Has anyone removed just the resonators on a S4 series car? If so, what was the effect on sound level and quality?
Following a recent post with a lot of good info on RMB's, Ott X pipes, etc., I was thinking of alternatives while wasting time crawling about under the car. It looks to be a simple matter to replace the resonators ('88 in this case) with straight pipe, or replace with the lighter, newer (louder) GT/GTS resonators - and still keep the CAT and stock appearance of a GT rear muffler. The goal would be to gain a reasonable increase in sound level, and still sound like a Porsche.

 

I have not run that combo, but I can speculate on the final result based upon how mine sounded when I had factory exhaust manifolds, x-pipe, GT resonators, and stock muffler. That combo had a nice sound, but it was definitely on the quiet side even though the cats were gone, which do a lot of 'muffling' on their own.

Because of that, I do not think you'll achieve 'a resonable increase in sound level' by just removing the resonators while retaining the factory rear muffler (..and especially if you still have cats); thus I don't think it would be worth the time/money to do so.

That is why cats, small GT resonators and RMB sound so good, it's because the quiet factory muffler is gone.

 

Lagavulin,
Thanks for the insight. My speculation was only based on wishful thinking, for cutting out resonators would be tempting - and too easy: Your speculation is much closer to the facts and experience side of the equation!

BTW, while your advice may be priceless, your namesake from Islay (Lagavulin - 16 year) now commands a mere $60 cdn a fifth at the local pop shop!