Magnaflow resonated x-pipe in place of baby resonators vs center resonator

[gj314]

I'm planning on getting the Magnaflow resonated x-pipe (#11385, 2.25in). I'm looking for a louder and deeper exhaust note (with as little drone/rasp as possible, hence why I'm going with the resonated x-pipe), but I'm having trouble deciding between two configurations:

1. Putting the resonated x-pipe in place of the center resonator and deleting the baby resonators
2. Putting the resonated x-pipe in place of the baby resonators and deleting the center resonator

I was thinking of just swapping the center res with the x-pipe first and driving around like that for a little while, then if I want to go louder I could delete the baby resonators, but I was wondering if there is any benefit to having to x-pipe in place of baby resonators vs the center resonator.

Or would it be better to replace the baby resonators with the x-pipe first and test that out (can always delete center res later on if I want to go louder)?

Wondering if anyone who has a resonated x-pipe with stock headers/downpipes/mufflers could offer some advice, thanks.

[DarrenOman]

I did exactly what you are thinking. I installed the magnaflow X pipe in the middle where the larger resonator is located and didnt hear any differance(still too quiet).
Once I removed the smaller resonaters, I could hear the exhaust. No drone, its a little raspy for me (Had a B6 S4 before. Nothing beats the 4.2 V8 for exhaust note). But bang for buck im happy with the results.

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[gj314]

I did exactly what you are thinking. I installed the magnaflow X pipe in the middle where the larger resonator is located and didnt hear any differance(still too quiet).
Once I removed the smaller resonaters, I could hear the exhaust. No drone, its a little raspy for me (Had a B6 S4 before. Nothing beats the 4.2 V8 for exhaust note). But bang for buck im happy with the results.

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Interesting, any idea if placing the x closer to the engine (where baby resonators were) would have any effect on rasp?

[DarrenOman]

I think its the magnaflow sound. I don't want to put you off, it sounds good, just different to the V8.
I placed it at the front as it has the most amount of space.

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[gj314]

I think its the magnaflow sound. I don't want to put you off, it sounds good, just different to the V8.
I placed it at the front as it has the most amount of space.

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Gotcha. Don’t think it would be worse than a non resonated x pipe so I’m pretty content with the idea. Have any videos of your setup? How much did it run you overall for the setup (magnaflow + exhaust pipe for the center res delete and labor)?


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[DarrenOman]

I think the magnaflow cost $150 and labor was $180. I tried to get a video clip of my exhaust, but had an m3 in front of me which I was trying to race, but he didn't bite.

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[jonesclp]

Following for sound clips


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[K_Estes]

I did exactly what you are thinking. I installed the magnaflow X pipe in the middle where the larger resonator is located and didnt hear any differance(still too quiet).
Once I removed the smaller resonaters, I could hear the exhaust. No drone, its a little raspy for me (Had a B6 S4 before. Nothing beats the 4.2 V8 for exhaust note). But bang for buck im happy with the results.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

sorry clarifying for my self as I have been contemplating this also. You delted the baby resonators with an X-pipe and left the magnaflow center resonator? Sounds good? I would love a sound clip also if you can. Been thinking about doing this but I do like the current sound, no rasp and no drone which has kept me on the fence.

[gj314]

sorry clarifying for my self as I have been contemplating this also. You delted the baby resonators with an X-pipe and left the magnaflow center resonator? Sounds good? I would love a sound clip also if you can. Been thinking about doing this but I do like the current sound, no rasp and no drone which has kept me on the fence.

I think he was talking above swapping out the center suitcase resonator for the magnaflow resonated x pipe, then deleting the front baby resonators with straight pipes. Exhaust wasn’t loud enough with just a center res swap to resonated x pipe.


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[DarrenOman]

I cant remember which way round the stock resonators are, but I installed the magnaflow at the front and straight piped the rear.

I have a couple of sound clips but am struggling to attach them.

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[DarrenOman]

Couldn't resist recording in a tunnel https://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/5f178364...782%281%29.mp4

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[gj314]

Couldn't resist recording in a tunnel https://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/5f178364...782%281%29.mp4

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Sounds good. That’s what I’m planning on doing.


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[vdubjetta02]

I have an SQ5.... but believe the exhaust system is the same (in theory)

I replaced the very Large middle Suitecase resonator with a NON resonated X pipe and I love it.... It has a deep VR6 sound below 3,000 RPMS and then changes to a higher pitched 6 cylinder noise after that (It also added a few burbles when letting off the gas, which I personally like) . I didn't notice it that much when I left the muffler shop, but once I drove with my windows down next to other cars or buildings I could hear my car pretty damn well. And it must make more noise than I notice as the driver, because I have seen many people turn their heads as I drive through the neighborhood or down a main street.

I will not touch the rest of my exhaust. I love the $135 mod.

[K_Estes]

car is at the shop for other stuff and decidede last night to have them remove the baby resonators and install the xpipe I had lying around. Will report back on the sound, if it sucks will just put the resonators back in. Left the magnaflow center resonator in place, I hate engine drone.

[gj314]

I have an SQ5.... but believe the exhaust system is the same (in theory)

I replaced the very Large middle Suitecase resonator with a NON resonated X pipe and I love it.... It has a deep VR6 sound below 3,000 RPMS and then changes to a higher pitched 6 cylinder noise after that (It also added a few burbles when letting off the gas, which I personally like) . I didn't notice it that much when I left the muffler shop, but once I drove with my windows down next to other cars or buildings I could hear my car pretty damn well. And it must make more noise than I notice as the driver, because I have seen many people turn their heads as I drive through the neighborhood or down a main street.

I will not touch the rest of my exhaust. I love the $135 mod.

So you kept the baby resonators? Got any sound clips? Is it particularly raspy or does it drone much?

[vdubjetta02]

So you kept the baby resonators? Got any sound clips? Is it particularly raspy or does it drone much?

As i mentioned it is very deep VR6 sounding below 3,000..... after that it gets very high pitched (Almost exotic sounding)... I don't have any videos "Under Load " if you will.. just a real quick clip of me revving (Does not do justice of actual driving) AND I really enjoy the burbles when you left off the gas. AMG sounding if you will


*Now that you mention it, I probably should try to shoot a few more videos of the sound.

[Distortion]

I put a magnaflow 11386 in place of the baby resonators, and deleted the mufflers. Added 3.5” tips and it sounds and looks great. No drone. https://streamable.com/tm3exf

[ANMS4]

I did this , Replaces the baby resonators with the 11385 and deleted the suitcase this past Saturday, I'm still trying to get more vids but I did grab a quick one Saturday night. But the car sounds mean as hell LOL,

https://youtu.be/PPCcsIF_KAc

[pwise]

I have an SQ5.... but believe the exhaust system is the same (in theory)

I replaced the very Large middle Suitecase resonator with a NON resonated X pipe and I love it.... It has a deep VR6 sound below 3,000 RPMS and then changes to a higher pitched 6 cylinder noise after that (It also added a few burbles when letting off the gas, which I personally like) . I didn't notice it that much when I left the muffler shop, but once I drove with my windows down next to other cars or buildings I could hear my car pretty damn well. And it must make more noise than I notice as the driver, because I have seen many people turn their heads as I drive through the neighborhood or down a main street.

I will not touch the rest of my exhaust. I love the $135 mod.

Does your SQ5 have the baby resonators in the downpipes too? I love the way your car sounds in that clip you posted. Stock downpipes, change out the center resonator for a non-resonated x-pipe, and stock mufflers?