Many people who love cars like to make their vehicles unique. A resonator delete is a most common modification that most owners perform to improve the performance of their vehicle.
Out of all the changes people make to their cars, one of the most popular ones is modifying the exhaust system to increase the noise level of their cars. The excitement of driving a noisy car encourages owners to adjust their exhaust systems to make them sound louder.
What’s great about making exhaust sounds louder is that there are lots of methods to do it. Many owners make holes in their vehicle’s muffler or disconnect certain parts, like the catalytic converter, to make the car louder. Another way is to do a resonator delete.
In the resonator delete, the resonator is removed from the vehicle’s exhaust system. This article describes the resonator delete pros, cons, and how to do it.
What Is a Resonator Delete?
The resonator delete is a famous vehicle modification method to make the vehicle louder. In a resonator delete, the resonator component is entirely taken out. The removal of the resonator changes the exhaust gases flow through the exhaust system.
The resonator and muffler are the most important parts of the vehicle’s exhaust system to control the noise created by the exhaust system.
A resonator delete changes the noise coming from the exhaust system and reduces your car’s weight. It is generally a legal modification, and it requires slight upkeep and no major changes to the muffler.
Resonator delete is beneficial for optimizing the intensity of the exhaust pulses your vehicle generates, resulting in enhanced power output. This may give your exhaust system a loud and aggressive sound while improving vehicle efficiency, improving engine performance, and maintaining excellent fuel mileage.
Resonator Delete Pros
The following are the major pros of resonator delete:
1) Changes Sound Profile
Many owners choose to delete the resonator primarily to alter the sound of their vehicle. When it comes to modifying exhaust sounds, most owners want a noticeable increase in noise. However, the resonator delete process differs somewhat in that it doesn’t lead to a large escalation in exhaust sound.
However, a resonator delete focuses on improving the quality of the exhaust sound. It brings back your vehicle’s original deep and high-pitched sound after the resonator is removed. If you pay close attention, you may notice a slight increase in noise level, but it’s not particularly noticeable.
2) Legal Modification
A major advantage of the resonator delete is that it is legal in most areas. It is a widely accepted and legal exhaust modification in most states, unlike the illegal act of eliminating the catalytic converter.
Additionally, many states prohibit owners from removing the exhaust silencers of their vehicles. A resonator delete does not pose harm to the atmosphere, unlike a catalytic converter.
3) Reduce Vehicle Weight
Each and every part of your car plays a role in its overall weight. A heavier vehicle typically requires more fuel to operate. Removing the resonator from a car decreases its weight, resulting in improved fuel efficiency.
4) Keeps Your Muffler Complete
When you delete your vehicle’s resonator, there’s typically no need to make any adjustments to the muffler, even if your car contains a dual exhaust system.
In certain situations, you might require a Y-pipe at the exhaust’s end to ensure everything functions correctly. This arrangement often delivers a more pleasing, deeper exhaust noise.
5) Requires Minimal Maintenance
Once the resonator delete is done, there’s generally no need for any further change. You won’t have to undertake any repairs or inspections afterward.
In terms of performance, you shouldn’t encounter significant problems. The only potential concern might be the illumination of the check engine light, especially in newer vehicles.
6) Improve Engine Power
One of the primary benefits of deleting the resonator is the enhancement in engine power. Typically, this modification leads to an improvement of around 5 horsepower for your vehicle.
Furthermore, a resonator delete may also remove excess soot accumulation or blockages in the exhaust system, resulting in increased engine power and improved fuel efficiency.
7) Cost-Effective Modification
A resonator delete is less expensive than other modifications in the exhaust system. This method may deliver some of the benefits of a louder exhaust noise and potential performance improvements without investing on a complete system replacement.
Resonator Delete Cons
The following are the most common cons of resonator delete:
1) Droning Sounds
The resonator plays a vital role in reducing the droning noises that can be particularly noticeable during long high-speed driving. The droning noise becomes louder in the range of 3,000 to 4,000 RPMs.
When the resonator is removed, these drone and hum noises become more noticeable. There might also be instances of screeching or rattling noises at specific RPMs, but they are generally not excessively troublesome.
2) Check Engine Light
In modern vehicle models, the resonator is one of the most important components of the exhaust system. It helps the catalytic converter to work efficiently.
Removing the resonator may affect the performance of the catalytic converter. When the performance of the catalytic converter is affected, the powertrain control module (PCM) may trigger the check engine light along with a trouble code. You can usually retrieve the diagnostic codes using an OBD2 scan tool.
While this modification typically doesn’t result in a failed emission test since the catalytic converter remains intact. But driving with a constantly illuminating check engine light can be quite bothersome.
Moreover, it can make it more challenging to identify genuine issues when the check engine light is always on. Due to these considerations, some individuals opt to avoid a resonator delete.
Read More: Causes of Check Engine Light Illumination
3) Reduce Exhaust Flow Speed
In the new vehicle models, pistons play a crucial role in expelling exhaust gases from the combustion chamber to make space for a fresh air-fuel mixture.
The resonator serves as an essential component to speed up this process by adding additional force, assisting the rapid movement of exhaust gases. When the resonator is installed, sound waves assist in clearing the engine cylinder efficiently, creating room for a fresh air-fuel mixture.
The strength of these sound waves directly impacts the vacuum pressure, which is a measure of the efficiency of this process. Deleting the resonator means losing these sound waves, resulting in a slight reduction in the flow speed of exhaust gases. But, this effect is typically so slight that the average driver doesn’t notice it.
4) Reduced Exhaust Efficiency
The resonator is designed to improve the efficiency of the exhaust system, which helps optimize fuel economy.
When the resonator is removed, your engine has to work a bit harder to generate the same amount of power, using a little more gas. But this change is usually so small that you might not even notice it.
5) Voids Warranty
If you’re driving a model car, chances are you still have an active warranty. But if you modify your exhaust system, it may potentially invalidate this warranty. This could lead to substantial out-of-pocket expenses for any necessary repairs, depending on the nature of the issue.
In many situations, the complete warranty will not be nullified. According to the law, manufacturers can only reject warranty coverage if the changes directly lead to the failure of the specific part. For instance, if your car stereo malfunctions, the manufacturer cannot attribute the issue to your exhaust modifications.
But if you’re driving an old vehicle model, this warranty concern doesn’t even come into play. It’s doubtful that you still have a car warranty, allowing you the freedom to make legally permissible changes without worrying about warranty implications.
How To Do A Resonator Delete
The removal of the resonator is a relatively quick process, typically taking around 40 to 60 minutes to complete. Having a resonator delete kit on hand can also be advantageous. Follow the below-given steps to delete your resonator:
Step 1: Park the Vehicle
Start by parking your car on a level surface and turning off the engine. Wait for about 10 to 15 minutes to cool down your engine. Also, make sure that your car is in neutral mode.
Step 2: Lift your Car
Before proceeding with the resonator delete, you’ll need to raise your car and provide proper support using a jack stand. Make sure you have access to the components that need to be detached from under your vehicle.
Step 3: Find the Resonator
Once the vehicle is safely elevated, find the resonator. To pinpoint its exact location, referring to your owner’s manual can be helpful. Typically, the resonator is situated just before the muffler.
If you intend to remove both resonators from the car, make sure to identify their positions before proceeding further.
Step 4: Cut the Exhaust Pipe
Prior to cutting any pipes, it’s crucial to don the essential personal protective equipment (PPE), including earplugs, safety glasses, and safety gloves. Use a saw blade to make precise cuts, removing 2 inches of the exhaust pipe before the resonator and 2 inches after it.
If your car has two resonators, you’ll need to make twice as many cuts.
Step 5: Remove Resonator
Carefully detach the resonator from your car’s exhaust system. If your resonator is hard to remove, it’s possible that you’ve cut all the way through it.
Step 6: Weld Pipe
After the removal of the resonator, secure the exhaust pipes in their original positions. The next step involves welding the tailpipes together. If you lack welding expertise, it’s advisable to seek assistance from a technician.
You can also utilize an exhaust clamp kit to connect the pipes. Just attach the clamps and tighten the bolts at both ends to hold everything in place.
Difference Between Resonator Delete and Muffler Delete
The primary purpose of the exhaust modifications is to enhance the sound of a car. Both the resonator and the muffler have negligible impacts on the weight of the vehicle and do not significantly affect its fuel efficiency or power.
Muffler delete and resonator delete are distinct approaches, with each having many similar advantages and disadvantages.
| Resonator Delete | Muffler Delete |
| In the resonator delete, the resonator is removed. | In the muffler delete, the muffler is removed. |
| The resonator is installed between the muffler and the catalytic converter. | The muffler is installed at the end of the exhaust system |
| The resonator removal leads to a deep and slightly louder sound | The muffler deletion leads to a much louder and more aggressive exhaust note. |
| It is legal in most areas. | It is illegal in almost all states. |
| It can slightly improve the fuel economy. | It doesn’t affect the fuel economy. |
| It may void the warranty of different parts of your vehicle. | It may also void the warranty of the vehicle’s parts |
| This modification is less expensive than a muffler delete. | It is a costly modification. |
Resonator Delete Cost
The average cost for a professional resonator delete falls within the range of $80 to $220 when using aftermarket components. If welding becomes necessary, you might need to pay a slightly higher amount. However, if you want to remove two resonators, the cost may become double.
Keep in mind that the cost of a resonator delete can fluctuate depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
The following list describes the average cost of resonator delete for some models:
| Vehicle | Average Price Ranges |
|---|---|
| Ford | $110 to $220 |
| Infiniti | $100 to $230 |
| Dodge | $80 to $140 |
| Nissan | $100 to $220 |
| Chevrolet | $100 to $160 |
| BMW | $90 to $150 |
| Honda | $80 to $140 |
FAQ Section
What is the function of the resonator?
The resonator is installed to counteract and nullify exhaust noises at a specific frequency that rebound within the device, effectively erasing the irritating drone and producing a pleasing exhaust tone.
Is it ok to remove the resonator?
Yes, you can remove the resonator because this modification is legal in most areas.
Should I delete the resonator or muffler?
Deciding whether to remove the muffler or resonator depends on your desired outcome. If you want a louder and more aggressive exhaust noise, the muffler delete is the best option. However, the resonator delete is an ideal option to get a deeper exhaust sound.
Can I drive without a resonator?
Yes, it is possible to drive without a resonator. However, it may lead to an increase in the exhaust emissions. The resonator deletion is a legal modification.
Does the resonator delete add HP?
Yes, a resonator delete may lead to a slight increase in the engine power.
Is resonator deletion legal?
Yes, the resonator delete is a legal modification.
What comes first, resonator or muffler?
The resonator is installed just before the muffler and after the catalytic converter.
Which Is Louder – Muffler Delete or Resonator Delete?
Resonators primarily influence the character of the exhaust sounds, not their volume. On the other hand, mufflers decrease the overall loudness of the exhaust whenever your vehicle is running. When you remove the muffler, your vehicle’s exhaust system sound becomes louder and more aggressive.
Is resonator located before or after muffler?
In the exhaust system, the resonator is located just before the muffler.