Exhaust question.

[Crow_of_judgement]

Probably a dumb question but I just ordered a flowmaster flowfx muffler for Shelly and I'm torn between removing the resonator or leaving it.

If I leave it in I can burn the muffler in myself which is a bonus for me, is there a noticeable difference between resonator on and off? I tired searching the youtube but my tinnitus ruins most videos for me.

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[CO2Ranger]

Probably a dumb question but I just ordered a flowmaster flowfx muffler for Shelly and I'm torn between removing the resonator or leaving it.

If I leave it in I can burn the muffler in myself which is a bonus for me, is there a noticeable difference between resonator on and off? I tired searching the youtube but my tinnitus ruins most videos for me.

The exhaust note is noticably deeper with it on. Can't say the Flowmaster for sure, but my Magnaflow sounds perfect with the resonator in place.

Edit: FlowFX seems like a similar design to Magnaflow. I'm pro-resonator.

 

[MikeyB]

I have experience with the Flowmaster FX catback system. I had this same exhaust in my Ranger.
The exhaust is a 3" flex-pipe, 3" muffler and 3" tailpipe.
After installing on the truck, I did not like the sound- from inside the cabin. To me, it was obnoxious and the drone was unbearable on the highway. I bought a 3" resonator and had it welded in place in front of the muffler but I still didn't like the sound at all. Keep in mind the FX muffler is small and a straight through design- looks just like a small resonator!
I'm glad I kept the original 2.5" (stock) flex pipe because I ended up with a Bold Performance exhaust system which is a 3" muffler ( quieter) that clamps to the stock flex pipe and 3" tail pipe.
Not knocking Flowmaster, but I did not like the sound on my Ranger at all. With my current set-up it has a nice tone to it but is bearable on the full open throttle.
I would say, yes-keep a resonator in mind if you are going the Flowmaster route!
The Flowmaster FX muffler is small, akin to a resonator.
Just my experience, you might like the sound and good luck with your purchase!

 

[Racket]

I only have experience with the Magnaflow exhaust that eliminates the resonator and puts their muffler there, with 3 inch pipe the rest of the way to the tip. That changes the number of components in the system and I presume by design provides the deep tone. There are louder systems and I can see how 'drone' could be created. If you cut out the resonator it seems likely noise will stay in the system. Changing the muffler will have a separate effect - without the restriction others have discovered in the stock muffler the sound will be 'different.' Diameter of exhaust tubing will impact the tine as well.

I'm biased by my single experience but the simplicity of the system I purchased with the intent of never fooling with it again has confirmed the cost and effort. The tone is pleasing without being super obnoxious (to me) and helps validate the expense. If there is a performance benefit from any exhaust system by itself it's likely marginal. Part of a more holistic and costly approach maybe, but just swapping out the visible end of the exhaust seems to improve aesthetics. I don't know about noise.

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