Replace catalytic with aftermarket resonator

[Nitrate]

1981. 2000. I'd like to replace my catalytic conv. but not with a Test Pipe. My understanding is that the test pipe makes the system too loud. That makes sence to me because the cat acts like a type of muffler. I'm looking for an aftermarket resonator, not ANSA too expensive. Has any one found a good substitute that keeps the system mellow sounding? Thanks, Rich B.

[vandor]

If you have the stock reosnator and rear muffler, then the test pipe will not make the car too loud. If the resonator is removed and there is just a rear muffler, espeically a free flow one, then yes, it may be too loud.

[Nitrate]

Thanks for your reply. I do have a resonator(near the rear axel) and rear muffler. It's just that I was looking at the earlier Fiat 124's and they have two resonators and a muffler I recall them having a very sweet exhaust note. I wanted to try and duplicate that on my 2 liter Fuel Injected 81' 2000. Rich B.

[njspider]

I just removed the stock rear muffler. It was rusty and had a minor pinhole starting. The exhaust was very quiet and I wanted a little more sporty exhaust note but nothing too loud. Before ordering a muffler, just out of curiosity I stuck a pipe on the end and drove the car. To my surprise there is very little difference at idle and cruise. If you wind thru the gears it has a bit of a snarl above 3500 rpm. I'm gonna live with this for a bit and then decide what to do.

[njspider]

I should mention cat and stock resonator are still in place.

[vandor]

Yes, US Spiders without a catalyst had two resonators, but some Euro models only had one.

[Nitrate]

Do you recall if there is a noticeable difference in tone between the two resonator and single resonator version? Thanks, Rich B.

[azruss]

I kept my cat but replaced everything down stream with just a single free flow muffler. Gives a nice understated tone.

[rjkoop]

On my '81 with stock downpipe I'm thinking about downpipe -> test pipe (from AR) -> resonator (new one from AR) -> ANSA muffler. CAT has a slight leak anyways. Hopefully that will give me a good sound. Love to hear feedback from anyone that has this setup (video?).

Richard

[TX82FIAT]

I would recommend a resonator if you are taking the CAT out. As mentioned earlier, a free flow exhaust is very loud if you take out the CAT. There are many versions of resonator available, I used a 2.25" bottle nose resonator one from Vibrant that cost about $60. Works like a charm. Well, still a little loud. Love driving through any kind of tunnel or enclosure that echoes the exhaust note.

[Nitrate]

What about installing a Magnaflow muffler? It is basically a quite glasspack with a straight thru design. I never could find a definition of a resonator. I know on early Volvo 4 cyl. Engines the resonator provided a large empty chamber that allowed exhaust gasses to expand rapidly which produced a a scavaging effect via some type of pulse. I'm wondering if the first resonator in the Fiat system serves the same purpose? Rich B.