Exhaust question

[phoenix44]

What would incease H.P. and give a more aggressive sound if you were only going to change either the center, or the rear muffler?

[RUEY220]

Originally Posted by phoenix44

What would incease H.P. and give a more aggressive sound if you were only going to change either the center, or the rear muffler?

you must take out the resonator, put 4 high flow cats, then replace the muffler with a straight through design.

[phoenix44]

Originally Posted by RUEY220

you must take out the resonator, put 4 high flow cats, then replace the muffler with a straight through design.

Thanks for the reply. I don't want to spend too much on this mod. What would be the effect of removing the resonator and leaving the existing cats as they are, and changing the rear muffler?

[speakerdude]

I did an exhaust mod on my 01 ML55 as follows:

We welded a collector to the stock resonator and used a flowmaster muffler designed for an LS1 GM. The stock tips are welded back on. It sounds great, just enough to set off a few car alarms in garages. It is very low and throaty at idle w/o being obnoxious and it absolutely screams when opened up. I initially deleted the resonator but it was way too loud. I don't know about increased power and I seriously doubt if it adds any but it sounds great and was not too much to do. I had a friend of mine that owns a Mienekee shop do the work and the total w/ parts was around $600. The muffler fits perfectly where the Benz one sat.

I did the lowering thing w/ H&Rs and Bilsteins in the rear and heavy duty Monroe reflex GM pick-up shocks on the front. That really worked out well and avoids the pogo effect everybody complains about. Going back to the stock Conti tires also helped soften the ride considerably.

One of the best things I have done is replace the stock rotors w/ vented ATEs I got from Tire Rack along w/ ceramic pads, no more brake dust and they grip very well.

I also did a banging stereo upgrade that does not modify the vehicle AT ALL. I also did a roof rack delete and blacked out the emblems. All in all I like the effect a lot. I realize it is subject to interpretation but it's my truck and it is the way I want it.

Steve

[RUEY220]

Originally Posted by phoenix44

Thanks for the reply. I don't want to spend too much on this mod. What would be the effect of removing the resonator and leaving the existing cats as they are, and changing the rear muffler?

more noise but hardly any gain. The cats really help alot, they will probably cost you $400 for all 4. I've had no problem with the check engine light also.