Why a Resonator?

Archives of Posts to the NZ MX5 List back in 2003
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Ross Bryon

Why a Resonator?

Post by Ross Bryon » Wed Aug 20, 2003 4:22 pm

I'm planning my spare tire relocation.

The exhaust system reroute requires a shorter muffler (silencer) and
the muffler man says that means I need a Resonator earlier in the line
-- about where the catalytic converter is now.

Now, I won't miss the cat -- I've already emptied it of its stuffing
and that created an echo chamber and a noise I really don't like.

But why the resonator? Just the name sounds like more noise to me.

I don't mind a "neat" sounding exhaust and also wouldn't so "no" to a
few more horses... but I don't want to sound like a "boy racer" or have
to put up with a bothersome level of noise and "resonance" in the
cockpit...

Anyone know anything about exhaust systems -- and particularly why the
resonator is needed -- what it does... etc? Suggestions?


Ross Bryon
Ampersand Design
ross@ampersand.co.nz
Tel 64 9 376 1670
Fax 64 9 376 4009
Mob 64 21 376 167
BRG V-Spec 1991 Roadster

lou Girardin

Why a Resonator?

Post by lou Girardin » Wed Aug 20, 2003 4:48 pm

A resonator will give a mellower tone, many mufflers sound raspy without a act
or resonator fitted. Still, you might like raspy.
Lou

Rex Johnston

Why a Resonator?

Post by Rex Johnston » Wed Aug 20, 2003 4:52 pm

Ross Bryon wrote:
I'm planning my spare tire relocation.
Anyone done this on an NB ?
Seems a shame to butcher a newish muffler, but the boot is too small on
the NB too.
The exhaust system reroute requires a shorter muffler (silencer) and
the muffler man says that means I need a Resonator earlier in the line
-- about where the catalytic converter is now.

Now, I won't miss the cat -- I've already emptied it of its stuffing
and that created an echo chamber and a noise I really don't like.

But why the resonator? Just the name sounds like more noise to me.
They put them there to simulate the effect of the cat. converter. You
don't *need* one, but without it you'll
end up too noisy with only one muffler.
I don't mind a "neat" sounding exhaust and also wouldn't so "no" to a
few more horses... but I don't want to sound like a "boy racer" or
have to put up with a bothersome level of noise and "resonance" in the
cockpit...
You're better off with it, than without it.
When i got the clogged cats done on my `zx, i got magoo's to put some
resonators in there.
The noise level went up just a little. The smell level went down a
whole heap.

Cheers, Rex

Ross Bryon

Why a Resonator?

Post by Ross Bryon » Wed Aug 20, 2003 4:54 pm

Thanks... I'll go with mellow. Definately!

On Wednesday, August 20, 2003, at 04:48 PM, lou Girardin wrote:

[...]

Muscles

Why a Resonator?

Post by Muscles » Wed Aug 20, 2003 5:12 pm

Hey Ross,
When i bought my 89 mx, ididnt like the factory "tin" noise so i took mine
down and had my exhaust replaced from the front to the back not including
the headers.
Anyway i had the cat removed,and im a little surprised you took the guts
out,im pretty sure those cats are really really bad for you!
Anyway i specifically said i did not want to be a boy racer or have it to
much louder than factory and i also said i would like less tin i also stated
i realised it was a jap 4 cylinder.
Well they fitted a 2 1'4 pipe with a lv resonator(im guessing low volume
perhaps?)
2 1/4 super turbo muffler
and a 3" stainless tip just to look nice, now im really happy with this
system its not to loud ,but is a little more better sounding than the tin i
once had, now ill be honest there may be better systems out there, but this
one is pretty good, all the resonator does is replace the cat and give it a
little deep sound, and i cant hear it in the cockpit with the roof up. with
the roof down its just right, just audible but not over-bearing.
so i suggest go for it,remove the cat, but dont worry about the new exhaust
law ,im not. as long as you go to a good exhaust place they can do a good
job,im in palmy north and i went to Inlet and Exhaust and they were great.
cost me $450 as well, which i thought was reasonable.
I also noticed a little more milage and the engine was better, but this may
have been cause i wanted it to be if you know what i mean.
Good luck,hope that babble was of some help.
Gareth

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