Resonator update

Topic: Resonator update (Read 905 times) previous topic - next topic

Resonator update

December 02, 2022, 09:03:54 pm

We've been pretty busy since we left Nac last month, but things are slowing down a bit and I can give a report on the new resonator.

Yes, it is louder than what was left of the old muffler. Yes, the coach seems to have a bit more power. Yes, we're getting better fuel mileage. Yes, it cost more than what I expected.

I saw the old muffler sitting outside, and there were several holes in it, so it did need to go. Even with several 1-2" holes in it, it was quieter than the brand-new resonator. The difference is most noticeable when it is idling and you are outside. I can hear the Jake brake better now. Jo Ann didn't realize that she could actually hear the Jake brake before, and I had to point it out to her how.

Starting from a stand-still, it seems that we get moving more quickly now. That may be due to the coach being a few pounds lighter and the bank account a few thousand lighter. Either way, though, we did do better on fuel driving from Nac to The Ranch this time, and we stopped at the same places as we did the last time we made this trip.

I'm not sure how much MOT marks up parts, but their bill said that there was quite a bit of labor involved in fitting the resonator in. Given that there was LOTS of room, I'm not sure what was actually involved. I'm just glad that there was a young, skinny guy doing the work instead of me!

Re: Resonator update

Reply #1 – December 03, 2022, 08:58:50 am

I replaced our muffler with a resonator recently. It was my first time doing this, but it took a lot of holding parts up, measuring, cutting, making decisions with qualifications, holding parts up again... I guess the exhaust goes from A to B, but with a lot of rules.

I am not a fast or quick driver. I have put the accelerator to the floor (so to speak) just once in the several years we have had the coach. I was shocked by the improved acceleration, and didn't expect to be. Respect to others, but I thought the improved acceleration was like a car with new seat covers going faster. Until I felt it. Quicker response is not something I need, but it does suggest things are more efficient.

Less heat in the bedroom! Now THAT is what I was after.

Re: Resonator update

Reply #2 – December 03, 2022, 09:05:28 am

David, besides the awesome growl, especially going through tunnels (I always try to open the driver window to savor the sound!), the biggest gain I've seen with the resonator has been significantly quicker turbo spool up, plus no more puff of black soot off the line after some idling. A better breathing diesel is a good thing. All in all a major improvement over the 70 pound trash can muffler and still ranks up there in the top 3 of my many coach mods.

Re: Resonator update

Reply #3 – December 03, 2022, 09:26:18 am

I replaced my ash can muffler with a straight pipe on our 8.2 DD V8.
Simple to do. I measured the length of the muffler, purchased a straight pipe and cut it to same length. Then bought a reducer so I could use my old exhaust tip. I even used the old flex pipe, the old hangers, and the old clamps (which weren't even rusted tight)
No problem. Easy change. Response time MUCH better. Acceleration faster. Higher RPM now possible if desired.
Noise not really noticeable from the driver's seat, but is louder and sounds more aggressive. MPG?? About 1.5 MPG better towing our Saturn Vue, which--according to the coach specs, is too heavy to be towed by the 8.2 V8.
Very easy Saturday morning project.

Re: Resonator update

Reply #4 – December 03, 2022, 09:33:55 am

Come help me do mine.

Re: Resonator update

Reply #5 – December 03, 2022, 11:20:36 am

When I bought my wrecked coach the resonator was one of the upgrade the previous owner had done immediately when he bought it. I have nothing to compare it to but it sure sounds good!

Re: Resonator update

Reply #6 – December 03, 2022, 04:14:32 pm

We love the sound of ours and noticed a little quicker pick up, but did not see any savings on the mileage and do watch that closely. One note is that not all coaches are the same and weight does make quite a difference and we are heavy.
We had one of the best in the country installers as well, so my hat goes off to DSD (Scott) for his patience and due diligence in perfection! One very lucky guy to have a friend such as him on the west coast and in Arkansas , Chris Lang, the other guru in the south! Both of these guys, if they lived together would be the cats meow for sure!

Re: Resonator update

Reply #7 – December 04, 2022, 11:45:39 am

Quote from: juicesqueezer – December 03, 2022, 04:14:32 pm

One note is that not all coaches are the same and weight does make quite a difference and we are heavy

Sell some guns Joe.

Re: Resonator update

Reply #8 – December 04, 2022, 12:50:50 pm

Quote from: Twig – December 04, 2022, 11:45:39 am

Sell some guns Joe.

Funny Twig! Not on your life or mine! he he

Re: Resonator update

Reply #9 – December 04, 2022, 01:00:03 pm

I know no reason not to put a resonator on a coach unless money just doesn't allow. Relatively inexpensive if you have the means to do it yourself. Not so inexpensive if you have to go to Texas to have it done. Amended... Unless one likes the Prius sound and it do take all kinds and to each his own.

Re: Resonator update

Reply #10 – December 06, 2022, 05:53:18 pm

After reading the above discussions, I decided to take a look at my 6V92 muffler set up. It looks like my exhaust pipe enters and exits the muffler from the same end. Also, looks like it would be very easy to eliminate the muffler and have the exhaust go directly out the existing tail pipe, with minor adjustments. Most all of the back pressure would be eliminated, the heat and exhaust would go directly to the tail pipe only traveling about 18" and eliminating three 90 degree bends. My only concern, just how much louder is it going to be and will I get noticed by law enforcement...

Should I or Should I leave well enough alone ?

Re: Resonator update

Reply #11 – December 06, 2022, 06:32:24 pm

No muffler
No resonator
Just a straight pipe from turbo out and I do think that turbo spooles up a little quicker. If I goose it in town or in a tunnel it a little noisier than before Ok maybe a lot , but I don't goose it much anywhere.

I think I gained a couple of horsePower too.
And still quieter than most Harley's so no trouble with the fuzz.

Re: Resonator update

Reply #12 – December 06, 2022, 06:37:05 pm

Gerry,

I have hesitated for the same reasons. Our muffler still looks new but it would be nice to have a straight path out the back, gaining a lot of space and losing heat at the same time. As I posted before, we live in the Sierras where most roads are either up or down hill so on the throttle or the Jake is operating. Not much in between. As you know, the stock exhaust is 5 inches ID so the big concern is any increased noise. The Jake is pretty quiet, not like a Class 8 and the exhaust is nice the way it is so I would like to here from another Detroit owner that has done it. I would like to find a resonator as long as possible and naturally, it has to be 5 inches in diameter all the way through. Some companies sell resonators with the correct ID pipe ends but smaller inside diameter.

I remember we were on a back country trail in Yellowstone well away from any road. All of a sudden, the noise of a group of Harleys spoiled the quiet of our hike. This is the last thing we want.

Pierce

Re: Resonator update

Reply #13 – December 06, 2022, 06:46:23 pm

Mine is a straight pipe. Let's put it this way you are not going to sneak up on anyone. If you are on it hard pulling a hill, or accelerating in traffic well! In the future a resonator is planned.

Re: Resonator update

Reply #14 – December 06, 2022, 07:19:25 pm

Nothing will be spoiled for anyone by the sound of a resonator on a Cummins, Detroit or cat. I've had them on each.

Re: Resonator update

Reply #15 – December 06, 2022, 07:22:25 pm

Unmuffled Detroit in a Foretravel would remind me of an old Mexican bus, Pierce that may be your incentive. Cut my teeth in the trucking Biz running screaming Detroit's with straights, go for coffee and be yelling at everyone for 20 minutes LOL. They had a lot of bark but no bite when it came to torque and horsepower.

Re: Resonator update

Reply #16 – December 06, 2022, 07:30:15 pm

Right about that Doug, if you didn't like a driver give him a 318 grossing 73280. Misery

Re: Resonator update

Reply #17 – December 06, 2022, 10:45:22 pm

I like the sound of the Detroit with my jakes and yes it a bit louder , I try to be respectful when in small towns , but like they say loud pipes saves life's lol

Re: Resonator update

Reply #18 – December 07, 2022, 12:31:34 am

LOL. They had a lot of bark but no bite when it came to torque and horsepower. Back in 72 drove a freightliner (glider kit) with a buzzin dozen warmed over good with a 2 stick 5x4. It would step right along down the road. That's why I'm about deaf😬.

Re: Resonator update

Reply #19 – December 07, 2022, 01:04:43 am

Quote from: bbeane – December 07, 2022, 12:31:34 am

LOL. They had a lot of bark but no bite when it came to torque and horsepower. Back in 72 drove a freightliner (glider kit) with a buzzin dozen warmed over good with a 2 stick 5x4. It would step right along down the road. That's why I'm about deaf😬.

12V71?

Re: Resonator update

Reply #20 – December 07, 2022, 01:49:40 am

Yep 😎

Re: Resonator update

Reply #21 – December 07, 2022, 01:18:30 pm

Quote from: Andy 2 – December 06, 2022, 10:45:22 pm

I like the sound of the Detroit with my jakes and yes it a bit louder , I try to be respectful when in small towns , but like they say loud pipes saves life's lol

I met you leaving Quartzite 2 or 3 years ago on 95, I was driving my car and I liked the rumble but then I'm trying to find a way to put some sound to my Mercury on my bass boat but don't think anything is available..... Another topic for another forum that I don't even belong to.

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