I cut out my resonator ($40) and then I put on magnaflows mufflers ($300). I recommend doing the magnaflows first and if that's not quite right then doing the resonator.

The resonator is the drone killer with aftermarket exhausts but you can get away with just soundproofing as needed if you do cut it out.

 

No offense but I would NOT recommend replacing stock mufflers before the resonator-ectomy. That is a completely different option and will have a completely different outcome than what is discussed in this thread.

ron

 

The stock mufflers are too quiet...period. If you want a good rumble from behind this car, the mufflers are what will determine this. I originally went for a ectomy from reading this and other threads.. I would have been happier going muffler replacement, then ectomy if I wanted.

I don't see moderator in your title...are you pimping for a job?

 

Had the resonatorectomy done at noon today. One word: "perfect". Just as many of you described it would be. Noticeable, but not overly loud at all. No drone at all, even at highway speeds 80+ with top up or down. No popping sounds. No whining sounds. In many ways it does sound like a 350Z (had my brother's 04 350Z to compare to), but when getting on the throttle, sounds more aggressive. Excellent mod in my book. The Fujitsubo exhaust will have to wait now with absolutely no regret. Thanks for starting and contributing to this thread!

S2KI, a true wealth of info for the S enthusiast!!

 

Now did I tell you not to post your opinion? I just disagreed with it. And unlike you, I actually explained why I said what I did.

You say you read this thread and others about the resonator removal, but you must not have been reading very carefully since you were disappointed it didn't give you "a good rumble from behind the car". Of course there's nothing wrong with wanting a good rumble. But if you had been paying a bit more attention you would have known before hand that that is not what removing the resonator is all about. It's a very minor, inexpensive mod that produces a subtle change. It opens up the exhaust just enough to help balance out the sounds from the motor/exhaust and provides some nice mid range tone. But hey, if you're looking for a big rumble, by all means, go ahead and rebuild your exhaust .

ron

 

No he's making a very valid point that your personal views are VERY different than those of us that appreciate what this particular mod does. You are obviously one of the great many that want the full sound and attention from an aftermarket exhaust. (which there is absolutely nothing wrong with !)

There's an equally great many of us that don't want the issues you get with changing out Honda's Cans, I.E. too much extra noise, droning, and attention from even more of the racer boys from basically all replacements of a stock system.

Make no mistake, removing the resonator doesn't make nearly as much of a difference as changing out the mufflers. And.... you don't have to be a Moderator to point out that someone may be making a mis-leading statement by the way

 

I scanned quick through this post but I didn't see anyone mentioning rust proofing.
If you guys doing this mod want your new pipe to last you should have painted it good with high temperature ceramic spray paint at the time of installation. (Autozone- $5) If you didn't do it right away you should get back under the car, wire brush the hell out of the new rusty welds and paint the welds and entire straight pipe that replaced the resonator. But if you don't care about longevity just leave it to rust through and eventually it will get louder and louder and really sound cool like a 350Z.

 

Mine aren't rusting and its been awhile so no worries. No salt here though only rain.

I don't think its a big deal. Heck in 3-5 years your mufflers or heat shields will probably be rusted also and the whole thing will need to be repalced anyway.

Also your losing weight when doing this mod and at the most gaining 1-2HP going by other dynos with this mod done.

Def a great mod bang for the buck. Well worth it.

 

I'm thinking about doing this on my 2004. I understand that our exhaust systems are stainless steel. Wouldn't it be best to go to a shop who specializes in stainless steel exhaust and have them do it in stainless? Just wondering.
Thanks

 

The pipe the shop put in my 05 was stainless. Came out very nice I must say.