Description

An exhaust resonator is located before the muffler on a car's exhaust system. It is usually a long, cylindrical design. The round tubing is packed with material that muffles exhaust noise.

Noise Reduction

A resonator's primary purpose is to make an exhaust system quieter by muffling the sound of the exhaust. Resonators are particularly common on 4-cylinder cars, where they are used in combination with a muffler to reduce the high-pitched sound of the exhaust.

Noise Increase

Resonators can be used to increase exhaust noise, and can also change the sound quality. In this case, the resonator will usually be installed in place of a muffler. Often, more than one resonator is used.

Horsepower Increase

A resonator can also be used to reduce the back pressure of an exhaust and allow the motor to produce more horsepower and rev more freely. In cases where the resonator is used as a free-flowing exhaust component, it may take the place of a more restrictive muffler.

Installation and Removal

Resonators are generally welded into an exhaust system between sections of exhaust tubing. Removing them involves cutting them out of the exhaust.

Source:

SLK 32: Exhaust System Resonator Removal

Street Performance Exhaust Resonators