Call me a sceptic, but I've got to think that Honda put that resonator in there for some reason. Has anyone else done a post resonator-ectomy Dyno?

 

as much as the s2k is considered a no frills kind of roadster, Honda still made compromises to keep noise levels and emissions down. Just like the resonator in the air filter box, most likely the resonator in the exhaust is for sound also. I am definately curious though to hear this in person

 

This is an update to my post ealrier. I had my friend do a drive by while I was standing outside, It definitely sounds more like a miniature 350Z. I also taped the airbox resonator and cut out the middle barrier and the combined sound is a car that sounds more agreesive and mean but at the same time it is not something that would trigger your neighbors or the cops to get pissed off. The resonator cut and the airbox mods should have been done at the factory because that to me should have been the signatire sound of the S.

Dayamn I'm loving it.

 

Sure they put it in there for a reason. To make the car quieter. For the skeptics, check out this exhaust component tutorial compliments of Meineke. Click on the resonator to learn it's function . Actually IMO, even though the car does not need the resonator it makes for a very convenient solution for different types. Leave it stock for the non-car types (why they would buy an S is beyond me anyway), and easily/cleanly/cheaply remove it for those that actually like to hear a little exhaust tone .

ron

 

After reading this thread, I went out and have my resonator removed for $35 . The result is that I don't feel a thing, except a little louder under deceleration. To me, it sounds exactly the same as stock, maybe a touch louder. It definitely didn't sound like 350z or F1, as described by some of the members here. Is it just me or there are other members that did the same mod and felt the same way as me.
I will look at the bright side though, my car just lost 5 lbs. Is it worth $35? you make the call.

 

What would you "feel"? It doesn't add or take away any power. The way you describe it is pretty much the way it is, a subtle increase in volume with a nice added tone. It definitely sounds different but it's not a big change. And it does add a little 350z tone in the midrange but again it's not a drastic difference. If you want drastic there are tons of aftermarket pipes to choose from. I'll bet if you drove it around for a week or so and then put the resonator back in you'd say there was a difference . It's all about expectations.

ron

 

Bingo. Don't expect it to sound like an aftermarket exhaust, not even a quiet one (I had an Apex-i WS and it still kinda bugged me). But for a shade more "burble" at idle, and a little more db's during acceleration as well as a new pitch at WOT-Vtec this is your mod. It also has a nice little raspy tone to it at certain spots.

For the question about why would Honda put it there.....sure there's a reason, probably the bulk of us on this site have the feeling that hearing some of the engine's natural sounds a little better adds to the experience of driving. We are a VERY small majority and the rest of the world, even some that would be attracted to and buy an S2k do not necessarily want to know that there is a wonderment of engineering powering them down the road and have it's voice be heard.

The resonator does a nice job of quieting some slight irregularities in the exhaust tone and quiet it just a bit, while obviously not tapping any power so I'm sure it does just what Honda wanted. The resonator in your stock intake box does the same thing (but I still contend I can't really tell the difference on that one blocked up).

 

really? Mine def sounds louder and is more noticable maybe because I did all the airbox mods and blocked baffle? Def way louder in a cool way. I seriosuly love driving my car even more after this crazy! This does sound like an aftermarket exhaust........

Did you get the right piping? Maybe some s2ks react well to this and some don't?

On dynos I to was afraid but...the 2 people who dynoed have been either #1 in their s2k dyno group or the second highest dyno. So your not losing HP for sure but there is a possibility you might gain 1-2 for some reason.

I'm still very happy though

 

I just had mine done and I can feel VTECK more, also I dyno'ed it and it was a +5 whp increase. I raced a Z06 and won












Seriously though, I just had mine done for $32 and I'm liking it so far. It's slightly louder when cruising and at WOT, and has kind of a deep raspy note to it which you can actually hear unlike stock.

 

It's interesting how different people describe the change in tone. What you and tkeedy describe as a "raspy" tone, I think is the same as others (myself included) think of as the 350Z-like tone (and still others, F1 I guess). Kind of a tightly wound "Waaaah" sound that it gives you under load at various points throughout the midrange. I don't think of it as raspy though because to me that means rough and hard edged, and to me it sounds smooth and refined with a hint of exotic thrown in.

ron