Whats the difference between a resonator and a muffler?

DenaliXTC · 12-21-2009, 03:49 PM

This is probably a stupid question. Flame suit on just in case.

Does one restrict airflow more than the other, or is one quieter than the other?

The reason I ask is because I am putting the HPF straight pipe exhaust on my M3. I wanted to put a small muffler on my aftermarket X pipe. I see that some xpipes are resonated. Wanted to know if it would be better to just slap a resonator or muffler on the x pipe. My car is NA and i know the HPF will be real loud hence why I want to muffler the X pipe.

TIA guys!

zx5rider · 12-24-2009, 03:57 PM

I am told that Muffler is for volume and resonator is for rasp idk

Rene325ci · 12-24-2009, 04:04 PM

Found this on mufflers and resonators. It should help
Resonator

mkodama · 12-26-2009, 01:35 AM

A muffler in it's most simple form is simply designed to reduce volume of the exhaust. Frequently this is done by passing the exhaust gas through, or surrounding it in a combination of baffles, perforated mesh, and/or steel/ceramic wool.

A resonator is designed to amplify or cancel specific frequencies of sound. Usually though relatively precise placement of baffles and calculated volumes.

Quite often the terms are mixed together. In the case of an E46 exhaust system, if you look at the it, there will be 3 "chambers". Two will have a stamped and flattened design, and if you tap it with a piece of metal, it will have a pretty dead "thud" two it. There will be one resonator, and it will be a neater looking oval cylinder, and if you tap it with a piece of metal, it will have a little bit of a ring or higher pitched tap.

12-21-2009, 03:49 PM	#1
DenaliXTC Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NU JOISEY Posts: 2,423 My Ride: S/C M3, 745i, X5M View My Garage	Whats the difference between a resonator and a muffler? This is probably a stupid question. Flame suit on just in case. Does one restrict airflow more than the other, or is one quieter than the other? The reason I ask is because I am putting the HPF straight pipe exhaust on my M3. I wanted to put a small muffler on my aftermarket X pipe. I see that some xpipes are resonated. Wanted to know if it would be better to just slap a resonator or muffler on the x pipe. My car is NA and i know the HPF will be real loud hence why I want to muffler the X pipe. TIA guys! __________________ Active Autowerkes Gen 7 Stage 2 \| Evosport \| Vorsteiner \| DPE \| Supersprint \| Rogue Eng. Brembo 6pot 355/4pot 345 \| Dinan 3.91 \| HKS \| HPF \| Custom GTR \| Radar Mirror \| Leatherz \| Beemer Evolution LSB/Cinn M3 490 RWHP superflow dyno 2011 X5 M White/Blk Vorsteiner 2005 CTS-V 549rwhp/524rwtq all motor 2013 JCW MINI Cooper hardloaded

12-24-2009, 03:57 PM	#2
zx5rider Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Fredericksburg and Virginia Beach, Virginia Posts: 1,284 My Ride: TT Turbo 2003 330i View My Garage	I am told that Muffler is for volume and resonator is for rasp idk __________________ *Technique Tuning Turbo Stage 2*\|Magnaflow Catback\|Tein Super Street\|EAS Eagle Eyes Tail Lights\|3500k Fogs\|ATR CF Power Buldge Hood\|BMW Performance CF Strut Bar\|Dynavin V5\|Infinity Reference all around 2011 BMW S1000rr

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12-26-2009, 01:35 AM	#4
mkodama The one and only. Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 30,889 View My Garage	A muffler in it's most simple form is simply designed to reduce volume of the exhaust. Frequently this is done by passing the exhaust gas through, or surrounding it in a combination of baffles, perforated mesh, and/or steel/ceramic wool. A resonator is designed to amplify or cancel specific frequencies of sound. Usually though relatively precise placement of baffles and calculated volumes. Quite often the terms are mixed together. In the case of an E46 exhaust system, if you look at the it, there will be 3 "chambers". Two will have a stamped and flattened design, and if you tap it with a piece of metal, it will have a pretty dead "thud" two it. There will be one resonator, and it will be a neater looking oval cylinder, and if you tap it with a piece of metal, it will have a little bit of a ring or higher pitched tap.