What makes the Z's engine sound so bad (to reviewers)?

chris410 · 08-05-2009, 04:59 PM

I'm sure the engineers tested the motor at various rpms. Typically, the japanese motors are over-engineered so I'm sure the 332hp is only the tip on what the motor can really do. I've opened mine up a few times and the motor is loud but that's what a sports car is supposed to do...make noise when you get to the upper rpms.

Most of the noise complaints are from the tires on the 19's rather than the motor itself. Basically, the road noise, I have the 18's which do not have much of any road noise.

Of course, I race motorcycles so I'm used to the sound of a motor screaming so passing up the car based on noise? Personally, I'd rather hear the motor than floor it and have the car be quiet. Also, keep in mind that I'm sure as the rpms increase your noise is coming from all the parts that are increasing in movement...that is not a bad thing.

zZSportZz · 08-05-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris410

I'm sure the engineers tested the motor at various rpms. Typically, the japanese motors are over-engineered so I'm sure the 332hp is only the tip on what the motor can really do. I've opened mine up a few times and the motor is loud but that's what a sports car is supposed to do...make noise when you get to the upper rpms.

Most of the noise complaints are from the tires on the 19's rather than the motor itself. Basically, the road noise, I have the 18's which do not have much of any road noise.

Of course, I race motorcycles so I'm used to the sound of a motor screaming so passing up the car based on noise? Personally, I'd rather hear the motor than floor it and have the car be quiet. Also, keep in mind that I'm sure as the rpms increase your noise is coming from all the parts that are increasing in movement...that is not a bad thing.

I would tend to agree if it was just sound, but its vibration as well and overall harshness that makes you feel like its going to explode at any minute. It just feels unnatural. That and the paint are my only 2 gripes about the car. I still LOVE it though, but I have to be honest about the things I don't like.

chris410 · 08-05-2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zZSportZz

I would tend to agree if it was just sound, but its vibration as well and overall harshness that makes you feel like its going to explode at any minute. It just feels unnatural. That and the paint are my only 2 gripes about the car. I still LOVE it though, but I have to be honest about the things I don't like.

The vibration could be a product of engine position since this is a V6 VS an I-6.
Can you tell where the vibration coming from the motor or drive train? I've only gotten on it hard a few times just to run up the rpms and did notice the noise a some vibration but nothing I would be inclined to be worried about.

I'll pay more attention next time I get a chance to dip into the upper rpms.

TheWeatherman · 08-05-2009, 05:16 PM

Yeah, but there is something about this motor that is a little scary. I now have 8,000 miles on it, so things are plenty broken in. I always compare this thing to my '09 FX35 with the VQ35HR motor that also has a 7,500 redline. The Z rattles and rolls above 6,000. It does scare me, and I actually rely on my flashing tach light because the sound of the engine almost puts me in a panic mode to even glance down at the tach numbers. I know that sounds a bit extreme, but those of you that find this thing harsh up top know what I mean. It's a lot of drama when not much is going on drama-wise. A distraction, but I still love the car.

Oh, and holy cow does the vibration come through the shifter! Wow!

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08-05-2009, 04:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
chris410 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 345 Drives: 10' GT500 Rep Power: 17	I'm sure the engineers tested the motor at various rpms. Typically, the japanese motors are over-engineered so I'm sure the 332hp is only the tip on what the motor can really do. I've opened mine up a few times and the motor is loud but that's what a sports car is supposed to do...make noise when you get to the upper rpms. Most of the noise complaints are from the tires on the 19's rather than the motor itself. Basically, the road noise, I have the 18's which do not have much of any road noise. Of course, I race motorcycles so I'm used to the sound of a motor screaming so passing up the car based on noise? Personally, I'd rather hear the motor than floor it and have the car be quiet. Also, keep in mind that I'm sure as the rpms increase your noise is coming from all the parts that are increasing in movement...that is not a bad thing.

08-05-2009, 05:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
TheWeatherman Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 265 Drives: 2009 370Z 6MTw/Sport Rep Power: 17	Yeah, but there is something about this motor that is a little scary. I now have 8,000 miles on it, so things are plenty broken in. I always compare this thing to my '09 FX35 with the VQ35HR motor that also has a 7,500 redline. The Z rattles and rolls above 6,000. It does scare me, and I actually rely on my flashing tach light because the sound of the engine almost puts me in a panic mode to even glance down at the tach numbers. I know that sounds a bit extreme, but those of you that find this thing harsh up top know what I mean. It's a lot of drama when not much is going on drama-wise. A distraction, but I still love the car. Oh, and holy cow does the vibration come through the shifter! Wow!