The factory resonator is leaking on our 2005 Malibu 3.5V6 and I was thinking of replacing it with a piece of pipe instead to save $$$$

My question is will it be too loud without a resonator or will just sound cool ?
(The stock muffler is still in place)

Are there any other issues with such a mod ?

It will probably be louder, but shouldn't be by too much. The may be more exhaust drone at cruising speeds also. I personally don't like the sound of GM v6 engines with exhaust mods done, but you might like it since everyone has different tastes. Doing this won't cause any problems with the car. You can always just cut the resonator out and clamp a pipe in place of it, if you don't like it then you can unbolt it and put a resonator in. It would definitely be cheaper with just a pipe though.

the resonator is basicaly just a stock glasspack i rencenty replaced mine with a thrush glass pack to make it alittle louder, of course i had already replaced the stock muffler with a glasspack as well. it will be alittle louder with just a pice of pipe but with the muffler still on it shouldnt be much

Thanks for the input guys

I went ahead and replaced the resonator with a piece of pipe and honestly its not that much louder at all

saved over $100 too :)