Wondering if anyone has replaced their muffler with a resonator on a 450 HP Cummins.
If so... has there been an increase in mileage?
Down in NAC now. Probably going to get that done while we are here. Benefits seem to be an increase in boost pressure due to lower back pressure and perhaps a bit increase in power and a reduction in heat under the bed. Not much agreement on any change in fuel use but some say there is a bit of improvement.
Parts aren't too expensive if you do it yourself. Takes the better part of a day here if Bernd's crew does it.
Roger
I have a 450 cummings, didn't check mileage. much better out of the hole, but probably use as much more accelerating as I gain at cruise.
Others that track mileage may have better data.
Howdy sueb,
We fulltime and have a 36', '00 U320, ISM450 and tow a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. We drive around 1400rpm in 5th (55-57) or 6th (62-64).
Bernd (Nacogodoches) installed our resonator along with adjusting the valves in April, 2014. As others have noted, noticeable improvement in acceleration, better engine performance and less heat in the bedroom area. I've been very happy with the resonator upgrade, and consider it one of our best upgrades.
I have logged my fuel, mileage, engine hours, fuel costs, and generator hours for the last 4 years(> 50,000 miles). Since the resonator install, over 11,000 miles, I've noticed an improvement in fuel mileage from 7.7 to 8.2. Some of our travels included mountain driving in New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota. This mileage also includes generator and AquaHot usage.
Bernd indicated that adjusting the valves would also have an impact on engine performance. I had always assumed, that when I had the valves adjusted they would need to be tightened, but it was just the opposite, they were too tight and needed to be loosened.
Anyway, between valve adjustment and resonator install, a very nice improvement in fuel mileage. I can highly recommend Bernd and crew for this and other coach work. I intend to use Bernd when its time for new fuel lines.
Good Luck, Dave A
Many many many have replaced them on the 450, there are even a few parts lists on the site depending on your year of coach. As noted nothing clear if there was an overall MPG increase but that may be just how you drive it. Since it can breath better, so it can drink better when needed, like hills and entrance ramps, so it may be if you can resist the urge to take the hill :P 15K as monitored on my VMSpc and can't say I've noticed a difference, I notice more if I have a headwind.
We started with the Aero and then moved to the Magnaflow for noise reasons. I feel the Aero may have had slightly better petal performance but I don't cringe when I drive through one officer towns with nebulous excessive noise regulations.
Getting (finally) the valve adjustment done is on my list this year, was planning on Bernd as well, glad to hear they are getting the ^.^d
Search is your friend. 6 pages of results if you simply search for resonator. Here's one of the longer threads
Resonator and muffler replacement (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=15111.0)
Replaced my 4" muffler on a 300 hp Cummins 8.3 with a 4" Aero muffler (like the resonator except longer). I can't tell any difference in power or mileage. It makes a little more noise at idle, but is about the same under load as the turbo does most of the muffling anyway. The smaller size of the Aero allowed me to use the extra space for something else.
I put in an Aero 5050XL about a year ago, and either my hearing has improved dramatically (Nancy says no...) or it has gotten louder. With a glass pac, I would expect that it has gotten choked up with carbon, but the 5050XL claims it doesn't have absorbent packing, and I haven't had it off to look inside. Kent says he can tell that it's either our coach or a big piece of construction equipment... :o I think I will replace with a Magnaflow also.
Dave, you heard of a Walker resonator? Dave M told me the other day when he was here that he thougt it good, and i think he said it aluminum, not rust out? I plan to ask Bernd his ideas, but think I wAnt mine with some insulated piping, read some member recommended that? I need to check the thread that Michelle referenced.
Mike
I had the equivalent of a Walker when I first went to a resonator, and it got clogged with soot after a year and became noisy. I replaced it with the 5050XL. Maybe my engine just puts out too much soot?
I have the Walker like dave and when we arrive listen to it as it is good.
JohnH
Thanks for everyone's input here....since I just finished my Areo 4040XL install and haven't had a trip yet the noise level has been my biggest question. At idle I can't tell a difference. Time will tell I guess. From what you all are saying soot may be an issue so with my older CAT I hope that doesn't become an issue.
Thanks again all!
Jeff
Jeff, what do you have for an auxilliary brake: trans retarder, Jake or exhaust brake? I'm wondering about the sound with a Jake. Thanks.
jor