Chopping Exhaust...what should go - suitcase or resonators?

[Priceasaurus]

I'm sick of my 300C (2005) sounding like a Prius!

I've decided I need to make a bit more noise. But reading through the forums has me stumped as there a lot of options and the feedback seems to change over time! What's the best (entry level) way to go?

I need feedback from those smarter and more experienced than me in this sort of thing...so, should I:
a) Delete the resonators, add some tips and go...
b) Delete the suitcase, add some straight pipes (leaving the resonators) and go...

I live in New Zealand, so Cat Backs and other full system options are hugely expensive - and that's just the shipping!

I know there may be an issue with drone, but just how bad is it...??? and does it occur with both options?
I've read about x-overs in the suitcase causing issues - what does that even mean?

Confused, flummoxed and badly in need of help here...

Cheers for your thoughts

Priceasurus

[MADDOG]

You still want some mufflers in there so I suggest you remove the stock muffler and replace it with two mufflers of your choice. Keep the resonators for now until the new mufflers burn in a bit. Then see how you like it.

To me, the drone of a 5.7L engine in MDS modes is one of the more obnoxious things I can ever remember hearing. Of course, there are folks out there that aren't bothered by it.

Forget about the suitcase (the stock dual in / dual out single case muffler) as that's the first thing you are gonna remove anyway.

If you leave the resonators, drone won't be a problem. If you remove them, you may eventually want to keep the car out of O/D or turn off MDS with a programmer.

[Sodak]

^^^^^ What he said

[dannyyaya]

i check a shop out today and they recommended an entry level (without splurging on new mufflers just yet) way to go

said they would leave the resonators, remove the suitcase and straight pipe from a little after the cat with 2.5" pipe

...quoted me $250 for this...how's that sounds price-wise?

[Gravebone]

Originally Posted by dannyyaya

i check a shop out today and they recommended an entry level (without splurging on new mufflers just yet) way to go

said they would leave the resonators, remove the suitcase and straight pipe from a little after the cat with 2.5" pipe

...quoted me $250 for this...how's that sounds price-wise?

Just had that done as well. My guy even mentioned it was his "first stage" recommendation. Said if it wasn't loud enough for me he'd go to stage 2 and do a custom job to give me the exact sound I want. (Claimed it would be cheaper and sound better than a pre-fab cat-back)

Cutting my suitcase off was $239USD including tax. I really, really like the way it sounds. It's nice and throaty, but not so loud as to make people say "f'in douchebag!" when you drive past.

MDS kicks in and the resonators keep the car quiet. Only drone is cruising right around 35-40 when the transmission is about to shift, and speeds above 60.

However, the drone is EASILY masked with your volume at 10...which is still quiet enough to hold a normal conversation with your passengers.

I was TERRIFIED that I had made the wrong decision to cut the suitcase off after I dropped the car off at the muffler shop...but as soon as I went to pick it up and he fired it up for me...oh man...big ol' sh*t eatin' grin that still hasn't left my face.

I remote start the car every morning, even when it's warm, JUST so I can hear that sucker fire up out in the driveway.

[dannyyaya]

found a place that cut the suitcase for $100 cash and couldn't be happier. no drone, nice deep sound, pretty much exactly what i wanted to get from it.

but ya i was scared sh!tless thinking i was making a huge mistake LOL

[Gravebone]

Originally Posted by dannyyaya

found a place that cut the suitcase for $100 cash and couldn't be happier. no drone, nice deep sound, pretty much exactly what i wanted to get from it.

but ya i was scared sh!tless thinking i was making a huge mistake LOL

Nice, you got a hell of a deal there!

[edsel]

But the so called "resonators" are actually mufflers. They are chambered and reverse flow just like a muffler. And check out the diameter of the pipe used internal to the reso...you will be surprised....it is barely larger than a used paper towel roll. The entire exhaust comes down to maybe 1.75 inches at the resonator.

[dannyyaya]

Originally Posted by Gravebone

Nice, you got a hell of a deal there!

ya a buddy of mine recommended the place. saved me a nice chunk of cash!

[Priceasaurus]

So, you've deleted the big suitcase in the middle of the car and got straight pipes running from the CatConverters up the front to the Resonators at the rear?

Not too loud?
Big Grin? (I like that bit)
And the drone is acceptable? (Seems that the most drone is created when the rear resonators are deleted)

I think I may have my answer - shame though, I'd picked out some nice rolled 3" tips for it.... but now I'll just keep the originals.

Awesome *Big grin starting already*