Resonator Delete?

[rennwerkes]

Is anyone running an X-pipe set up? I'm thinking of removing my resonator but not sure what's the best set up for a W163. Seems as though most folks with E55's run an x-pipe. Thanks!

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[rennwerkes]

Sheesh, anyone???

[e320newbie]

what did you learn on this? and im kinda suprised no one has responded...

[rennwerkes]

Originally Posted by e320newbie

what did you learn on this? and im kinda suprised no one has responded...

Yeah, sometimes it's disappointing when you post a question and nobody responds even though you know some folks know.
Regardless, I found that one a ML you can't use a X pipe because the resonator is a two in one out design so you have to use a y pipe.
I'll probably end up doing it because the resonator is a HUGE piece of metal. If anything you lose quite a bit of weight and probably get a bit of a growl.

[filterman]

I am putting a flowmaster resonator on tomorrow. I put the flowmaster seris 40 muffler on today but you dont hear it. I got more power though. So the resonator is toast tomorrow and if I still cant hear the exhaust then to hell with it. Dont follow the posts on putting the camaro muffler on it has the wrong piping, i found out today. There are two outlets but only one input ant the input side has one of the output sides. I dont know how these guys got them to work but Flowmaster and my muff shop advised against it so I went with the Flowmaster 40 series. The shop had to make a Y connector. Here is some pics, I hope they come through p. s. You need the resonator for low end torque so I am told.

[rennwerkes]

Originally Posted by filterman

I am putting a flowmaster resonator on tomorrow. I put the flowmaster seris 40 muffler on today but you dont hear it. I got more power though. So the resonator is toast tomorrow and if I still cant hear the exhaust then to hell with it. Dont follow the posts on putting the camaro muffler on it has the wrong piping, i found out today. There are two outlets but only one input ant the input side has one of the output sides. I dont know how these guys got them to work but Flowmaster and my muff shop advised against it so I went with the Flowmaster 40 series. The shop had to make a Y connector. Here is some pics, I hope they come through p. s. You need the resonator for low end torque so I am told.

I'm surprised you don't get more sound out of the Flowmasters.
Regarding the resonator, I don't think you need it. Removing them on E55 is common practice and replacing the secondary cats with metal core cats.
I prefer to use the stock mufflers because it's hard to find anything aftermarket that's as well built and most aftermarket mufflers don't do much anyway. I like seeing the "AMG" on the tips also.

[filterman]

Damn I got a bad cat I think (rattle) got to test temp before and after but it looks like Magnaflow stainless cats are next, couldnt get the truck in for the resonator have to wait til next week. I will go with the resonator though. Flowmaster said it is advisable. Why go with metallic cats instead of ceramic?

[rennwerkes]

Originally Posted by filterman

Damn I got a bad cat I think (rattle) got to test temp before and after but it looks like Magnaflow stainless cats are next, couldnt get the truck in for the resonator have to wait til next week. I will go with the resonator though. Flowmaster said it is advisable. Why go with metallic cats instead of ceramic?

Cheaper (the ones on ebay), very well made, and check what all the tuner companies use, metallic cats. I think the metallic cats are 200 cell design so flows well also.

[filterman]

I got plugged exhaust. Utube vids of Mercs with FLowmasters are awesome. I can hear my muff louder inthe cab than outside. The resonator couldnt possibly be reducing the noise by lets say 80% could it? Well gonna order cats Monday gonna go with Magnaflow stianless. Well I will get it figured out. I am working my way to the Header install.

[VaderSS]

I removed the front muffler on my wifes ML55 (the big one!) and it got a little louder. there was a noticable drone between 48 and 56 mph... When i removed it we put a Y-pipe in its place and left the rear muffler on.

Since then I removed the second/post cats and it really woke up the exhaust sound. from stock being 1 and open exhaust being 10 it only changed to a 3-4. but on WOT its like a 5-6... With the second cat removed the 55 produced way more volume and have a nice deep idle.

We will be putting the big muffler back as the drone is a little irritating and I don't think it will take to much more away from the overall WOT sound.

[rennwerkes]

Originally Posted by VaderSS

I removed the front muffler on my wifes ML55 (the big one!) and it got a little louder. there was a noticable drone between 48 and 56 mph... When i removed it we put a Y-pipe in its place and left the rear muffler on.

Since then I removed the second/post cats and it really woke up the exhaust sound. from stock being 1 and open exhaust being 10 it only changed to a 3-4. but on WOT its like a 5-6. the second cat produced way more volume and have a nice deep idle.

We will be putting the big muffler back as the drone is a little irritating and I don't think it will take to much more away from the overall WOT sound.

Good info!
Where did you get your Y-pipe from? Do you recall the diameter?
I think removal of the resonator is mainly to reduce weight. Seems as though the cats really dampen the sound of the motor.
Thanks!

[VaderSS]

i believe it was either two 2-1/4" or 2-1/2 into one 3" y-pipe... whatever the exhaust shop had? I'll put up a pic maybe tomorrow afternoon gotta look for it in the home computer. I think it was a flowmaster part. they had to add some pipe to cover the gap the front muffler left.

Trust me the drone pissed off my wife and I could tell as well... she is a slow, on the street, driver so the drone was noticeable. but after around 63 mph the drone went away. BUT we live in Hawaii and the speed limit is 55... right in the sweet spot of the drone!

I'd recommend cutting of the post cats. it produced the best sound with and without the center muffler.

[filterman]

My Kleeman headers dont fit my my perfectly. Damn it! I am so tired of this exhaust project being a pain in the donkey. First I order all the wrong exhaust parts listening to posts on here then the damn headers don't wrap aroun the steering knuckle properly. 'So My truck has been in the shop for a week while we try to figure out what to do besides cutting the headers. My motor mounts apear to be sound as to why the headers dont fit my ML when they fit a 2001 at kleeman I am not sure??? Try to answer that one! So a cutting and burning of my money will they do to the headers to get them to fit. Still waiting for them to get it done. My shop is so anal about everything tey call on every detail so I am like just put the damn things on already and make shure I can steer. Ahh the life of Aftermarket projects. The boys at Kleeman have been great though. We are all baffled........the header needs another two inches of bend to clear the steering shaft and knuckle. Blow blowin money, there should be a song.