So living in SoCal raises some interesting challenges our smog rules suck and the exhaust parts are pricy. I could get away with some on my XJ as I can always say that the exhaust component in question predates the new rules. Kinda hard to do that on a 2012 JK... So.... Anyone done anything to protecting their exhaust ? I'm thinking mainly of the cat.

 

Cats are up out of the way. I think you may be referring to the resonator. It can legally be removed in Cali. It is for sound notes that more friendly to the ear.it sound a bit higher and louder without it. Does not effect pollution..

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You mean muffler?

 

No , I mean resonator, under passenger door, muffler is on back. Is that what you were talking about. I don't think I could damage my cats if I tried. I could see damage to the resonator..
What year and motor? My 3.6 has a resonator and a muffler . 13 rubi
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Cats are pretty high up and out of way on all years and models. 3.8s don't have resonator, but OP has a '12. So he may mean resonator or muffler. I'd recommend he talk to a local muffler shop and see what they can do after the cats, but keeping Jeep smog-legal.

 

Nevermind you said 12!

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damn... I'll have to crawl underneath again... a muffler and a resonator??? what happened to simple days of exhaust!!

 

Some people call it a ore muffler, but it's a resonator. No matter, it's a two part muffler system. I don't see why you couldn't take it out, but I don't live in CA.

 

If you pull the resonator for clearance, you end up with what sounds like a honda with one of those rediculous street racer exhaust systems. Then a flow max will tone it down. You will never get the deep v8 sound without doing a system. I tried and went back to stock.

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