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Exhaust resonator vs muffler, do I need both?

My brother-in-law said that my car will sound cooler if I remove the muffler but keep the exhaust resonator. Is that true, is there a benefit to an exhaust resonator vs a muffler?

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Shannon Martin · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
A cooler sound is subjective, but if you remove the muffler, the exhaust resonator, or both, your car will undoubtedly sound louder!
And do you need both of them? No, your vehicle will run without them, but you might get a few
check engine warning lights
without them.
As far as sound goes, the exhaust resonator dampens and eliminates specific frequencies that most people find highly annoying while driving. In addition, the muffler has a softening effect on all frequencies.
If you plan on making this
vehicle modification
, check with your local DMV to ensure your car will still be street legal. If a check engine light comes on, your car won’t pass future emission inspections until repaired. These types of changes can also void any warranties your vehicle may have.
Since you are considering updating your car, take 45 seconds to update your
car insurance
policy.
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