will cost about the same to remove. You should expect the cost to be around $50 to $300, but most shops charge around $100.
Which Option Is Best?
Exhaust modifications revolve around getting an improved sound. Neither a muffler nor a resonator affects fuel economy or power, and they have a minor impact on the weight of your vehicle. They are also similarly priced in terms of the labor required to remove them.
In our opinion, muffler removal is a much better option than getting rid of a resonator. Since the muffler dampens sounds and is capable of making them quieter, deleting it will end up in louder exhaust sounds.
The resonator may affect the volume, but it will not be noticeable, but it will have more impact on keeping resonant frequencies from making unbearable noises.
Final Thoughts On Muffler Suppression vs. Resonator Suppression.
Many people recommend doing nothing. Some even recommend replacing the original muffler with an aftermarket option that can increase performance and enhance the exhaust system with a more aggressive sound.
In addition, you can also install parts that are built for sound, which can be affordable compared to removing a muffler or resonator. If you decide to remove any of the components, you should consult the pros and cons list for some help.
