What is the difference: Resonators vs Mufflers 🚗💨 [FAQs]

Let's look at two often confused exhaust components, the exhaust muffler or silencer and the resonator or expansion box and see what they do and how they work.
We outline how each part of the exhaust actually works with a simple explanation and give you an insight into sports muffers or sports exhausts so you know how to buy effective performance upgrades for your car.
This video delves into the world of automotive exhaust systems, specifically comparing and contrasting two crucial components: resonators and mufflers.
It explores the distinct functions of each, explaining how they contribute to overall exhaust sound and performance.
The video also delves into the effects of removing or modifying these components, providing insights into the potential outcomes and trade-offs involved.
Resonators and mufflers, though often used interchangeably, play distinct roles in shaping the exhaust sound of a vehicle.
Resonators are designed to target and eliminate specific frequencies, primarily addressing the annoying drone that can occur at certain RPM ranges.
Mufflers, on the other hand, broadly reduce the overall volume of exhaust noise, effectively quieting the vehicle. This video delves into the science behind these components, explaining how they achieve their respective goals.
For those seeking to modify their vehicle's exhaust system, the choice between a resonator delete, muffler delete, or both can be a daunting one.
This video provides a comprehensive overview of the potential consequences of each option, discussing the impact on sound, performance, and legality.
It also highlights the benefits of incorporating a resonator into a straight pipe setup, offering a compromise between the aggressive sound of a straight pipe and the excessive drone it can produce.
Beyond the technical aspects, this video also touches on the subjective experience of exhaust sound. It explores how different people perceive and react to various exhaust configurations, acknowledging the personal preferences and legal restrictions that influence these choices.
The video encourages viewers to consider their individual needs and preferences when making decisions about their vehicle's exhaust system.
By combining technical explanations with real-world examples, this video provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of resonators and mufflers.
It empowers viewers to make informed decisions about their exhaust systems, whether seeking to enhance performance, reduce noise, or achieve a specific sound profile.
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Legal Notice: Unless we have inspected your car we can only provide generic theory. All information is provided without warranty, please check any recommendations made with a mechanic locally to verify it would be legal in your area or region and that it would be suitable for your car and your needs.

[@pegleggreg3627]

Resonator controls high end noise, like rasp. Muffler lowers volume, and takes care of low end bass, or drone.

[@jennifercordova376]

Easy simple ..... thank you so much

[@robertsprout3701]

Nice Video. !! Thanks for the info. I have a 2004 Crown Victoria LX Sport. It has a factory dual exhaust. I replaced the stock muffler's with a pair of large Magnaflows. Very nice upgrade with no drone.

[@bigjohn3038]

Just looking at possible upgrades, so this video was really useful. Great stuff, thanks! 👍

[@BleedingSnow]

Great in depth video explainign this much topic!

[@torquecars]

Glad it was helpful my friend, thanks again for the comment!

[@guy_dude_person2325]

i got a resonator delete on a 3.2 v6 and it sounds amazing but my car already made some sound but i heard if you have a very quite car already it wont do much so dont get one if you have a quite automatic car it really wont do much

[@4BillC]

I've been using a FlowFX muffler, it's made by Flowmaster. They are a straight through design but aren't real loud. I've put them on 3 different vehicles so far, a 1.8T, a VR6, a 2.2L Cobalt and going to put one on my 2.0T here soon.

[@torquecars]

You should ask for commission or a discount. They are really nicely made exhausts. Let me know how it goes on the 2.0T and what benefits you see on the drive.

[@Inktfish]

So what is the difference between a muffler and a resonator?

[@torquecars]

Mufflers deaden or quieten ALL sound frequencies, resonators just cancel out certain frequencies usually a high end buzz and or a low end rumble. - Wow I could have done this entire video in 3 seconds! lol. We didn't get into hybrids that do both but they are out there, and due to naming differences around the world there is much confusion.

[@kfa013]

@@torquecars thank god i opened the comment section, thnx

[@vctrflrs3687]

Muffler- noise Resonator-noise type

[@sepg5084]

@@torquecars so, the comment section makes more sense than the video 🤔

[@torquecars]

I will redo the video specifically on the differences between these two without going into explanations on how they work. This video is more of a "how resonators and silencers work" and I think it's time even to update this video. So thanks for your feedback and comments guys and gals, it does mean a lot to me that you care enough to provide this valuable feedback.

[@ShredRMK824]

2007 Subaru Impreza, no resonator, increased diameter from 1 7/8 inch to 2 1/4 changed stock muffler to turbo. Gained average 2 mpg. No dyno but I guess around 10hp.

[@GiftedGentleman87]

Let's try this... I'm buying two Toyota Sequoias.. a 2005 (1st Gen) & 2008 (2nd Gen). I have a family of 5. I want my Sequoias to sound GOOD. We're a modest family, but we want to a lil upgrade to our in sound quality... What would you guys recommend? Someone mentioned corsa.. someone mentioned flowmaster... that's all the info I have 😅. Exact models would really help my decision-making. Thanks in advanced

[@yasenmanahov3636]

Very good video!

[@torquecars]

Thank you very much my friend! I appreciate your support encouragement and kind words.

[@brianOcurradhin]

I cut my rear exhaust off my montero v6 from the coby which is behind the resonator which has the last o2 sensor in front on it, sounded great at low revs but turned into a nascar flat out, too much so i popped the cut system back on and deleted the last big muffler and popped a decent but smaller new muffler on the rear but now its too soft i cant hear the engine, im gonna cut of the resonator and rear system and add a straight through baffle coby then a 44 magnaflow and tip out the side in front of the rear wheel, should be fun ill get my new w.o.f first lol

[@deejay4837]

I've got a tuned car that I ended up removing the first resonator and after a leak, the second. All the exhaust consists of now is a HFC and a stock muffler.....Now to describe it simply is when I hit closer to 3000rpm it's death metal and end of the world LOUD.

[@shadowonyx9988]

I'm thinking of putting a magnaflow muffler and removing the resonator. Do you think it's a good idea because i want a nice aggressive noise.

[@Hughjasswipe]

I'm doing long tube headers on my truck, right now I'm straight pipes side exit with 2 cats still, I'm adding a catless y pipe when I do the headers, how will it sound with only a resonator, no cats no mufflers just a resonator??

[@robertsantana5245]

I have a ram 1500 and its QUIET but if you get close to the exhaust tips you can hear a little rumble and i like it but its too quiet i would like to make it a bit louder but overall deeper not too loud what should i get/ do ?

[@Goldeal]

Do a muffler delete, keep the resonators and see how you like it. Or vice versa.

[@jamesjones4309]

What can make my car sound deeper because I'm going straight pipe and no cat. Should I go with a resonator or a mufflers

[@torquecars]

A larger chamber size will typically lower the tone and is what you should focus on. Resonators don't add silence, just cancel out higher frequencies, mufflers will quieten everything down. I would argue that most cars need both resonator and muffler, but a larger resonator should help lower the tone, but this will depend on the design of it. What region are you in? Flowmaster have a pretty good range of exhausts, they are sure to have something suitable for your application.

[@Ahmad-ic4iw]

Does the resinator affect fuel mileage?

[@albanyw204benz7]

I really enjoy the knowledge you share with us.. Recently, i’ve had a remap on c200 kompressor 2009 model petrol 1.8L @stock: 181 hp 250nm torque.. after getting stage 1 : 221 hp 330nm torque.. Its just done three days ago. but i didn’t feel any difference.. the tuner claimed 4 degrees ignition advance, new k&N filter installed.. He saying that my car is losing power bcz of it has no resonator and no muffler.. he added, These types of car needs back pressure.. Please help me to find out what could be the reason.. the health of the engine is very good he said.. Would you like to share with me your opinion on this please. Thanks 😊 for reading a long comment 😅 I appreciate your help ❤

[@henrent]

engines needing back pressure is nonsense - you can see it on Engine Masters in different episodes. Sounds like your tuner is trying to tune your head instead of the car.

[@josephtran-day6281]

Rn I have a freeflow catalytic converted and a magnaflow straight through exhaust/resonator and then finally a sports muffler into 2 exhaust tips. I have an 2009 audi tt 3.2 v6. Is there anything i can do to make the car faster and is it good if i have 2 mufflers and no resonator because the 1st one is right before my muffler box and the first one is a straight through magnaflow

[@Short-Talk-Daily]

should i keep the resonator to keep rasp to the minimum?

[@torquecars]

The resonator on most models does play a large role in cutting rasp, but it depends on the car model as they all have different sound profiles, and some have just used the silencer or muffler to cut rasp and the resonator in those is just aimed at reducing drone.

[@HolaSoyJay]

I have a loud drone at around 2k-3k rpm would a sports resonator help kill the drone sound ?

[@torquecars]

Yes it will, resonators move the sound frequency around and deaden the levels you don't want. A revised rear silencer will make the whole exhaust more quiet though, rather than just focus on a specific frequency. The resonator profile and sound characteristics will vary from one unit to another, so choose carefully.

[@rm25088]

I am thinking of deleting the resonator or mufflers. Don't know yet.

[@dielog2211]

the question i have is there is variant difference, like Twist,pinhole and something like . what's the difference?

[@torquecars]

There are many many different designs, shapes, sizes and setups for each of these, exhausts are a very complex topic. Some use a V chamber design to prevent a return flow, size of the chambers needs to be matched the engines cylinder sizes and flow characteristics, which is why I hate to see these "universal" back boxes. Some designs can affect the torque output but most create a different sound.

[@NanoDiaz777]

Hello, could you enable this video so that those who see it can configure the automatic translation to Spanish? thank you!!!

[@torquecars]

Please let me know if this has worked, I didn't realize this was something that could be done.

[@NanoDiaz777]

@@torquecars It is perfect. Thank you !!!

[@torquecars]

I'll try and go through the older videos and do this as well, but it might take some time.

[@AndyWalkerOfficial]

I want a bypass pipe for my Porsche cayenne S 4.8 V8 Muffler ... could you give me a link ?? ( Year Make 2008 )

[@robertpurvis6106]

valtronic designs maybe. strait pipe valves open, muffler valves closed.

[@gmon3y46]

What are the cons of a muffler delete ?

[@smartcookie3500]

Louder exhaust sound.

[@hazulhezriabubakar6023]

so which one is better..straight pipe or straight pipe with resonator?

[@cruzix6106]

Does TorqueCars have a Discord channel?

[@torquecars]

No I struggle to keep up with our forum, the website and KZbin. I get around 100 inquiries per day and don't have the physical time to answer them all so i try to throw thing open to the knowledgeable community out there and write an article or do a video if I see things cropping up I've not covered.

[@marcdargitz2949]

Dyno results.. with no exhaust system: 20 HP gain on a stock Toyota 1uzfe..less restrictions is best!👍

[@GK-qb1fo]

See Wheel Resonator bu Honda

[@posys5140]

you need a haircut

[@Burgher1605]

😂