Exhausted

[Tibbs]

The search for the perfect exhaust note is over! For me at least. I wanted my 300C to hum a little louder, but not so loud as to have NASCAR drivers diving through the windows or stucco cracking off homes when I revved it up. So I took "my precious" down to the local exhaust genius, and explained to him "not too loud, not too quiet". We racked it, took a look, and discovered the biggest resonator I've ever seen on a car (none of my trucks have one of these things).

He surmised that regardless of which mufflers we eventually would use, the resonator has to go, any sound escaping the engine bay is murdered inside the resonator. So out came the resonator, in went straight pipe.

I went down there prepared to slap on some flowmasters, then probably tinker around with some resonator tips to tone down the gurgling thunder that flowmasters create. No need! Once the resonator is gone, WOW, this car sounds perfect as is! At idle it's as quiet as ant fart, but when the lead foot drops, this beast screams. Each car has it's own unique tone, but I have to say this one sounds very reminiscent of a circa 1977 corvette.

Total price:$70

When accelerating, the sound is pure music, and passers by definitely took notice. I must issue a warning about the freeway sound however. Driving home, smiling ears wide, the MDS kicked in, and suddenly the growl of a Hemi became the hum of a stuck garbage disposal. It is not an intrusive sound, but it sure is a meager sound. It is certainly a change in attitude and tone you can audibly notice...and really, who wants to be reminded your driving a four cyclinder?

On the one hand, it's interesting to finally know when the MDS is doing it's thing. On the other hand, uhm, no, actually it's not that interesting. It's a mild side effect of an awesome, and affordable, modification.

Remove your resonator. The world will be a better place.

[E55 KEV]

Thanks for the write up. In another Exhaust thread I posted this. Seems like DCX is calling the dual rears the resonators. It is strange?:

This is what was published in the Road & Track Special Series Guide:

“Downstream of the engine is a true dual exhaust with closely coupled catalyst that light off quicker in order to reduce cold start emissions. Each bank empties into a 2.5-in. exhaust pipe and both converge in a center X-pipe that allows communication between the two banks of cylinders. This not only helps with scavenging exhaust gases, but also makes tuning of the exhaust note easier – no small feat in an engine that operates in both 4- and 8- cylinder modes. The exhaust pipes travel through a large muffler that has 2.25-in. paths, and then exit into two resonators and 3.0-in. chrome exhaust tips.

“One of the significant challenges with MDS was to give the car a throaty exhaust note that is sustained through the transition to 4-cylinder mode, “ … “We did a lot of development with the exhaust system to come up with a sound we liked.” “

[Z2SO4]

Is there anyway that you could record the sound? Doesn't hurt to ask

[Tibbs]

I guess it depends on what you consider the difference between a muffler and resonater is. The "large sound deadening object" directly behind the X pipe is what we removed. The two "small sound deadening objects" are still there. Performance has not been affected. People standing nearby when the car starts up are definitely affected.

I'll look into recording the sound, though I fear the transition from air to net won't do it justice.

[GMLind]

It would be nice if we could remove it and be able to put it back if we change our mind. In other words remove it and replace with straight pipe without "Hacking" it off.

[dta316]

Great post. I've been anxious to know whether or not someone has ever tried such a mod. Very Cool!

Now, I wonder how your "C" sounds in comparison to attydude's "C" since you removed the big muff (leaving the rear muffs in place) while he did just the opposite; removed the rears muffs and left the big muff in place.

I would assume his is a bit quieter than yours (loader than stock, of coarse) and without the hint of MDS activation, while you've got the more beastly side of things; a meaner tone under hard acceleration and a moderate MDS audible notification.

Any sound clips/more pictures yet guys?

Tibbs and Ron (attydude), Thanks for being the guinea pigs!

[LakersFan]

I removed my resonator (or whatever it is!) earlier this week as well. It is definately a beefier sound and like Tibbs said, you get a different "feel" for the HEMI because of the sound. I will try to get a sound clip but will someone host it for me. Im not too familiar with doing that kind of stuff.

[dta316]

Does anyone have a sound clip of the stock exhaust with the big resonator/center suitcase thingy REMOVED as described above by LakersFan and Tibbs?

If you can't get the clip hosted, i'll give out my email address for you to send it to.

[max]

Yes but will it get your warranty voided? It was put there for a reason right?

[catchMEifUcan]

The reason it was put on there is to dampen the noise of the MDS system. If you don't like it, you can always bolt it back on.