A resonator is a smaller muffler-like component that sits ahead of your main muffler and is tuned to cancel out specific drone frequencies, rather than reduce overall volume the way a muffler does. They're commonly added to loud straight-through exhaust builds to take the edge off highway-speed cabin drone. See our hotdog mufflers and straight-through mufflers ranges to compare tone and packaging options.

What does a resonator actually do?

A resonator is tuned to cancel out specific exhaust drone frequencies rather than reduce overall volume, making the exhaust tone smoother and less fatiguing at highway speed without significantly quietening the system.

Will removing a resonator make my exhaust louder?

Removing a resonator generally increases drone and raspiness at certain RPM ranges rather than dramatically increasing overall volume, since its job is tone-shaping rather than sound suppression.

What's the difference between a resonator and a muffler?

A muffler is designed to reduce overall exhaust volume, while a resonator is tuned to cancel specific frequencies that cause unwanted drone or resonance, refining tone rather than muting it.

Where is a resonator fitted in an exhaust system?

Resonators are typically fitted in the mid-pipe section, ahead of the main muffler, though exact placement depends on the vehicle and overall system design.