A resonator has been part of a vehicle’s exhaust systems for quite some time now and while it started being used mainly on luxury vehicles nowadays everyday commuter cars have them too. They are made to make the car sound less rampant especially as vibrations come from the engine and go through the exhaust but are still different to mufflers.
A muffler is made to regulate exhaust sound while a resonator is made to get rid of drone and annoying vibrations so the vehicle sounds better. The latter is used to help the muffler but it can also affect performance.
What Does an Exhaust Resonator do?
Performance
Talking about engine performance, an aftermarket exhaust resonator is able to improve upon it since it helps reduce the friction that’s happening in the engine. An aftermarket performance exhaust resonator also helps reduce the amount of back pressure in your vehicle making the exhaust less restrictive which doesn’t rob the engine from HP.
Support
As mentioned above, the resonator helps the muffler do its job better which is why most manufacturers today add resonators even to vehicles that are not that loud. If you want to refine the noise your car makes but don’t want to add a completable new exhaust, just go for an aftermarket exhaust resonator.
Noise
Another big reason why you’d want to add even a sport exhaust resonator is to reduce the amount of noise coming out of the back of your car. This way you’ll still enjoy your backroad fun without being as loud to other road users but also loud enough for you to hear that sweet engine note.
Frequencies
Having the exhaust have fewer frequencies reverberating through it means less drone is present. With a resonator that is easily possible and as soon as you install it you get to hear and feel the difference as less buzzing and harsh-pitched noises are coming through the cabin.
Types of Resonators
Dissipative
Dissipative or glasspack resonators, as they’re also called, are the most common resonators you’ll come across. They are filled with fibreglass or metal packing materials that are able to absorb the sounds coming from the engine. The material inside the resonator is quite soft which is why it can cancel out sound waves so well.
Chambered
A chambered or Helmholz resonator comes with a number of cavities that help cancel out sound waves much like a dissipative sport exhaust resonator does but it creates a cool buzzing sound as a result of it. A chambered resonator makes use of metal plates called baffles that help make the sound from the engine more appealing to your ears.
Expansion Chamber
An expansion chamber exhaust resonator is the simplest and most efficient solution you can get. Why? Because it has a tube with varying diameters inside it and when the sound comes through the difference in diameter is what helps them cancel each other as they bounce from the tubing.
Louvred
With a louvred resonator, you get one that is quite similar to a dissipative resonator as it has an unobstructed core. Instead of a pliable material, the inside of a louvred resonator is lined with steel slats that help dampen the noise from the engine. There are also exterior slats that give this resonator a unique appearance.
Spiral
If you want a more balanced solution between sound dampening and performance you should consider going for a spiral resonator. That’s because this type of performance exhaust resonator has a prolonged curled path in its housing that helps extend the route that engine noises need to take. This design helps keep them more toned down and retains a smooth exhaust flow.
What Makes a Good Resonator?
Structure
What’s inside a resonator determines how well it will absorb unwanted sounds and how it’ll affect the actual sound coming from the engine. Some are able to make that burble more apparent and others are able to make it less noticeable. The structure inside the resonator or rather the type of resonator you go for should go well with the sound your car makes without it.
Size
There are different sizes of resonators but you should never go for one that is going to be suited for your exhaust and more importantly, the muffler. Make sure you refer to manufacturer recommendations for this, otherwise, you can easily make your vehicle sound off.
Material
If you want an aftermarket exhaust resonator that you’ll use for a long time, you should look for one made of a durable material. The construction of the resonator is also important for its longevity as well as for its appearance. Some materials will blend in with the rest of your vehicle’s exhaust and undercarriage while others will catch everyone’s attention, especially petrol heads.
Conclusion
Resonators are not a must-have component for every car but they are a nice addition for both your driving experience and for how others see your vehicle. They’re a simple add-on in terms of installation and as a long-term investment.
Australian Atlas 