My system is okay, but starting to be louder than it should be, I think. Also, the resonator, or pre-muffler (not sure what it is called and the book doesn't tell) has some cracks and is leaking.
With the Colorado trip (2500 miles or so) I'm guessing that if the system is going to let go, it will be on this trip while the car is being run hard (normal) and not babied like it has been for the last 15-20 years...
Is this resonator needed? Hudson put it there for a reason, what does it do? What changes if it is eliminated?
Currently, my engine/car sounds mildly hopped up (rat-tat-tat exhaust tune) when running. Fairly quiet while idling.
I prefer a quiet car, as opposed to the glass pack/rap the throttle all the time just because it sounds so good crowd 😉
Has anyone come upon a good combination, or just a single muffler to accomplish that goal?
I'd like to have this information in case I end up having to replace something on the trip.
Thanks,
Rob
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[b]Rob,
If I were you I would jack it up on Stds or a Lift then do a 'Pre-Trip' inspection and replace whatever is needed prior to your trip to prevent a costly repair and delay on the road. If its a 6 or straight 8 I never seen a resonator. I would put one regular muffler on it...[/b]
Chuck,
Thank you for your thoughts!
I've been doing pre-trip checks and repairing items for several weeks now. Your advice is good, going on a long trip with a car that hasn't been road tested for years is always unwise.
The pre-trip checks revealed the cracks in the part (sorry I forgot to include the photo, it is there now.)
Rob
You don't need the extra, just the one muffler.
Rob,
The 1948-51 Hudsons had the spare tire lying flat on the floor. This gave the space on the right side of the car between the gas tank and the leaf spring to put a large muffler. There was no resonator. The system is extremely quiet.
In order to have the spare mounted standing up, in the 1952 and newer stepdowns, the floor of the trunk is depressed below the spare, leaving too little space to have a large muffler in this position.
I don't have any experience with exhaust systems on the 1952 and newer, so I don't know whether any quietness is lost without a resonator.
Per
For what it's worth, Hudson started using resonators on the 1952 models and all models thereafter. I think it was applied to the new for 1952 exhaust system in hopes that it would help make the cars quieter.
Thanks all for your thoughts!
Rob
Rob,
I'm arriving at the Elegante Tuesday night. It would be fun to talk, even if your car isn't there.
My cell phone is 857 225 0600.
Per
Per,
I look forward to talking with you!
Rob
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