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Current resonator opinions

 Using the search feature and searching for a post on resonators I find where the aero 5050xl was a popular choice by many a few years back. Is everyone that installed it still happy with this resonator, are there any new forerunners out there. My old muffler has got holes in it and it's time to replace it so now I'm doing research for myself on the best replacement and cheapest price for it...

Thanks
Keith

Re: Current resonator opinions

Reply #1
Like our 5050xl.  Has a low growl revving out but not too bad.  Definite low rpm torque increase.  Plus more hp.  Stock was really restrictive.  The bedroom maybe cools a little quicker without the hot muffler under it.

But the m11 and trans weigh 3,000? pounds


Re: Current resonator opinions

Reply #3
Either aero 5050 (little shorter, bit fatter) or 5050xl. Holding up just fine after many years. Would use it again. Sounds fine and felt a bit more power after removing big rusty old oem muffler. Go For It...

Re: Current resonator opinions

Reply #4
I will say we started with the Aero 5050XL but swapped it for a Magnaflow unit which was a bit more "civilized" in tone.  Dan W. has that coach now.

Re: Current resonator opinions

Reply #5
Right, the5050xl sounds pretty quiet from the driver's seat.  Behind it is another story though, it's loud.  I keep this in mind when in civilized areas, easy on the throttle. 

Re: Current resonator opinions

Reply #6
Chuck if I had to redo our 5050xl resonator install I might  install 2 of the same units.

Sure works well.


Re: Current resonator opinions

Reply #7
...we started with the Aero 5050XL but swapped it for a Magnaflow unit which was a bit more "civilized" in tone.
X2.  I used the MagnaFlow 12771.  I can't say it is better or worse (sound-wise) than the Aero 5050XL, cuz I've never heard the 5050XL on a 8.3 Cummins.  Might sound entirely different on a big block anyway.  Ours has been in place for going on 4 years - no sign of rust or deterioration - still sounds exactly the same as when I installed it.  I have been happy with it.

Re: Current resonator opinions

Reply #8
Keith, I used the Jones JT5050XL It looks like a Aero knock-off to me all measurements are almost identical but at a little over half the price.  I also wrapped with the fiberglass wrap and sprayed silicone all over the wrap.  Since that was done I have added a turbo boot (cover) also made of fiberglass and I think it has charcoal inside it, but I haven't taken a trip since adding the boot.
Like the sound of resonator but as posted above it can get loud if you have your foot in it.
Chris
PS whether you get Aero or Jones get the XL model it is longer and will be a little quieter --Supposedly!

Re: Current resonator opinions

Reply #9
Why not just a straight pipe? Any one ever tried it? As I remember the turbo charged 1693TA Cats and 855 Cummins where not that obnoxious with straight pipes. Or maybe I was just deaf from the 12v71's.

Re: Current resonator opinions

Reply #10
Don't know about coaches but on tractors I can definitely tell the difference without muffler
I have never heard a coach without resonator  or muffler
Chris

Re: Current resonator opinions

Reply #11
I know with a jake brake things can be noisy.

Re: Current resonator opinions

Reply #12
"Straight" pipe on our Detroit V8
Noise level tolerable up front.
Response level--quicker--noticeable.
RPM limit somewhat gone and now able to run at 60+MPH.
Runs a mite cooler.
MPG went up 1 MPG if I stay off the pedal. Now 8.5 -9.5 pulling our 2006 Saturn Vue.

Re: Current resonator opinions

Reply #13
I did the same on my cat 3208T . The turbo really muffles most of the sound on lower rpm.
Basically it sounds like my old boat...... lol


Re: Current resonator opinions

Reply #14
We have the 5050. Love the sound from up front, so much so that sometimes I've driven with the window open just to hear it. Ditto for the responsiveness, more pep and 1 mph better mileage.

However, the old lady directly across the street goes apoplectic when we start up. She is in an older frame house with jalousie windows. Apparently the acoustics are such that she gets vibrations. I try to minimize my running time at home, even to the point of letting it cool down after a trip further down the street.

Re: Current resonator opinions

Reply #15
I have a 1996 U320 and did replace the OEM muffler with a Magnaflow (30 inches long) because Brett Wolf indicated that the Magnaflow is quieter then the 5050XL.  I did not want it to be louder than stock, and my observations have confirmed that it has a deeper tone but is not louder than the OEM muffler. I read a blog on IRV2 about someone who replaced the stock muffler on a SOB with a 5050XL and after a year of listening to the annoying drone, he replace the 5050XL with a Magnaflow.

The 5050XL (30 inch long resonator/muffler) is longer and quieter than the 5050 (20 inch long resonator) which in turn is quieter than a straight pipe.

The Magnaflow has a 4 inch straight opening with perferations. The 5050XL has two halfs, the first half is like the Magnaflow while the second half splits the exhaust flow and causes half of the exhaust flow to swirl and recombine with the straight through exhaust, which Aero claims reduces the back pressure. Unfortunately, it appears that this swirling also increased the noise.

Another Foretravel owner from BC who I camp with during summer months, replaced the muffler on his U295 (Cummins 8.3) with a straight pipe, but a few weeks later replaced the straight pipe with the Aero 5050 because the straight pipe was too loud. His exhaust is still louder than mine (not sure that the M11 is louder than the 8.3).

I also have available a list of several other mufflers which others have used and FTE sells a "Hushpower" which they claim is quieter than the Magnaflow.


Re: Current resonator opinions

Reply #16
We yanked the OE muffler and went straight pipe ( for now anyway ) for the raw hp increase?? 
  Can't say for sure about the hp increase but I believe the turbo spools up quicker or so it seems.  I can say that I no longer see the Allison shifting down on the rolling hills in Texas or I-5 northbound to Seattle.    Before the change it would shift to 5th on the long pulls to Seattle. Drove it several times before switch.

  Now with the Jeep in tow the 8.3 is inclined to shift on some of the hills to Seattle BUT , I think I figured out the mode switch so it's back 6th all the way up. 

  Noise wise the same on the highway unless your going uphill through a tunnel or hitting it from a stop sign,, that's a different story.  Still quieter than a Harley.

Re: Current resonator opinions

Reply #17
In the late 90's when California Hwy Patrol tried to get any motor home over 40 feet off the hwy we had inventory that was 4-5 inches over the 40 ft limit.  Fleetwood tried to shorten the exhaust by those inches and was stopped by the engine mfg saying they needed that precise length.  They said it needed a precise amount of back pressure from this length according to the eng mfg to run properly.  I never knew if this was true or not.  They said the mfg would not honor the long engine warranty if they modified the length.  My rv has the replaced resonator and have wondered if this makes the engine run hotter or different from it's original design.

Re: Current resonator opinions

Reply #18
In the late 90's when California Hwy Patrol tried to get any motor home over 40 feet off the hwy we had inventory that was 4-5 inches over the 40 ft limit.  Fleetwood tried to shorten the exhaust by those inches and was stopped by the engine mfg saying they needed that precise length.  They said it needed a precise amount of back pressure from this length according to the eng mfg to run properly.  I never knew if this was true or not.  They said the mfg would not honor the long engine warranty if they modified the length.  My rv has the replaced resonator and have wondered if this makes the engine run hotter or different from it's original design.
Were these gas engines with special exhaust? That would make sense. Our muffler cans from the factory would pretty much eliminate that issue. The diesel truck drivers put on straight pipes and were legal but sure are a problem with a Jacobs brake

Re: Current resonator opinions

Reply #19
Were these gas engines with special exhaust? That would make sense. Our muffler cans from the factory would pretty much eliminate that issue. The diesel truck drivers put on straight pipes and were legal but sure are a problem with a Jacobs brake
Yes, a worry with the Jake. It's pretty good now but sure don't want to sound like a truck. Lots of room underneath and without the stock muffler, you could make an extra compartment back there. I've been looking at a lot of mufflers and would like to have a stainless model rather than aluminized tin. I found a 5 inch in and out in 409 stainless for $70 delivered and thought I might try it.  It has stainless screen inside too. For those wondering, the 2-cycles use at least twice as much air so come with 5 inches stock. Here is the muffler: Amazon.com: 409 Stainless Steel Performance Diesel Muffler 5" inlet/outlet...

30 inches is not that long so I could add a shorter one past that. Smaller intake/exhaust models are even less.

Pierce
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