resonator removal to straight pipe

zavikan · #1 02-14-2004, 02:15 PM

Ok, This is getting SOOOOO annoying! rattle rattle rattle, makes my baby sound like crap. (mm, sounds like crap, dented, so looks like crap.. mm... must be crap). NOOO!!!!!!

You all speak of getting the resonator chopped off and having a straight pipe welded in. problem is, every shop I talk to, says thats illegal and they won't do it. WHAT THE HECK PEOPLE!?!?

No I have not been drinking.

J

DavieGravy · #2 02-14-2004, 05:49 PM

I took mine to a Meineke. He said it would only be illegal if the resonator was a converter of some sort, and that he would cut one end out, take a look, and make a determination after. When he saw that it goes straight through, he chopped the whole thing off and replaced it with a straight pipe ($40 total).

Tell them that it's only illegal if it's a converter, which it isn't.

Also, the guy I had do it told me that I could get another aftermarket resonator on for $80, as opposed to the $40 for the straight pipe. I'd advise you not to go with the just the straight piece of pipe becuase it makes the exhaust sound louder. Go with an aftermarket resonator.

svxhunter · #3 02-15-2004, 05:48 AM

Technically, it is only illegal for shops to remove working cats. Most of them understand this to mean it is illegal for them to remove any cats, and they don't want to chance it.

Even so, they are NOT required to replace them should the vehicle be brought in with them missing.

Its is possible to take the vehicle in with the cats, or whole exhaust system, missing and have them put on whatever you want.

Landshark · #4 02-15-2004, 08:06 AM

you could lose low-end torque by replacing the resonator with pipe. the Stebro center section *may* bolt up to the stock rear muffler, and i believe others have used Magnaflow, etc. bullet mufflers in place of the resonator. do a search, and good luck.

DavieGravy · #5 02-15-2004, 10:28 AM

I meant Midas Muffler, not Meineke (brakes). Sorry, I always confuse the two.

SVXRide · #6 02-15-2004, 10:38 AM

You might also want to check out Dale's site for the resonator he carries - good price and it would keep things a little quieter.
-Bill

Beav · #7 02-15-2004, 12:17 PM

...it's a gray area at best. The EPA considers the exhaust as a complete system, meaning that any alteration to it could cause a difference in backpressure, etc. and cause the cats to 'light up' later, thereby increasing emissions. Even though I haven't heard of any shops getting smacked for this operation the possibility is there. The EPA has made mention of this more than once. I guess if they wanted to pursue it they could, but...

#8 02-15-2004, 05:48 PM

This is utter nonsense. The resonator is just that, a RESONATOR. It serves no emissions purpose whatsoever, and is only present to make the exhaust quieter at specific RPMs.

The monkey at the shop who told you it couldn't be removed is smoking crack. You need to go back down there and speak to the manager and explain that he needs to train his people better. I hate ignorance.

I just got my resonator cut out at A LOCAL MIDAS and couldn't be happier. Low end torque actually feels improved.

#9 02-15-2004, 06:53 PM

You could always just buy the center section from subaru and not worry about it.

Mike

#10 02-15-2004, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Green1995SVX
You could always just buy the center section from subaru and not worry about it.

Mike

Yes, but they're not cheap. $40 to a muffler shop is easier to swallow.

DavieGravy · #11 02-15-2004, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Green1995SVX
You could always just buy the center section from subaru and not worry about it.

Mike

I was going to go this route, but was told that parts and labor would total around $500. Keep in mind, the resonator itself is a $250 part, plus gaskets, labor, etc.

http://www.subaruparts.com/diag/?mod...category=440-A

Landshark · #12 02-16-2004, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DavieGravy

I was going to go this route, but was told that parts and labor would total around $500. Keep in mind, the resonator itself is a $250 part, plus gaskets, labor, etc.

http://www.subaruparts.com/diag/?mod...category=440-A

labor?

have you ever jacked up a car? have you ever loosened a clamp? tightened a clamp? got dirty? you can do it yourself - its easy! (but a little messy)

$250

#13 02-16-2004, 06:49 AM

Guys, this is a no-brainer. If someone tells you they can't cut a resonator out because of EMISSIONS, I fully expect you to laugh in their face.

Don't let somebody BS you because they don't feel like working today.

#14 02-16-2004, 07:25 AM

I removed the resonator on mine and replaced it with a straight pipe. I thought it made the exhaust note sound kind of rough at idle and I kind of regreted removing it.

Mike

Seraph · #15 02-16-2004, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Green1995SVX
I removed the resonator on mine and replaced it with a straight pipe. I thought it made the exhaust note sound kind of rough at idle and I kind of regreted removing it.

Mike

Me too.

But I agree with porter too about laughing in their face. A bigger chain store will not cut them in most cases. I normally take mine to a mom and pop store and have them chop it.

L