I was in at the mechanics and was told that my resonator needs to be replaced. They say it is all rusted out. My question is; do I really need to replace this? What is the resonator for? It is a welded unit I am told so I cannot do it myself. What is the story with this thing? I was also told that I need a new fuel filter. Is this easy to change on a 1997 GP SE3800? I figure it would probably be a lot cheaper to just do it myself, but I am not sure if there are any special tools required to change it on this car. My truck was really easy as it was in the engine compartment, not underneath like this one.

Cheers,
Ravn

as far as the resonator goes, you can just take it to a muffler shop and have them replace that with straight pipe, it does absolutely nothing but restrict air, it will probably even perform better with the resonator removed.

As far as the fuel filter goes, I'm pretty sure any average joe with some common mechanical knowledge can replace it, but one of the other guys will have to tell you exactly where its at and how to go about replacing it

You can google the installation pretty easy and get pictures and numbered directions, as far as the resonator if it is rusted through and has any holes then yea you probably should, if its not too rusty you should be ok, and like 4 said if u want u can upgrade to straight pipe.

Just have them put a piece of straight pipe in the resonator does little if anything but add weight .As far as the fuel filter not all that difficult but if its fairly rusty it can be a pita to get loose .

If it's the original you'll have one heck of a time trying to get it off. They corrode on and are apita to remove. As for the resonator. The GP resonator isn't all that restrictive (that dang ubend is) I've heard people going to a straight pipe only to be annoyed by excess drone and ended up putting the resonator back on.

Huh, thats odd, when I had mine done (only exhaust mod I have, stock downpipe and muffs still on) I didnt really notice that much of a difference. It was a little more throaty, but I definately didnt get more drone sound

Either way if it does or doesnt make more or less sound its not very if anything restrictive.........

I think the drone depends largely on what type of aftermarket system you put on, but the stock system is ok without the resonator. Its not much of a restriction from what I understand.

The reonator isn't much of a restriction unless your engine is putting out big power. It's a similar design to a straight through muffler. The best thing is to just replace it with a straight pipe as it's much cheaper than getting a new one.

You can always put a hollywood muff in place of the res. if you don't like the sound.

or a glass pack maybe