Need your opinion on whether or not to do it...

[buhdda]

I was recently faced with the dilemma due to the fact that there is a crack on my Resonator (that secondary mini-muffler). Unforunately as minimal as this piece is it is attached to the y-pipe and the 4 Catalytic converters.)

This part is MSRP $714Infinitipartsusa $630 shipped

Another $147 to get it installed at the dealership

The dealer just said i should cut the resonator and use straight piping.

It is sounds a little hoarse but ok, and more importantly this method is cheap.

What would u guys do

[SilverShadow]

As hard as it might be to swallow, I think I would do the right thing and replace it. I try to keep my vehicles as close to how I received them as possible. I have found that this helps on the resale value and it makes it easier to get parts down the road.My question to you is will this effect the emissions on the vehicle at all?

[buhdda]

The infiniti dealer put on the straight pipe for now, it still has the under allowed emissions to pass inspection (which is a pain in PA). Also This only cuts a section of the front exhaust system. The bolts and everyhitng are still there and any time i want i could just but that section and bolt it on.

It is a tad bit louder...but i have been driving for a few weeks witht he crack in the resonator, which made a noise that made the new throaty noise insiginificant.

[SilverShadow]

Forgot to ask, do you know what caused the crack?

[buhdda]

I bought the car used...so i'm not 100% but from the scrap marks on the resonator itself it seem pretty obvious that the last owner scraped the underside by going over something.

Originally the dealer told me he would just try to weld it shut, but when he tried that this morning he said the metal was so thin around where it got scrapped, welding was not possible. Also there were more than 1 ruptures on that section.

[SilverShadow]

Thanks, I kind of assumed it was a pre-owned vehicle.