Elliott,
This is like the Ford/Dodge/Chevy or boxers/brief discussions, but you ask so here are my thoughts under a new thread to keep from running the other one off the tracks.
The old muffler is huge heat sink that is nice in the wintertime for the bedroom but not so good for the summer. Our stripes were overheated in that area causing them to peel. The weight loss is great just (ask any Dr.) that alone is probably a good 1/4 mile to the gallon. They (the old muffler) are reported to cause more back pressure but I have no dino proof other than with a resonator the turbo sure spins up faster. This was even noticeable from the copilot on the first outing after the install. Faster turbo related to faster throttle response and this tricks the brain into thinking that you don't need WOT to get going or stay going resulting in better mileage. The noise can vary from one maker to the other so if you want less noise then look at a Vibrant or Walker rather than an Aero or Aero XL.
Others will chime in as to their experience but these are what comes to mind to start with.
Mike
My thought: I did the swap and have never regretted the decision. If you have some spare time, read through the whole LOOOONG thread linked below for a number of different O-pinions.
(My installation post starts on Reply #226).
Resonator and muffler replacement (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=15111.0)
I put a resonator in my coach and on the highway I can barely hear the Jake brake when I
put it on which I like to hear. The extra space under there makes working on that side of
the coach way easier.
Elliot - I agree with the posts above... Lots of posts on the forum regarding Resonator installs.
I found the change out to be a very easy DIY project. We changed ours a few years ago, used the 5050XL. You are definitely not sneaking out of campgrounds, it IS louder, however with a soft foot, the increased noise isn't totally obnoxious...
The power and mileage gain I can't "calibrate", however two significant pluses we've noticed: definitely cooler iin the bedroom, and related to performance and mileage. I've noticed that on Cruise control, much less down shifting on hills. Ancedotally, I think/feel the Turbo spools up faster too.
Added benefit, you gain significant room in the rear left area around the batteries. Enough room to easily service the batteries and room to build a rack to hold tools...
At a Rally last spring we attended, another U320 had the MagnaFlow Resonator installed next to us. It was significantly quieterwhen we pulled put . If I were to do this again I think I'd Install the Magnaflow. Would be interesting to hear from those with the Magnaflow Resonator installed?
Best, J & K
A resonator was installed on our coach with the help of guru Scott (DSD) and have not looked back. The 5050XL was the unit we installed! Plus 1 on Jeff's thoughts!
I installed the Magnaflow 12771 about 7 years ago. I am still 100% pleased with the product. It has zero rust or corrosion evident. It still sounds exactly the same to my ears as when first installed. I like the sound on our C8.3, but of course that is purely subjective. It might sound "different" on the the larger Cummins engines...I don't know.
Current resonator opinions (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=37235.msg356893#msg356893)
Amazon.com: MagnaFlow 7in Round Center/Center Performance Muffler Exhaust... (https://www.amazon.com/MagnaFlow-Exhaust-Products-12771-Muffler/dp/B000RDJMQ8)
Elliot i used the 30" magnaflow. It was twice the weight of the next choice. 5050xl I ran around the neighborhood before and after and couldnt tell much of a noise difference, but it is louder. No difference inside. It does reduce to 4" inside that concerned me but im unable to compare to what it could be without. Im satisfied with how loud it is but am aware that it is louder and drive accordingly. But the bedroom is noticeably cooler. Also added 1" insulation on sides of engine cover/bed stand and 2" on top. Also added radiator fan control override switch to run fans on hi before shutdown. For 20 minutes prior to parking. Those three changes make it possible to sleep in bedroom during stops when we drive across the states every year. Huge improvement.
Ism exhaust resonator options (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=42354.0)
Hydraulic fan controller DIY (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=41024.0)
Scott
To install, are these clamped or welded? Is this a DIY or does an muffler shop have to do this?
I think most bolt on.
If you have a Jake, it will be louder, probably a lot louder. A long one would not makes as much noise.
Detroit 2 cycles will need a 5 inch minimum as all the exhaust is 5 inches.
Pierce
Weld on is best . Or clamp and weld later if you get parts creeping.
This subject comes up every couple of years. Never have I seen a response that said that they had made a mistake and would put a muffler back on.
For mileage I took the same trip many times in my coach both before and after the resonator. I noticed on silver leaf I had more boost pressure and on a cross country trip following the exact same roads and stops we used 178 gallons less diesel after I installed it. That is over 5 plus years with he old muffler and 5 years with the resonator. I added up the gallons on each trip and averaged them and the mileage was the same give or take 10 miles due to getting fuel on either end when I needed it and it was cheaper.
I installed the 5050XL and have been very happy with the results. Made a s/s wire basket to hold all my sewer hoses and fittings. 6 bolts to remove basket for access to the eng batteries, works very well.
If anything I wish my exhaust with resonator was a tad bit louder. I hear none of the rumble from the drivers seat and wish I could hear a LITTLE.Call me strange and it won't be the first time.
I can tell you with a straight pipe you ain't sneaking up on nobody.
Straight may be a bit raunchy.
We also switched to the resonator and experienced all the benefits. The old muffler was really rusty, didn't perform well, took up a lot of space and kept things pretty hot back there. I don't notice the increased sound unless driving under an overpass while accelerating.
It was an easy install, once I was able to find the needed pieces. I posted the photos on this site.
I had to go look at mine, that's a monster. It appears clamped on. I need to get the dimensions and see what's needed to replace this
Something that has not been talked about is that new mounts will need to be fabricated.I wouldn't want to take on without someone with welding skills available. If your determined most of the pieces may be reusable but will need to be modified. Also a heat shield for the AC condenser would be nice. If your cutting and welding you'll need a extra 45 deg to finish. If corroded they all may need to be replaced.shorter resonator are easier compared to long to install. Im not a fan of using a lot of the flex pipe because it doesn't retain a memory and then your exhaust is rubbing on something expensive.
Scott
Mine was very easy to do.
Another resonator install (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=33817.msg309206#msg309206)
Thanks for the input everyone. This has been added to the list for when we get back this fall.
On the list for the November trip to Nac.
we'll you said you wanted to be able to hear it. 😎I assure you can hear it from the drivers seat, going to tame it down a bit this winter.
I want to hear it B, I just don't want it to interfere with Grand Funk Railroad and Merl Haggard. It's a fine balance.
Been thinking about this for a while after afew good times of chiming my bell on that massive drum of a muffler.
Where are folks getting the fab up pipes, etc? resonators see em everywhere, with amazon being a common link. Dont really want to rip the old out then spend weeks trying to get all the parts.
I found everything I needed at a local muffler shop that does work on big trucks. They should stock appropriate sized band clamps, hangers, and 4" and 5" OD aluminized exhaust pipe in both straight sections and 45 and 90 degree bends.
Maybe the same as yours. read the parts list
I have read this and several older resonator posts.
Does anyone have a recent parts list for a 1998ish U320 with the M11? Would it be the same as the 8.3?
Short answer is No. The 8.3 will most all have a 4" exhaust system and the M-11 a 5" Refer to craneman's post for the parts needed as yours will be real close.
Mike
I think I am missing something.
Craneman references a parts list just above, but it is for an 8.3. Craneman's thread about his install references Sven's parts list, but does not provide it. He does mention that the 45s and 90s come in different varieties, and suggests one might make it easier than another.
I think I have seen a list here before, but I can't find it.
Barry's site had a list that Sven mentions. I can't find it.
I followed Steve and Michelle's write up and parts list for an ISM in a 2003 38' U320.
Resonator Installation (http://www.irvblog.com/foretravel%20projects/Resinator/)
Did the work with the help of a friend in 2017.
40000+ miles later I am happy with that big muffler gone and now easy access to engine batteries.
At idle it is ok but is louder when on the accelerator.
On a motorcade we stopped in a rest area and you could tell who was running with a muffler and those that did not
as they passed by.
.
Foretravel Motorhome technical help and information links (https://web.archive.org/web/20191218073247/http://www.beamalarm.com/foretravel-links/foretravel-technical-help.html)
Crane, thanks will check out the link.
My new magnaflow is in the basement. Scheduled for install by MOT in September. Currently have a couple of cracks in the muffler.
Rich
Donaldson makes all of that stuff and even warns you to check which goes in and which goes over.
https://www.donaldson.com/content/dam/donaldson/engine-hydraulics-bulk/catalogs/Exhaust/North-America/F110028-ENG/Exhaust-Product-Guide.pdf
Thanks for posting. I knew about there air filter systems but had no clue they did exhaust components. Think I like my magna flow even better now.
Amazon.com: MagnaFlow 7in Round Center/Center Performance Muffler 12774 -... (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XQO0ZM/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Correct Donaldson muffler is nearly a coach buck by the time its shipped. Nevertheless this is a great source for part number to search components with.
M101158 Donaldson Muffler- Style 1- Silent Partner- Stainless Steel - Triple... (https://triplertruckparts.com/m101158-donaldson-muffler-5in-out-44-long/?setCurrencyId=1)
Would reccommend anyone who does not have a Donaldson pre-cleaner and is doing a muffler redo install a pre-cleaner at the same time.
John, I assume you did this? Did you have to relocate existing air cleaner to eng. compartment? Mine is mounted befind rear wheels.
Ours came with the precleaner,pretty sure the original owners "ordered " the coach.
Is the Donaldson or MagnaFlow quieter? I want quiet which is why I own a diesel pusher in the first place. The DW and I have more quiet talks on our trips than we do all year at home. I'd hate to start a shouting match on vacation!
Donaldson Precleaner (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=41252.0)
Great mod IMO
The Donaldson is a muffler, the magna flow is a resonator. The magnaflow does neck down to four inches inside. I am unable to hear the magnaflow at hi way speeds. It is certainly louder than the stock muffler with the windows open and against a wall or in a tunnel, but with window close it doesn't exist. Non issue in my opinion.
X2. At highway speed, road noise and wind noise in our GV (equipped with MagnaFlow) is far louder than ANY sounds emanating from the engine room.
When we are driving in stop-and-go city traffic, if I open the driver side window, I can hear the turbo spinning up at the top of each gear just before tranny shifts up to next gear. It is a very kool sound!
I'm considering this modification. Those that have done it yourself did the exhaust muffler and pipes come apart or have to be cut out?
Mine came apart without any cutting. And installation without any welding.
If a previous owner hasn't "been in there" the joints should be made with flat clamps. Even so you'll need and air impact hammer with the hammer tool to drive the sections apart. Just move the clamp onto the part you want to remove and hammer away. I tried to do it with hammer and punch, then I made a trip to Harbor Freight for the above mentioned tools. I already had two Porter Cable pancake compressors for spraying gel coat. Once all was set up and ready to go, and I'd developed control over the impact gun, I leaned into the job planning to run until both compressors were huffing away and pressure began to drop off. Then I noticed that the tail pipe had turned 90 degrees under its own weight, looking a little further the tail pipe had bumped up against something solid. Moral of the story is the pipes come out pretty easy with the right tools.
Anyone have a specific source for exhaust parts,please don't say "on line" or the internet or Aamazon,need the 4 inch parts
for the 8.3.
Thanks, I hadn't thought of moving the clamps as something to hammer against. I also considered cutting as I don't think I'll be reusing any of the parts.
See if you have a truck muffler shop in your area, that's what I used here.
X2. Exactly the same experience - no cutting required and no welding. Did the job in our driveway using common hand tools.
I used a angle grinder and a razor wheel about 20 minutes the old muffler hit the concrete
Chris
I also did mine in the driveway with no cutting or welding. Was a days job after I had all the parts ready.
Very little cutting to remove and reused a lot of pieces but welded everything together. No clamps except on the factory flex joint.
Following.
Ism exhaust resonator options (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=42354.msg424936#msg424936)
See reply 40 for pictures
So its seen 15k miles maybe more. Still sounds the same to me and would still reccomend.
Scott
Last week a fella was leaving the Valley of Fire CG in a 40 ft class A and he definitely had a resonator, man the bugger was loud when he came by.
I'll be putting one on when my garbage can blows out !
Possibly that fella had only a straight pipe if it was noticeably loud leaving the campground. Deleting the muffler and adding a resonator just changes the sound. ^.^d
Mine has a straight pipe, and it is raspy loud, especially under a full load. However a resonator only changes the tone, it's still straight through just like the old cherry bombs. With either one you aren't sneaking up on anyone. If you are worried about excess noise you might consider a conventional muffler.
Had a MagnaFlo installed at MoT this week. After 250 miles, I'm happy with the results. It does not seem to be noticeably louder. May see about 10% better fuel mileage.
Rich
Rich, do you have the model number of the MagnaFlo you had installed?
12771
Rich