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Topic: Resonator Installation (Read 1025 times) previous topic - next topic

Resonator Installation


      Wondering if anyone has replaced their muffler with a resonator on a 450 HP Cummins.
        If so... has there been an increase in mileage?
Fred B
2000 U320 36'

Re: Resonator Installation

Reply #1 –
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
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Resonator Installation

Reply #2 –
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.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Resonator Installation

Reply #3 –
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



Dave and Nancy Abel
'00 U320 36' WTFE  Build #5669
'10 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
Livingston, TX  SKP's Fulltiming

Re: Resonator Installation

Reply #4 –
Quote from: sueb –
      Wondering if anyone has replaced their muffler with a resonator on a 450 HP Cummins.
        If so... has there been an increase in mileage?
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. 

Quote
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.
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
2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"

Re: Resonator Installation

Reply #5 –
Quote from: sueb –
      Wondering if anyone has replaced their muffler with a resonator on a 450 HP Cummins.

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
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Resonator Installation

Reply #6 –
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. 
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Resonator Installation

Reply #7 –
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 and Nancy
1999/2013 U270 36' Xtreme
Motorcade # 16774
2013 Subaru Outback
KD0NIM

Re: Resonator Installation

Reply #8 –
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
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: Resonator Installation

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Michael & Jackie –
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?
Dave and Nancy
1999/2013 U270 36' Xtreme
Motorcade # 16774
2013 Subaru Outback
KD0NIM

Re: Resonator Installation

Reply #10 –
I have the Walker like dave and when we arrive listen to it as it is good.
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Resonator Installation

Reply #11 –
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 & Carrie
2023 Geneva 31VA
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED "The Button Pusher" - GONE 🥺
 

Re: Resonator Installation

Reply #12 –
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
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320