Resonators vs Mufflers

Resonators VS Mufflers

Who doesn’t love the sound of a good engine? It’s hard to find people who don’t appreciate the beautiful sound coming out from a well-tuned engine. However, this same sound may become something that gets you in trouble.

There are many different laws regarding the noise coming from a vehicle’s exhaust throughout the world. Most areas prohibit driving around vehicles that produce a great amount of noise, which is an understandable thing. The noise contributes to noise pollution and may also become a disturbance for many people.

Regardless of this, if you are someone who wants to get the most amount of sound from their car, then that too is possible.

This is where you may find yourself needing a resonator or a muffler for your car. You may ask what the differences are between them, and we will guide you through all you need to know when purchasing a resonator or muffler. We will go over the features in detail and talk thoroughly about their uses so that you can make a well-informed decision and one that will last you long.

Once you have made up your mind about your purchase, you can also try to install the new exhaust system on your own.

Let’s start off by comparing both of them and getting their general differences aside so that we can talk about them more in detail later on. Since you are focusing on the exhaust area of your car, you may also want to check out a good catalytic converter for your car.

Let’s start with what a resonator is!

Resonators – Detailed Description

Put simply, a resonator is a piece of equipment that works to remove a specified range of frequencies of sounds coming from a vehicle’s engine. A resonator works hand in hand with a muffler. Many also call it a pre-muffler, implying that its function is to transform the sound reaching from the engine into something which the muffler can handle and work on.

A resonator does its job by not trying to remove the sound but by changing the sound itself. For now, we will discuss how a resonator can help solve the noise problem without causing a dip in the vehicle’s performance.

Now, let’s see how a resonator can change the sound of an engine and turn it into something which a muffler can handle more easily.

A resonator is an empty chamber. Through this empty chamber, the exhaust goes through. The exhaust brings the sound that we wish to remove with it. The sound comes in the form of pulses. When they enter the chamber, these pulses move around randomly. As they move around in the chamber, the chances increase greatly of a resonance between the sound pulses.

If it happens so that the sound pulses resonate, or in other words, cancel each other out, then we see a great difference in the resulting sound that leaves from the resonator. The louder and more unpleasant sounds are usually the ones that are canceled out in this entire process leaving you with a more bearable sound than before.

There are many different types of resonators. Each type offers something unique, and we recommend that you find out about these resonators and get to know what they do.

Best Resonators Review

1.   Vibrant 1142

The Vibrant 1142 is one of the best resonators that money can buy. The main feature of this resonator is its ability to be extremely quiet. It reduces the sound and does not mess with the flow of the exhaust.

It is constructed from stainless steel and has the ability to handle high temperatures. It has a straight perforated core along with a larger chamber than usual which aids the resonator in reducing the noise.

Features

  • Straight perforated core
  • Large sound absorption chamber

Pros

  • Extremely quiet performance
  • Handles high temperatures with ease

Cons

  • May not be compatible with rotary engines

2.   Walker 21398

The Walker 21398 should be your top choice for a resonator if you are looking for a durable option.

The resonator is made from aluminized steel which helps in increasing the longevity of the resonator; it also makes it highly corrosion resistant. It is designed in a manner which makes it very customizable so you can use it on a variety of vehicles.

It aims to provide you with the same performance as you originally had in your vehicle and aids the fuel efficiency too!

Features

  • OE-style tubes
  • Aluminized construction
  • Thick flanges and brackets

Pros

  • Durability
  • Increased fuel efficiency

Cons

  • May require welding to install

3.   Cummins 1552449

The Cummins 1552449 is one of the best budget options available on the market for a resonator. It does all the things you would expect a resonator to do, and it does them well.

On top of that, it doesn’t cost you all that much which makes the value proposition even greater. It is made from aluminized steel and is a durable piece of equipment being able to handle different weather conditions with ease.

It looks unassuming at first sight, but the Cummins 1552449 is a great bang for your buck considering the lifespan and the price!

Features

  • Aluminized body
  • Simple straightforward design

Pros

  • Durability
  • Great value
  • Works well in different conditions

Cons

  • Installation may be difficult

Mufflers – Detailed Description

A muffler does exactly what its name entails. We know that a resonator works by trying to change the sound coming from the engine. A muffler does not try to do this; it works to ensure that the actual sound it receives is a sound that it quiets and transforms into something that can be much easier to listen to.

The main role that the muffler plays is to reduce the sound. However, that is not the only thing that it does. A muffler also affects the performance of your vehicle.  

A muffler reduces the sound by restricting the flow of the exhaust; when it does this, the engine performance takes a hit, and it slows down. The muffler is designed in a specific manner to achieve this goal. The sound waves coming from the engine are redirected in the chambers of the muffler and go through the internal tubes of the mufflers. The design works to cancel the sound waves, and the result is a much quieter engine.

This was the main function of a muffler that we just discussed. There is one more thing that a muffler does, which many people do not know about, that is that a muffler protects the vehicle and you from the engine’s fumes. The gases produced by a car’s engine are highly toxic and are very harmful to breathe in.

When replacing your muffler, it is essential to know the muffler replacement process and its costs.

Hence, the muffler plays an all-important role in saving you from your neighbors’ noise complaints and saves your health by protecting you from all the gases being produced in the engine.

Since we know the importance of a muffler now, buy the best muffler you can!

Best Muffler Reviews

1.   MagnaFlow 12288

The MagnaFlow 12288 is one of the best choices for a muffler. It is built from high quality stainless steel which resists corrosion and has a universal fit meaning that it can be used for a variety of vehicles after it has been properly welded.

The sound that this muffler produces is one to die for. It has a deep tone which any MagnaFlow enthusiast will recognize from a mile away!

To top things off, this muffler comes in a brushed satin finish which provides it with a very premium look.

Features

  • Brush satin finish
  • Universal fit
  • Stainless steel build

Pros

  • Premium look
  • Classic sound
  • Durable

Cons

  • Welding required for installation

2.   FlowMaster 942551

If you want to get a moderate sound from your vehicle, the FlowMaster 942551 will be providing you with it. It is a decent muffler having all the functionalities which you would expect from it. The interior resonance is mild and apart from sound performance, it also improves the fuel economy and power of the engine.

The surface of the muffler is oxidation resistant which helps in increasing the longevity of the component.

To make things easier, the installation process is very smooth, and the muffler works best for street rod car, so if you own one, you are in luck!

Features

  • Oxidation free surface
  • Black finish

Pros

  • Increased engine efficiency
  • Durable

Cons

  • Doesn’t work well without a resonator

3.   Cherry Bomb Glasspack Muffler

The cheapest muffler on our list is also the most eye catching one!

The Cherry Bomb Glasspack comes in a, you guessed it, cherry red finish. It is extremely eye-catching and definitely the option for you if you want to stand out.

You wouldn’t want to get this muffler if you’re looking for a low sound, instead if you want a ferocious sound, then this is the option for you. It’s performance goes well with its looks.

It is manufactured in the States so if that is something you appreciate, well this muffler has it. It has a compact and simple design allowing for easy installation.

Features

  • Eye-catching color
  • Made in the USA

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Easy installation

Cons

  • Sometimes arrives damaged out of the box

Things to consider when buying a muffler or a resonator

Material

Corrosion is one of the most prevalent causes of resonator failure. The material quality of an exhaust resonator plays an important role in increasing its strength, longevity, and overall performance. Due to their position, the resonators are constantly exposed to the road and weather conditions, leaving them susceptible to rust, which can dramatically limit their service life and necessitate more frequent repairs.

A resonator’s high-quality material functions as a sound absorber and helps to limit the unwanted sound that emanates from the exhaust system. Stainless steel resonators are also useful since they are long-lasting and rust-resistant.

So always make sure to go for a resonator with the best quality materials that will last you long to ensure that you are getting a good return on your investment.

Brands

Different brands each have their own set of perks and benefits. When purchasing a new resonator, you must consider these aspects. Some are designed to be long-lasting, while others are designed to be simple to install. Corrosion treatments on resonators are corrosion-resistant and long-lasting.

Hence, always go for a brand that offers features that suit your needs; this will ensure that you get as much out of your resonator as possible. Magnaflow and Flowmaster are two good brands whose names always come up when talking about exhaust systems.

Compatibility

Each vehicle has a different type of muffler that is compatible with it. To make sure that you are buying a muffler that is compatible with your vehicle, take a look at the specifications of your vehicle and then search for a muffler that fits your vehicle’s specifications.

 

Frequently asked questions about resonators and mufflers

  1. How should a muffler be maintained?

Ans. You don’t have to worry about keeping the muffler in good working order. Instead, it would be best to concentrate on being as careful as possible with your engine, as engine problems might have ramifications for the muffler.

You can safeguard your engine and, by extension, your muffler, by arranging periodic checks and always remembering to refresh your motor oil.

  1. Do mufflers increase fuel efficiency?

Ans. Yes, the efficiency is increased by the use of a proper muffler. A common misconception amongst the general population is that mufflers can increase an engine’s power, which is never the case.

Efficiency is sometimes confused with the engine power.

To understand it simply, efficiency means getting the most out of your engine for as little as possible. Hence, a good muffler will provide you with economic benefits by making your car’s system more efficient than before.

  1. What is the risk of not replacing your muffler?

Ans. It is important to remember that the muffler does more than suppress sound. It also ensures the safety of everyone in your car. You’ll only endanger yourself and your vehicle if you drive it around while it requires maintenance. You can even be fined for making too much noise.

 

Conclusion

This article has gone over the differences between resonators and mufflers. We have learned about the importance of both components in a vehicle’s system.

It is not reasonable to think of these components as opposing forces. Instead, we have to realize that they both work together to diminish the aggressive sounds from a car’s engine.

A good exhaust system will go a long way in providing you with a better driving experience and will make life easier for you!