Removing the Resonator
Instructions & Photos by Bob Forrest
Overview
This is the easiest modification you can do... It takes less than 5
minutes, and it does result in a noticeable 'feeling' of faster response.
I use the term in quotes because it has been debated as to whether or not
it makes a difference. I believe it does.
The intention of the resonator (and why it is called by that name) is
because it changes the resonant frequency in the intake for a quieter
sound. It has also been claimed to change the frequency of the intake
'pulse', which may actually be saying the same thing. While it's
installed, it does exactly that - it make things quieter. Once you remove
it, you'll notice the audible difference from the way it had been, and I
think you'll also notice the difference in response. In the May '98 issue
of Popular Mechanics, 'Care Care'column writer Mike Allen identifies it as
a "Helmholtz resonator to reduce intake air resonance at some engine
speeds. It works by bouncing a pulse of air back into the intake path
exactly 180 degrees out of phase with a noise pulse reflected by the
closing intake valve." The article doesn't say what it does to the
engine's horsepower.
I didn't dyno it, but my 'butt dyno' tells me the car IS 'peppier' by a
scoche; my logic tells me the same thing. Anything that interrupts the
smooth movement of air along the intake path MUST slow it down, and slower
movement of intake air robs you of power, although by only a small amount.
But the whole idea of modifying a system is to squeeze every last iota of
power out of what you've got. This is just one more 'iota' to squeeze out.
It seems to have more effect on the base (SOHC) models than on the DOHC's,
(not applicable for turbos), and yes, it is a noticeable boost in low-end
power. There's also a slightly louder intake sound at WOT, which is
totally logical, since that's the reason it's there in the first place--
to lower the pitch of the intake sound to make the car 'Stealthier'. All
you need is a Phillips screwdriver, and there's really nothing to screw
up, unless you forget to plug something back in... The concept is simple:
below the intake hose, between the engine and the battery, is the
resonator, which resembles a kind of squarish 'bottle'. Your mission,
(should you choose to accept it), is to remove the bottle and plug up the
hole it leaves, then reattach everything. Here's how...
Details