A Quick Guide To Buying Resonators
If you think the exhaust of your vehicle is a big pipe starting from the engine to the vehicle’s back, then you are missing some other important information and much more. Emission tests and noise regulations, which are reshaping the automobile industry, have played a major role in making the exhaust systems more complex and detailed. Your car doesn’t make any rowdy sound just because of the resonator. These resonators change and harmonize the sound in a way that it gets softened by the muffler. Other came along parts like catalytic converter help to lessen the pollutants and toxic gases and the addition of resonators helps in controlling the sound coming out from the exhaust system of the vehicle.
- How Many Resonators Does a Car Have?
2. Which Type Of Resonator And Pipe Assembly Should I Choose?
3. What Are The Factors I Should Consider Before Buying A New Resonator?
4. Which Popular Brand Of Resonator Should I Choose?
- a. Walker USA
5. How Much Should I Pay For A New Resonator And Pipe Assembly?
6. When Should I Change My Resonator?
7. Should I Buy An OE Or An Aftermarket Resonator?
8. What is the Difference Between a Muffler and a Resonator?
1 What Is A Resonator?
Resonator is an exhaust component that engineers used to control sound coming from the exhaust system to prevent it from being too loud. Not all vehicles have a resonator, most old model vehicles have only a muffler, also known as the silencer, and some vehicles have only a resonator. The latest vehicles are mostly fitted with resonators, mufflers, and catalytic converters. The resonator has a hollow chamber and is fitted at a certain distance from the manifold. The location can be anywhere between the center of the vehicle or at the extreme end near the tailpipe, depending on the make and model of the car. In the latest vehicles, the resonator is fitted in between the catalytic converter and the muffler. If the vehicle has a resonator, it works with the vehicle’s muffler to create a more pleasant sound that isn’t too loud or unpleasant to experience.
How Many Resonators Does a Car Have?
A resonator is a component of a car’s exhaust system that helps control the noise coming from the engine. It acts as an echo chamber, where acoustic engineers have worked to design a space that helps change the engine’s exhaust sounds to allow the powertrain to generate as much power as possible without making small children cry as the vehicle passes.
The number of resonators in a car can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Some cars may have one resonator, while others may have two or more.
Top Pick For Resonator
2 Which Type Of Resonator And Pipe Assembly Should I Choose?
There are many resonators in the market that have different shapes and sizes, but be sure to buy the correct one which suits your vehicle.
Based On Design
1. “Chambered” Type Resonator
Chambered type resonator is also known as the Helmholtz type, and it works to cancel the sound waves from the engine of the vehicle, producing the cool buzz by using the cavities of multiple sizes. It works on making the car engine sound bearable to your ears by using the metal plates or baffles and a single chamber. The designing of these resonators is done in such a way that it cancels the sound wave and the standard muffler in the engine does not let it escape. The working procedure differs based on the brand of engine and muffler.
2. “Dissipative” Type Resonator
One of the most common types is the dissipative exhaust resonator. They help in absorbing the loud sound from the engine of the vehicle with its fiberglass or metal packing material. Because of its pliable nature, this packing material cancels the sound waves by absorbing and reducing the sound volume. It is available in two forms, with a louvered core, and without a perforated core.
3. “Expansion Chamber” Type Resonator
One of the simplest and most efficient resonator types is the expansion chamber type resonator. It is available in a simple tube form with different diameters. Its tube section has a smaller diameter than other parts, and when any sound wave enters the tube, it bounces and cancels out, minimizing the volume, pitch, and frequency. Hence, a very low tone sound comes out of your vehicle.
Based On Size
Exhaust resonators are available in different diameters and tube lengths, and the suitability of their size solely depends on the type of exhaust system on your vehicle. So it is always advisable to go for the right size of the resonator that is compatible with the muffler on your car. Some resonators need welding so they can be fitted to the exhaust system. For this, it is necessary to check the size of the resonator and the exhaust pipe.
Based On Structure
The main connecting link of an exhaust resonator to the exhaust muffler is a tube. Its structure is the same as that of an acoustic resonator. It minimizes the engine sound frequency and makes it bearable by creating an exhaust note. By regulating an exhaust note, you can easily enhance the engine’s sound.
3 What Are The Factors I Should Consider Before Buying A New Resonator?
Buying a resonator for your vehicle can sometimes be a confusing task. As there are countless options available for several makes and models, you might be tempted to invest in one with a low-quality. To help prevent that, here are a few things that you should consider before buying a resonator and pipe assembly.
Material
One of the most common reasons for resonator failure is corrosion. The quality of material plays an effective role in adding strength, durability, and improving the overall performance of an exhaust resonator. Because of their location, the resonators are always exposed to the road and weather conditions, making them vulnerable to rust, which can significantly reduce their service life and will require more frequent replacements. The excellent quality material of a resonator acts as a sound absorbent and helps in restricting the abnormal sound that comes out of the exhaust system. Resonators of stainless steel material are also good as they are long-lasting and also rust-resistant.
Most exhaust resonators are available in the market with a full installation kit that includes all the required parts essential for fixing. And if you are planning to purchase an exhaust resonator and pipe assembly, then make sure that it has all the components like brackets, flanges, hardware, and gaskets. With brackets, you will not need any other compatible attachment for resonator assembly.
Price
Price is an essential factor in indicating the product quality. While shopping for an exhaust resonator, the first deciding factor is affordability. So, when you choose an exhaust resonator based on the price, ensure to check the warranty and other quality assurance parameters like materials and brand name.
Choosing A Brand
Different brands offer distinct advantages and benefits. These features need to be considered when buying a new resonator. Some aim at making the components durable, while others offer easy installation procedures. Corrosion treatments on resonators resist corrosion and last for a long time. The brands mentioned here are a few of the best manufacturers in the market producing OE equivalent resonators at a much more reasonable price.
Checking For Fitment And Leakage
There are many brands of resonators which come with exhaust pipe attached and can be fitted easily. But sometimes the exhaust pipe has to be welded to the resonator. If the welding work is not perfect, it will cause an exhaust leak which can surely change the noise of the vehicle while causing safety and health issues. To check for leakage and fitment is important. It is always necessary to replace all the related gaskets and clamps when the resonator is replaced.
4 Which Popular Brand Of Resonator Should I Choose?
Walker USA
Built to provide precise tuning technologies, Walker resonators and welded resonator assemblies is the name to trust for excellent flow characteristics and OE-style sound. Pre-bent pipes of Walker premium are manufactured with the sole aim of precise fit for smooth and quick installation. They are manufactured with precision benders, along with the fixture checked.
Resonator And Pipe Assembly Part Number: 54487, 47839, 53668, 54373, 56218, 56228, and more.
Resonator Part Number: 73020, 21442, 17805, 21992, 21132, 21727 and more.
Features
- Aluminized steel material used in its construction for durability and resistance to corrosion.
- Louvered tube technology of OE-style helps in reducing the noise for OE-style premium sound.
- Precise routing of pipe for quick and smooth installation.
- Ensures to give the performance and sound like the original system.
- Features OE-Style hardware, flanges, and brackets for fast installation.
- Designed to perform and fit like original equipment.
- OE-style connectors and hangers (where required).
For more, you can visit our Waker USA Resonator And Pipe Assembly section.
5 How Much Should I Pay For A New Resonator And Pipe Assembly?
There are many shapes and sizes of resonators available in the market. Because of the material such as mild steel or stainless steel and even the make of your car, resonators and pipe assembly is manufactured. You can choose from the same brand or the other brands listed below. The price range varies from one brand to the other. Depending on the vehicle you drive, the resonators and pipe assembly will cost you around $85 to $280 wherein the labor cost is only about $40 to $70.
6 When Should I Change My Resonator?
Other than controlling the noise, the exhaust resonator also improves the overall performance of the vehicle. An exhaust resonator is exposed to a lot of vibration. It also has to suffer a lot of heat, dirt, mud, and other road debris. Some are better quality and will last longer. Cheaper ones will get damaged more quickly and will rust. A good exhaust resonator should last for many years. Inside the resonator, perforated tubes or baffles are welded. If they break loose, it can make noise. Corrosion is a reason which causes resonator parts to come loose, but rough roads can also shake and break internal parts. A blocked exhaust resonator will cause poor fuel economy, poor engine performance, or an illuminated check engine light. If any of these symptoms occur, it is always advisable to get your vehicle checked by a professional.
7 Should I Buy An OE Or An Aftermarket Resonator?
Aftermarket resonators and pipe assembly are normally made using stainless steel material but are also available in mild steel and aluminum. Inside the aftermarket resonators, there are premium quality multilayered sound suppression materials. This design produces a deep tone and allows for unrestricted flow. Some aftermarket resonators are lighter than the OE resonators. An OE resonator and pipe assembly can give your exhaust a silent and decent sound and sometimes can be expensive. Whether it’s an OE or an aftermarket resonator, you won’t damage anything, but if you replace such a simple piece of equipment as the resonator, you can enjoy your vehicle’s intended tone.
8 What is the Difference Between a Muffler and a Resonator?
A muffler and a resonator are both components of a car’s exhaust system, but they serve different purposes. A muffler is designed to reduce the noise produced by the engine by dissipating the sound energy across a wide range of frequencies. In contrast, a resonator is designed to eliminate unwanted resonance or droning noises that occur within a particular RPM range.
To put it simply, a muffler is responsible for reducing the overall exhaust volume, while a resonator tunes the exhaust for a more pleasant sound by removing high-pitched or raspy noises from exhaust notes.
