would a cheap resonator cause your car to backfire with a crackling sound to it. i've ruled out everything else and before i buy one from modern i want to double check that i haven't missed something. i've checked the muffler, clamps, connection at the manifold, O2 sensors. took out the egr block off plate. is there anything i should check

 

didnt know neons had a resonator.

good stuff to look at..... also has the diffrence between afterfire and backfire

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back-fire



"Afterfire occurs in engines that have an emission system malfunction (air injection system diverter valve), exhaust leak or unburnt fuel in an exhaust system in which the catalytic converter has been removed. When a driver shifts up and lets off the accelerator, the engine has a moment of running rich or with insufficient oxygen. This causes an incomplete burn which causes the fumes to explode in the exhaust system. The leak itself is the most dangerous aspect. Without it, the mixture would cool enough not to explode. A fuel injected engine may backfire if an intake leak is present (causing the engine to run lean), or a fuel injection component such as an air-flow sensor is defective."