noisy resonator? / '88 Festiva

[seattlestiva]

Any problems with removing the resonator and replacing with straight pipe?
I think it's basically just a pre muffler. Correct?

[Larry Hampton]

Nope, its the catalytic converter. If you have emissions testing, or vehicle inspection, your gonna need it. You probably have a rattling heat shield. Pretty common from my experiences.

[DriverOne]

Yes, it's a pre-muffler, but it really helps. The cat is at the downpipe. The resonator is halfway up the exhaust.

[WmWatt]

The catalytic converter is an after burner which removes unburnt hydrocarbons from the exhaust. It's hot. The heat shield keeps it from setting fire to grass and anything else which might come in contact.

[seattlestiva]

Understood. I knew the cat was the emissions componant, but didn't realize
the res was also I the realm of emissions (thought it was just noise suppression). It looks like someone tried to secure the heat shield on the res with wire coat hangers. How hot does this thing get?

[FestYboy]

the cat can see upward of 1200*, the resonator might only get to 400ish. they are 2 seperate pieces of the exhaust. Cat comes first right after the down pipe, then about 2 ft later there can be a resonator (i recomend having one) then the bends around the fuel tank and over the rear axle and then the muffler.

[TominMO]

Understood. I knew the cat was the emissions componant, but didn't realize the res was also in the realm of emissions (thought it was just noise suppression).

You were correct, the resonator is just noise suppression. Don't replace it with straight pipe. If it's got a hole in it, replace with another resonator. They're cheap, and they do make a difference.