Both resonators and catalytic converters play critical roles in automobiles.
However, unlike common beginners’ belief that the two are related (or even identical), these devices take charge of completely different compartments and functions in the operating system.
Today’s article will delve further into the resonator vs catalytic converter key features and how one can tell them apart.
What Is A Resonator?
Operation noises are among the most bothersome issues for drivers, especially in vehicles with no exhaust manifolds.
That explains why add-on features were installed to keep those sounds under control, and resonators are a case in point.
Specifically, the resonators will alter your vehicle’s wave of noises into less subdued versions for easier and more effective muffling.
They act like echo chambers that cancel out sound frequencies, laying out the groundwork before the muffler takes over and handles the rest of the sounds.
Still feel unclear about the differences between a muffler and resonator? Long story short:
- Resonators simply change your engine sounds
- Mufflers reduce engine volume
Together, mufflers and resonators work to reduce/alter engine wavelengths before they can exit the car.
Vehicles that sound unusually loud indicate technical issues with at least one of these two devices.
What Is A Catalytic Converter?
Modern exhaust systems introduce numerous emission-control features to make the car’s operation environmentally friendly.
And among them, catalytic converters hold the most significant role.
A typical catalytic converter lowers the amount of harmful pollutants by transforming combustion gas into less toxic substances (carbon dioxide or water vapor, for instance).
Below is a summary of how it works:
- Catalytic converters are usually located below the car’s underside, with two huge pipes connected: the “input” and the “output.”
- Gas that enters the “input” is blown over when traveling through the catalyst, causing a chain of chemical reactions. During the process, the pollutants are broken apart.
- Now turned into less-toxic gas, the substance completes its travel through the “output” pipe (linked to the tailpipe).
Resonator vs Catalytic Converter: What Are Their Key Differences?
Resonators (not compulsory by law) are closer to the exhaust system entry to cancel out exhaust sounds for later muffling.
Meanwhile, catalytic converters (law-mandatory) could be found near the manifold and engine, processing harmful gasses before release.
Position in The Exhaust System
Part of the reason why the two devices are often confused with each other is that both lie in the car’s exhaust system.
However, a closer look reveals major differences in their placement. Resonators are located closer to the exhaust entry (and close to the muffler, as discussed above).
Meanwhile, catalytic converters are within the immediate vicinity of car engines and exhaust headers/manifolds, ensuring harmful gas is treated properly before release.
Legality and Necessity
Do I need a resonator on my exhaust? The answer is No: Resonators are never considered a car’s mandatory component.
Sure, a resonator in car does a great job in exhaust noise reduction; but without them, the car can still work well with neither technical compromise nor violations of any legal law.
At times, automobile enthusiasts even consider resonators a comfort/aesthetic addition rather than anything remotely functional.
But catalytic converters are another different story: they are strictly required by the law.
Both local states and the EPA (short for Environmental Protection Agencies) have issued regulations regarding toxic emission controls and harmful releases of pollutants into the air.
And needless to say, catalytic converters take a major role in ensuring you stay law-abiding in this regard.
Removing the converters definitely leads to your car failing the authorities’ emission tests and violating environmental laws; brace yourself for the expected fines and penalties.
Effects on Engine Power and Overall Efficiency
Despite being considered mandatory, catalytic converter removals do not give the car performance any significant transformations; as indicated, their sole purposes are merely to reduce harmful emissions and comply with environmental criteria.
Hence, those who risk violating the law to remove the converter for better exhaust flows and power increases have done it for naught; minus the slightly increased gas, everything else remained the same.
On the contrary, pulling off the resonator on a car actually does wonders for the engine’s overall efficiency, especially in motorsports.
Once removed, these resonators also bring excessive back pressure away with them, allowing your engines to churn out generous airflow and increase horsepower as a result.
Of course, there will be concerns about the higher noise levels – but nothing an aftermarket upgrade could not handle.
One common solution is to use tuned mufflers, which work just as great in controlling the sounds.
What Are The Benefits of Resonators and Catalytic Converters?
Now we have all understood the fundamental importance of catalytic converters and exhaust resonator purpose. But what else is there other than the basics?
Benefits of Resonators
- Better riding comfort. Thanks to the significantly reduced exhaust noises, drivers can now enjoy a smoother, much more comfortable riding experience. Droning noises during longer journeys/ trips will no longer be a headache-inducing issue.
- Aesthetic upgrades. As briefly discussed, resonators can serve as extra visual appeals. Feel free to design them in various styles, shapes, and customization options to match other aesthetic upgrades (stay away from your license plates, by the way). The car will give a unique “You” vibe from beginning to end!
- Harmonic tunings. Amazing visuals should go hand in hand with equally amazing acoustic effects – and there is no better way to achieve that than a resonator installation. Like with physical upgrades, tune the exhaust notes/vehicle sounds in any style you like until they turn out satisfactory.
- Smooth exhaust flows. In certain cases, resonators could minimize turbulence and restrictions for better fuel efficiency. However, these extra benefits are minimal and not as common, which explains their position at the bottom of my list.
Benefits of Catalytic Converters
- Health benefits. Strict compliance with the emission/environmental laws clearly do your health good. Risks of cardiovascular and respiratory issues (often linked with bad air quality) will be significantly reduced.
- Noise pollution reduction (to some extent). With greater emission reductions, the exhaust noise control also improves to a certain extent, further contributing to your overall driving comfort.
FAQs
Can I Remove Catalytic Converters And Resonators?
Yes, for resonators, and a big No for catalytic converters.
Whether you like the latter or not, they are deemed by authorities as mandatory car parts and must stay there at all costs (except when replacements are needed).
Can A Resonator And Catalytic Converter Be Used Together in An Exhaust System?
Yes. Why not? As indicated multiple times throughout my article, the only factor they have in common is that both are within the exhaust system.
Other than that, there is nothing remotely similar about the two; they do not even take care of the same issue (resonators work with exhaust/engine noises, and converters handle gas).
Thus, their inclusion or removal will not affect each other whatsoever.
Conclusion
The differences between resonator vs catalytic converter have been established very clearly in my article.
Long story short, resonators handle screeching noises and can be removed or installed at will.
Meanwhile, catalytic converters must stay on 100% of the driving time to comply with the state’s emissions regulations.
Remember these critical key points to avoid mistaking one for another during car part purchases.