subinf

Fair enough. Though when I usually deal with people wanting an exhaust system, gains are secondary to the primary concern of getting a nice exhaust note. For those looking primarily for a dramatic increase in HP, I'd suggest giving the procats a serious look.

pohljm

I know what you mean, I added the pro-cats for the HP increase and the more aggressive exhaust note was an added bonus!

italian_spak

is there any HP increase noticeable for those who went with the stage 3 or is it just for the sound?

07WDP

The sound is the main point. It would be foolish to think that simply removing a mid-muffler and replacing the stock resonator with an aftermarket one would increase performance enough to be noticeable.

But, just by using the 'common sense' thought process, there have to be some kind of enhancements just by freeing up the flow of the exhaust. Probably not enough to make a real difference, but enough that you could fool yourself into thinking so.

The sound is cool enough! Just do it!

subinf

^ - pretty much. I don't know if anyone has put the car on a dyno with just the resonator removed/replaced, but I doubt there will be any gains. It's such an insignificant modification the effects aren't likely to be felt/noticed.

johnny--2k

you lose some excess weight, so in theory, you are faster, but not more powerful. The weight loss is negligible though, maybe 10-15 lbs max.

gunner252

had the stock resonator & mid-muffler removed yesterday, and put in the magnaflow resonator. so far i'm pleased w/the sound. i know it'll get a little louder too. looking forward to that.

mrhenchen

^^let me know if it gets raspy like people say.

gunner252

will do. hopefully it wont, with the magnaflow. i thought it got raspy w/the dynomax.

aznbo187

iTrader: (1)

Nope, no problem with the dynomax. I've had a it get a bit raspy with the magnaflow though, and a few others as well. Though I believe it may simply be installation fault.

DineshD1219

Stage 3.
(Tone result TBA)
Stock exhaust.
Remove mid-muffler. Replace with 2.5" straight pipe.
Remove stock resonator. Replace with Dynomax resonator part# WLK-24215.
Dynomax resonator is a 12" long resonator, which is a bit shorter and less dampening than the magnaflow resonator, thus it should give you a bit more loudness/tone than stage 2.
Cost: Dynomax resonator costs around $40. Install ranges from $60 - $90 w/aluminized pipping.




I got the 2.25" Dynomax Resonator. I was wondering where to get the 2.5" straight pipe ( what website ) and should i still get the 2.5" straight pipe even tho im going with the 2.25" Dynomax Resonator???

Thanks

gunner252

gotchya. has anyone reported this raspiness with the 07's? this mod was done on my 07 TL Type-S.

yohan81718

any muffler shop should carry this.. don't buy it yourself

07WDP

to answer some of the 'raspiness' questions...

i think the issue stems with the quality of the installation work. if you think about the change you're making by just changing the resonator it's not that hard to understand that the tone may get deeper simply because of the more free flow of the resonator with less resistence, but the idea of it getting raspy only makes sense if there is a leak or hole in the weld used to install it.

if you look through the stock resonator in comparison with the aftermarket ones (magnaflow OR dynomax) there really isn't ALL that much difference. The change comes from the length of the resonator. A longer area of resonator is going to dampen more sound... a shorter area of resonator is going to let more sound through to the rest of the exhaust.

long story short... i think it all comes down to how well the installer welds the resonator in place. Just make sure to inspect the weld if they'll let you and look for gaps in the bead. you want a continuous even bead all the way around the exterior of the pipe. Just choose a good and experienced shop and you shouldn't have to worry. You get what you pay for IMO.

subinf

^ - You are not going to get a continuous bead around the entire resonator, the shop will have to make two or three separate welds.

I think those who have experienced a raspy sound should contact magnaflow. I've installed a ton of the resonators and have never had any customers come back and complain about a weird tone, although I have come across a fair amount of defective mufflers/resonators that were replaced before installation.

Its something they might have addressed/might have heard about before.

aznbo187

iTrader: (1)

I have the magnaflow muffler off, and by shaking it in my hand, I don't hear anything loose inside. How would you see if there is anything defective?

subinf

^ - I forgot that you had already checked it when off the car. Really weird that it isn't making any noise when you move it around. Usually you are able to hear something. Have you looked to see if any of the insulation is working its way through the middle of the resonator?

hottlon20's

I just had Stage two done I paid $150 with the resonator i though it was high but when I saw what a great job they did I was happy and even the mechanics at my job said the welding was superb and the shop told me to bring it back if I have any problems I definately think it was worth it I am ginna wait a few days to see how it sounds after being broken in before I order two magnaflow mufflers. They told me they would do 2.5" piping form the resonator back and install the new mufflers for $360 mufflers and all. Is that a fair price? This shop is awesome they do alot of custom hot rod work.

subinf

360 for the labor? Seems a little steep but not by much. How much an hour?

hottlon20's

I paid $150 for the new resonator and to install it and remove the mid muffler. Now the guy said if I have him install the mufflers they will be $80 each and $200 to install them with all new 2.5" piping from the resonator back. I don't think thats that unreasonable espicially since I know it will be done the right way and if anything breaks loose I can bring it back at no charge.

subinf

Ahh, didn't know the mufflers were included. Thats a good price for everything installed.

primo123

When doing any of these mods...did anyone have any problems when it came down to having service done the vehicle? Will touching the exhaust pipes in any way void the warranty>

Laxplaya11385

so far, i haven't had any problems w/ service. The people there like the sound, but if anything, i'd say it voids exhaust warranty.

BukvaMan

Hi I live in north bergen new jersey and i love the mod. Im planing on having it done as soon as i find the time but got couple of questions before i do anything

wich one would give me a deeper tone stage 2 or 3, not necessarily louderand less drone.

If i do go with the dynomax wich one do i really need to get cause some people say its the one with the 2.5 inlet/outlet and some say its 2.25

by the way on summitracing.com the 2.5 is 40 while the smaller one is much more.

now the big question . It would be really great if someone could recommend me a place to go to since i'm new to the city and have no clue who to trust.

thanx

KN_TL

iTrader: (3)

I've got a question (possibly stupid at that).

When most of you are having this done, are the pipes butt welded or does the replacement resonator and straight pipe that replaces the mid muffler have joints that slip over and then welded? Has anyone ever used the old method of muffler clamps instead of welding?

Also, are most of you taking your car into the shop or removing the exhaust and taking it in by itself?

I've never done anything with custom systems so please excuse my basic questions.

JD TL-S

iTrader: (1)

WOW I have to at least remove the mid muffler. Will all this removing stuff change back pressure and possible hurt performance or cause valve problems? Or will it add performance? I get nervous cutting things off a car I still own $34k on.

subinf

^ - Won't see any loss of power or have valve problems. Merely removing the resonator isn't likely to add performance, but it will give a decent exhaust note.

aznbo187

iTrader: (1)

They are all welded on. These are universal parts, so most of them don't come with slip-over ends. Take your car, with the muffler on, to a reputable shop down by your area and this should be a piece of cake to them. If they can't do it, find a different shop.

KN_TL

iTrader: (3)

After reading some of the posts about the possibility of a V6 Accord fitting a TL and noticed that some of these cat backs use butt clamps instead of flanges.

But I guess for the best possible seal, welding is the way to go.

It very hard to find shops that go beyond the basics up here in the northeast, I'll have to do some searching.

JD TL-S

iTrader: (1)

If I have them cut out the middle muffler only, should the replacement pipe be butted and welded. If they flange and overlap the replacement pipe over the TL exhaust will it cause airflow to not be as smooth??

subinf

I wouldn't worry about that. If you do want to avoid any overlap, have the shop weld flanges onto the end of the replacement pipe and flanges onto your existing exhaust pipe so you get a tight seal and avoid overlap.

JD TL-S

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for reply. I am not worried, I am not a mechanic so I don't know whats best. I prefer a cheap correct way to do it.

ricknsxt

AZNBO Thankyou for all your awesome work, read every page. I have an 04 with matic tranny. I wanted to go stage 2, but I dont want rasp or rattle so Stage 3 looks like the way to go. Is the VOLUME with dynomax much louder than the magnaflow. Your expieience with the mag. is scaring me. I want more sound than just a mid muffler delete, but don't want to piss off the neighbohood. Also under normal driving conditions how much do you notice the change compared to stock??? tanks

aznbo187

iTrader: (1)

rick,

I believe the magnaflow was just a faulty install. The dynomax is just a tad louder than the magnaflow setup. You won't disturb your neighbors with either setup, their both on the quiet side, really. The dynomax setup is a tad deeper sounding and once again, a -tiny- bit louder.

In either case, I would suggest AT least go with the magnaflow replacement, and if your having an awesome day, go with the dynomax. You won't be disappointed with either...their both quiet...just make sure you find a good exhaust shop that does quality welds with a good reputation.

Btw, that's a lot of pages to read. I can't even keep up with that! =)

PeteThaPitbull

has anyone ever tried stage 3 with removing the 3rd cat? just curious..seen it in another thread.. was wondering if it would increase potential power?

ussi

iTrader: (1)

Not sure if this is the right place to ask..but here goes..

my current setup is 2 HKS cans and comptech piping with the midmuffler deleted w/ a straight pipe.

i just installed my procats on my TL, and i'm starting to get a rasp at 2500-2800rpms...really nasty sound... i didnt have any raspiness before i installed the procats. i'm thinking i should put the midmuffler back in...any suggestions??

aznbo187

iTrader: (1)

yeah, go with the dynomax...shouldn't loose any power nor sound, but it will get rid of the rasp.

JD TL-S

iTrader: (1)

I just went to Merlins to have the mid muffler removed and maybe a new resonator. The guy their looked at my system and said NO WAY would he butcher the system for doing that. He said go quality cat back instead. I took his advice and left. No charge and a lot of advice. He said a new 07 TL-S, I wouldn't do that ever. I said thanks good idae about getting the cat back. I had a $1k Borla Cat back on my 04 Tundra V8 and it sounded like a Mustang GT.

KN_TL

iTrader: (3)

What was the primary reason for not modifying the existing exhaust system?

JD TL-S

iTrader: (1)

The guy there couldn't believe I wanted him to hack up the exhaust on a new TL-S with only 4,000 miles. He talked me out of it. I felt stupid, but he was very nice and didn't try to do that. He said get a Cat back from Borla.