Resonator....done

Topic: Resonator....done (Read 1577 times) previous topic - next topic

Resonator....done

May 16, 2015, 01:21:09 pm

Well, we took the coach in to Bernd Wednesday for a resonator; I just could not stand leaving well enough alone. And I was taught at work, a mantra, if it aint broke, don't fix it. Wasn't, but I did.

I had discussed with Bernd and Tony a week ago about different resonator designs that he had, and also with Ted Campbell who had just gotten a Donaldson. I looked at Mark Benko's coach with a new Magnaflow. Reread all the Forum info that I could find.

I decided on the longer Magnaflow though a friend with me has had Bernd set aside the shorter Magnaflow to be installed next week.

Bernd's mechanic Bo Reece did the work. And it looks a work of art, like a cast put on a broken leg in the ER! He took special care, or so it seemed. He really liked our coach, the paint job I think. I have posted pictures of the installed Magnaflow, but do not expect to see much shiny....it is all wrapped with heat wrap.

One thing you have seen before in other post I am sure, the vacant space. The resonator runs close to the AC radiator, seemed good to protect it, and the resonator is a bit further out than the exhaust pipe had been.

There was however some extra work. There was rust in one area and the pipe could not be reused. Moreover, there was some other rust in an area associated with the old muffler system. Bo cleaned it all and then coated it with a protectant. I had seen some evidence but not all until he showed me.

I hope that the meticulous nature of his work can be seen in the photos.

Thanks Bernd, and especially Bo. My friend will insist that Bo install his. (Two others dropped by and saw the work, at least one is getting a resonator.) I also met Amos, of the Forum, glad for that, and a fellow I think named Abshear who started the Yahoo Foretravel forum, now owns a 1990 Wanderlodge.

Cheers....oh the resonator noise level is just fine and the tone great too.

Mike

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #1 – May 16, 2015, 01:27:58 pm

.
is performance enhanced.. i would think it would hold heatHeat wrap? Why? Mine is at least 10" from anything

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #2 – May 16, 2015, 01:30:44 pm

Hi Michael,
Nice work. Last I heard Scott Abshear was looking/living in Colorado. I hope he is well. He was the original producer for the Foretravel forum. Now you can enjoy your new sound, and performance.
Raymond

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #3 – May 16, 2015, 02:20:07 pm

I had not heard Scott's name for years. Glad he is still around. He was instrumental in the Old Yahoo group operation.
Gary B

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #4 – May 16, 2015, 02:59:29 pm

I was at FOT when h bought his new to him Bird. You will love the new performance.

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #5 – May 16, 2015, 03:01:19 pm

Nice looking job, Mike.

Roger

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #6 – May 16, 2015, 07:09:47 pm

Are there any data that such a RESONATOR provides any genuine advantage (other than a different sound)?
Sometimes dynamometer testing of motorcycle and automobiles shows REDUCED horsepower after exhaust mods.
Considering that my OEM muffler canister is ENORMOUS, I have trouble comprehending that it causes much back pressure.
Anyone have empirical data for the difference any resonator makes to a Cummins 8.3L diesel?

I have looked at listings such as:
MBRP Stainless Steel Exhaust Universal Resonator 4" in Out 12" Body 18"...
Aero Exhaust Resonated Turbine XL Series Performance Muffler AT4040XL -...
http://www.ftediesel.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=7
Banks Monster Mufflers 53801 - Free Shipping on Orders Over at Summit Racing

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #7 – May 16, 2015, 08:15:43 pm

Morgan, I have driven the same route many times. It is cross country from VA to Spokane. I averaged all the fuel used prior to the resonator and after the resonator and I used 173 less gallons. I get about 3/4 of a MPG more I also get more turbo boost as seen on my silverleaf buy a couple pounds and it spools up much faster too.

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #8 – May 16, 2015, 08:37:48 pm

Thanks, John. Is there a corresponding increase in EGT?

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #9 – May 17, 2015, 01:38:49 am

Mogan, I did my own resonator change and the drop in EGT is very evident. Put it this way before the removal our bed at night was very warm and after it is cool, and that has nothing to do with a lifestyle change either. It was very apparant to say the least. I too get better mileage but do not know what it is. My Pyrometer shows a 200/300 deg lowering.
johnH

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #10 – May 17, 2015, 07:41:04 am

Mike,

What was the final cost? It was sounding like about $1,000 when I talked to you, but you hadn't seen the final bill. I'd like to know if anyone's seen an improvement in dash A/C from the exhaust redesign.

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #11 – May 17, 2015, 08:12:07 am

Quote from: Mogan David – May 16, 2015, 07:09:47 pm

Anyone have empirical data for the difference any resonator makes to a Cummins 8.3L diesel?

In addition to the credible but anecdotal evidence (above), there is one undeniable fact: any resonator is simpler, lighter, and smaller than the OEM garbage can sized muffler. A reduction in weight, no matter how insignificant, usually produces a positive change in performance.

As Chapman said "Simplify, then add lightness".

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #12 – May 17, 2015, 09:21:33 am

COST ? Oh yes very high cost depending on what rip off shop you choose, for me, my total outlay, $131.20, I did the labor.
Very expensive ?

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #13 – May 17, 2015, 10:33:11 am

Good morning Brett.

When we visited, i should have said about 1200 originally and that was before I had some detail I now have! I had figured roughly $800 labor and $200 resonator just us talking. This is what i learned and am quite pleased with cost and detail of the bill and the work done.

Bernd schedules 8 hours but ten was spent due to rust remove and treatment. Their rate is now $99 but you can get some MC discount. When you exclude the rust time and heat protection (they try to lessen heat around certain wiring, ac and starter vs original), it came to $1,341 inc tax, clamps, hangers, resonator, labor, flex pipe.

Let me know if need more info.

Note the Donaldson may use less pipe due to its shorter length changes position some. Not know cost of that resonator. I could not consider the Walker, he thought it in stock but was not.

The wrap and rust added as does the various resonators can be $100 one over another.

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #14 – May 17, 2015, 10:41:31 am

The hangers in the 3rd and 4th picture. Check them in a few miles to make sure they haven't moved or bent.

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #15 – May 17, 2015, 11:07:12 am

Copied this from one of my previous posts.
I put a 4040 XL aeroturbine muffler/resonator on my coach. It replaced the stock Donaldson muffler. Stick with the size of exhaust pipe that you have to keep it simple. I had to fabricate new brackets, buy a 90 degree ell and install some SS flex pipe to the chrome exhaust tip. Exhaust pipe, ells, and fittings come in OD and ID sizes, so you have to buy the right sizes for the parts to fit together. About a 6 week wait to get the SS ell. Bought everything except the metal for the mounting brackets from companies I found on the internet. The XL model is longer and I believe a little quieter. You can look straight though it, not much to cause back pressure. Expect the shiny SS muffler to discolor as soon as you drive the coach. If it has helped increase the power and mileage, I can't tell it, but hopefully a little. The exhaust at idle is a little louder, but I don't notice any difference in the sound going down the road. I had the drivers window open going up the Zion NP tunnel expecting a big racket, but it was rather quiet.
My main reason for doing this was so I could use the space occupied by the old muffler for something else.

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #16 – May 17, 2015, 11:10:25 am

Quote from: Mogan David – May 16, 2015, 07:09:47 pm

Are there any data that such a RESONATOR provides any genuine advantage (other than a different sound)?
Sometimes dynamometer testing of motorcycle and automobiles shows REDUCED horsepower after exhaust mods.
Considering that my OEM muffler canister is ENORMOUS, I have trouble comprehending that it causes much back pressure.
Anyone have empirical data for the difference any resonator makes to a Cummins 8.3L diesel?

Howdy Morgan, We have a ISM450, not a 8.3, but here's a link to our experience: Resonator Installation
Good Luck, Dave A

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #17 – May 17, 2015, 11:20:49 am

Quote from: Jerry Whiteaker – May 17, 2015, 11:07:12 am

My main reason for doing this was so I could use the space occupied by the old muffler for something else.

Jerry,

Please tell us what else.

Inquiring minds want to know.

Thanks,

Trent

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #18 – May 17, 2015, 11:36:10 am

Wow Dave you got a better deal than I did as it cost me around $150 for parts etc and luckily I got the same labour cost as you did--
JohnH

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #19 – May 17, 2015, 12:50:58 pm

In picture 3 it looks like that hanger bracket is not constrained from rotating in the horizontal plane. Picture 4 looks like the pipe can rotate in the vertical plane. Am I missing something?
Rick

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #20 – May 17, 2015, 01:12:22 pm

Rick, yes you are as the picture is not orientated correctly and there are brackets/hangers on opposing side from what I can see in Pic 4
JohnH

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #21 – May 17, 2015, 03:34:34 pm

Never figured this topic would generate such interest. I am grateful and will follow up on a couple of issues or questions that popped up.

IF it would help, I would be glad to post photos from other views, just let me know what if that might help, what you might like to see more detail.

And I am interested in the heat wrap. Bernd said good to do, I did not question it. I viewed it to get the heat out via the exhaust to the cars behind rather than radiate under the coach. They mentioned too protecting some wiring, starter. Maybe I thinking that wrongly and it not a good or necessary thing to wrap?

I relied on performance evidence as cited by many on the Forum, mostly people that I know and value highly their experience. However I cannot provide any objective numerical evidence. Wish that I could. In very limited driving since we got it, I felt it did perform some better. But I may just imagine that after paying the bill!

Hope this has been instructive, helps add to the huge wealth of resonator discussions on the Forum. Thanks to each.

Mike

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #22 – May 17, 2015, 03:42:37 pm

Mike,
I consider our Foretravels as our best friends and toys to get us to where we really want to be. We have to take good care of them and just keep improving them. Your most recent upgrade adds value and performance. Anytime the exhaust restriction is reduced, performance is improved for that wonderful Cummins diesel.

I don't have a resonator, so when I need that extra umf, I just grimmace real hard and then I believre Forrest is giving it his all...LOL

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #23 – May 17, 2015, 03:53:39 pm

Mike,
Regarding John H.'s post, I saw the opposing bracket but both hangers are mounted with only 1 bolt that we can see, and it looks like the tailpipe can swing down. You might give it some down and in (towards center of rig) pressure to see it it moves. At least keep your eye on the position of the tailpipe to see if eventually moves. The pic 3 upper bracket, also mounted with 1 bolt, looks flimsy to me, time will tell, although I would not be too concerned. Also the fan wire appears to be resting on the exhaust wrap, you might want to tie it up off of the wrap.

Good luck,

Re: Resonator....done

Reply #24 – May 17, 2015, 05:04:15 pm

Rick, thanks very. Going follow up with Bernd.

Mike

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