Add or replace resonator with headers + bmw pe?

[wolfe]

Just added headers and an intake, already had the bmw performance exhaust.

It's really loud now, would swapping the resonator for another unit, or adding an additional resonator (magnaflow or similar) help tone it down a bit?

Super happy with everything except the volume.

[desertman123]

Consider a 135i muffler, or a vibrant resonator.

[wolfe]

Thank you! Would the vibrant resonator replace the stock one, or should it be installed before it? (I'd like to keep the BMW PE if I can)

[asbrr]

Originally Posted by wolfe

Thank you! Would the vibrant resonator replace the stock one, or should it be installed before it? (I'd like to keep the BMW PE if I can)

From the sounds of it you have a stock resonator already? Adding a vibrant resonator implies replacing the stock one, I'm not sure if it would be more effective in making things reasonable, you'd have to have someone with first hand evidence using the exact combination you have.

The PE in combination with headers is known to be quite loud, as the PE muffler is just basically a well engineered muffler delete. There are people that went to a 135i muffler in replacement of the PE in this situation. You'd get good money selling your PE, and a 135i muffler is like $100 used. I would recommend you go that way, you get OEM quality with the 135i muffler, and you could do the golf tee mod to add a bit of low end volume. I've heard cars with this combination and they do sound nice. Not quite as many burbles and pops as the PE, but a very nice overall sound.

[wolfe]

Originally Posted by asbrr

From the sounds of it you have a stock resonator already? Adding a vibrant resonator implies replacing the stock one, I'm not sure if it would be more effective in making things reasonable, you'd have to have someone with first hand evidence using the exact combination you have.

Yep, that's correct - stock resonator & midpipes, AA headers and BMW PE rear silencer.

Thanks for the info, I'll search around for some more sound clips & check it out.

[Suhb]

Agree with the 135i muffler. The exhaust is greatly silenced by the primary cats and the muffler. Remove those two (PE, as said, being a well engineered muffler delete), and you have very minor noise reduction from the secondary cats and resonator.

135i muffler is good because its baffled and reduces a lot of drone. The restriction is at the very end of the exhaust so minor minor power loss. If it ends up beind too quiet for you, go back and remove secondary cats or resonator. But I think the 135i muffler is the best route.