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

spearfish25 · 08-05-2009, 06:30 PM

I agree that over 6k RPM, it gets a little unsettling. You start looking at the tach thinking "almost redline, almost redline, get ready, get ready, SHIFT!!!". IMO, a high revving sports car should rev near the redline without you noticing much at all. It should PREFER to be in the high RPM range rather than lumbering under 4k RPM. Despite all that, I still love my car.

hide187 · 08-05-2009, 06:45 PM

I do not share the feelings of most of yous guys. I get the chills whenever I run into the high rpms, the good kind. No fear of explosions or breaking anything.

Sometimes depending on the road my 19's are a little talkative but nothing worth bit*hing about.

chris410 · 08-05-2009, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hide187

I do not share the feelings of most of yous guys. I get the chills whenever I run into the high rpms, the good kind. No fear of explosions or breaking anything.

Sometimes depending on the road my 19's are a little talkative but nothing worth bit*hing about.

I haven't been in a car that has the 19's but when they complain about the road noise, I think it's more of an "observation" rather than a complaint. I wouldn't let something like that affect my decision on getting a Z. Then again, one drive and I'm sure any complaints will be silenced

The way I view it is as I said earlier, I'm sure the engineers designed the car to easily handle the horsepower, again most japanese motors are way over-engineered so the noise is most likely a product of that design and nothing to worry about. If it becomes an issue, I'm sure we'll be hearing about it but in my own experience I never had a concern...actually I didn't really notice anything odd but I've owned several sports cars/and race motorcycles so I'm used to hearing motors make noise. For anyone freaking out...don't...these cars have been through some beatings in tests and as far as I know none of them have blown up

spearfish25 · 08-05-2009, 06:57 PM

For me, it's not concern about breaking the car. It's just the overall sensation when driving it. More expensive sportscars emit a sense of confidence, poise and control at high RPMs. You look down NOT realizing you're at 7000 rpm and they WANT to be in that range. The Z will do it, but it feels like you're twisting its arm to make it go over 6k rpm.

wolf41779 · 08-06-2009, 03:07 AM

Couldnt agree with you more...Im not the kinda person to be bouncing the tach off the rev limiter every other shift. I just want to punch it every once in a while and feel a solid pull, or be able to merge in traffic with out having to down shift 2 gears. All of which the Z provides to me, and it looks damn right sexy doing it...

kdoske · 08-06-2009, 08:18 AM

I think the new engine could use a little bit more low end torque but besides that I like the fact the the engine isn't a beast until after 4000rpm. It makes the a good daily driver. Then when you want that extra power just slame it above the 4000rpm range and go to town.

The engine reminds me of and old turbo car I use to have to be honest. All that power kicking in above 3000rpm. Having said that I can see why there is an apeal for a Supercharger rather then a Turbo in this vehicle.

semtex · 08-06-2009, 09:15 AM

I think the stock intake and/or exhaust has something to do with it. After reading through this thread yesterday, I deliberately ran up to redline several times this morning, and my car doesn't sound bad at all at high rpm, nor does it feel rough in any way. It gets louder, of course, but there is no qualitative change in the sound or smoothness. But equally, if not more, important, at redline my car doesn't feel like it's wheezing or running out of breath. If anything, it feels like it's begging for more. Now, I've got my entire intake and exhaust system swapped out, hence my suspicion that the stock components are what accounts for the reviewers' impressions. So the downside to all this is that, in stock form, the car sounds and feels a little unrefined at the top end. I'm sure there are those who will argue that Nissan could/should have done a better job in this area, and I'm not taking issue with that view. On the upside however, at least there's a fix -- upgraded components.

zZSportZz · 08-06-2009, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by semtex

I think the stock intake and/or exhaust has something to do with it. After reading through this thread yesterday, I deliberately ran up to redline several times this morning, and my car doesn't sound bad at all at high rpm, nor does it feel rough in any way. It gets louder, of course, but there is no qualitative change in the sound or smoothness. But equally, if not more, important, at redline my car doesn't feel like it's wheezing or running out of breath. If anything, it feels like it's begging for more. Now, I've got my entire intake and exhaust system swapped out, hence my suspicion that the stock components are what accounts for the reviewers' impressions. So the downside to all this is that, in stock form, the car sounds and feels a little unrefined at the top end. I'm sure there are those who will argue that Nissan could/should have done a better job in this area, and I'm not taking issue with that view. On the upside however, at least there's a fix -- upgraded components.

You bring up a good point. I bet most of us who think it is REALLY harsh still has a stock exhaust...which is much more quiet allowing more of the engine noise to come through.

When I was at AAM, one of the guys said the same exact thing - that you WANT to get an aftermarket exhaust to cover the sound of the engine.

Anyone with upgraded exhaust still think is sounds really harsh? As I said above, I'm willing to bet all the the guys in this thread who think its really harsh as I do...are running stock.

Endgame · 08-06-2009, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by semtex

I think the stock intake and/or exhaust has something to do with it. After reading through this thread yesterday, I deliberately ran up to redline several times this morning, and my car doesn't sound bad at all at high rpm, nor does it feel rough in any way. It gets louder, of course, but there is no qualitative change in the sound or smoothness. But equally, if not more, important, at redline my car doesn't feel like it's wheezing or running out of breath. If anything, it feels like it's begging for more. Now, I've got my entire intake and exhaust system swapped out, hence my suspicion that the stock components are what accounts for the reviewers' impressions. So the downside to all this is that, in stock form, the car sounds and feels a little unrefined at the top end. I'm sure there are those who will argue that Nissan could/should have done a better job in this area, and I'm not taking issue with that view. On the upside however, at least there's a fix -- upgraded components.

Excellent post Semtex. When I get my Z powerwise I will have the stock setup for about a year. I will be sure to test your theory out as the engine breaks in, then when I add the intake/exhaust stuff afterwards.

I bet a tune on top of the mods would make it want to rev even more so.

zZSportZz · 08-06-2009, 11:02 AM

So I decided to add a little bit of real data to this thread instead and let people decide for themselves. I just went out and made a little video...its with my blackberry so its a little shotty....but you get the point. Holding a phone, driving, and shifting all at the same time was hard haha......I shifted nice and slow so you could hear it.... I'm 100% stock at the moment...video is from inside with windows up leaving my house.

What do you think? Harsh or not?

Edit: I think a lot of people may have upgraded exhaust before their breakin period was over and may have never even heard the car at redline stock.

semtex · 08-06-2009, 11:07 AM

I don't think it sounds harsh. It sounds like a sports car.

semtex · 08-06-2009, 11:11 AM

Here's my car for comparison. I go to redline from about 1:15 to 1:25 in the video. You might need to turn the volume down a little, btw.

m4a1mustang · 08-06-2009, 11:48 AM

Could the stock exhaust and intake be so restrictive that the engine harshness is a result of it being so strained at high RPMs... kind of like breathing through a straw while running and trying to poop while extremely constipated at the same time? Sorry for the analogy, but it's the best I could come up with.

Given the gains we have seen with intake/exhaust, it may be the case.

semtex · 08-06-2009, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

Could the stock exhaust and intake be so restrictive that the engine harshness is a result of it being so strained at high RPMs... kind of like breathing through a straw while running and trying to poop while extremely constipated at the same time? Sorry for the analogy, but it's the best I could come up with.

Given the gains we have seen with intake/exhaust, it may be the case.

That would be my guess. Mind you, I don't think it sounds all that strained even when stock, so I guess you guys should take my opinion on this with a grain of salt. Maybe years of driving cars with loud exhausts has damaged my hearing and I'm just not picking up on whatever the rest of you are hearing.

m4a1mustang · 08-06-2009, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by semtex

That would be my guess. Mind you, I don't think it sounds all that strained even when stock, so I guess you guys should take my opinion on this with a grain of salt. Maybe years of driving cars with loud exhausts has damaged my hearing and I'm just not picking up on whatever the rest of you are hearing.

I'm just surprised you don't feel it. The vibration from the clutch pedal and throttle is insane. Maybe Anthony will let me drive his Monterrey Blue 370 this weekend and I will flog it and see if it feels like running while breathing through a straw and trying to poop in a constipated fashion. I'm sure he won't mind.

08-05-2009, 06:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1857	I agree that over 6k RPM, it gets a little unsettling. You start looking at the tach thinking "almost redline, almost redline, get ready, get ready, SHIFT!!!". IMO, a high revving sports car should rev near the redline without you noticing much at all. It should PREFER to be in the high RPM range rather than lumbering under 4k RPM. Despite all that, I still love my car. ortiz73ca likes this.

08-05-2009, 06:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1857	For me, it's not concern about breaking the car. It's just the overall sensation when driving it. More expensive sportscars emit a sense of confidence, poise and control at high RPMs. You look down NOT realizing you're at 7000 rpm and they WANT to be in that range. The Z will do it, but it feels like you're twisting its arm to make it go over 6k rpm. ortiz73ca likes this.

08-06-2009, 09:15 AM	#7 (permalink)
semtex A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Behind enemy lines Age: 54 Posts: 5,995 Drives: People to drink Rep Power: 33	I think the stock intake and/or exhaust has something to do with it. After reading through this thread yesterday, I deliberately ran up to redline several times this morning, and my car doesn't sound bad at all at high rpm, nor does it feel rough in any way. It gets louder, of course, but there is no qualitative change in the sound or smoothness. But equally, if not more, important, at redline my car doesn't feel like it's wheezing or running out of breath. If anything, it feels like it's begging for more. Now, I've got my entire intake and exhaust system swapped out, hence my suspicion that the stock components are what accounts for the reviewers' impressions. So the downside to all this is that, in stock form, the car sounds and feels a little unrefined at the top end. I'm sure there are those who will argue that Nissan could/should have done a better job in this area, and I'm not taking issue with that view. On the upside however, at least there's a fix -- upgraded components. __________________ "There are no small accidents on this circuit." -- Ayrton Senna 316.8whp & 248 ft/lbs (Dyno Dynamics) \| 319whp & 256 ft/lbs (DynoJet) (04/23/10) Stillen G3 CAI, CBE, Pulley / F.I. LTH / GTSpec Ladder Brace / Setrab Oil Cooler / UpRev-tuned by Forged Perf.

08-06-2009, 11:07 AM	#11 (permalink)
semtex A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Behind enemy lines Age: 54 Posts: 5,995 Drives: People to drink Rep Power: 33	I don't think it sounds harsh. It sounds like a sports car. __________________ "There are no small accidents on this circuit." -- Ayrton Senna 316.8whp & 248 ft/lbs (Dyno Dynamics) \| 319whp & 256 ft/lbs (DynoJet) (04/23/10) Stillen G3 CAI, CBE, Pulley / F.I. LTH / GTSpec Ladder Brace / Setrab Oil Cooler / UpRev-tuned by Forged Perf.

08-06-2009, 11:11 AM	#12 (permalink)
semtex A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Behind enemy lines Age: 54 Posts: 5,995 Drives: People to drink Rep Power: 33	Here's my car for comparison. I go to redline from about 1:15 to 1:25 in the video. You might need to turn the volume down a little, btw. __________________ "There are no small accidents on this circuit." -- Ayrton Senna 316.8whp & 248 ft/lbs (Dyno Dynamics) \| 319whp & 256 ft/lbs (DynoJet) (04/23/10) Stillen G3 CAI, CBE, Pulley / F.I. LTH / GTSpec Ladder Brace / Setrab Oil Cooler / UpRev-tuned by Forged Perf.

08-05-2009, 06:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
hide187 Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 186 Drives: 09 370 MB Sport Rep Power: 48	I do not share the feelings of most of yous guys. I get the chills whenever I run into the high rpms, the good kind. No fear of explosions or breaking anything. Sometimes depending on the road my 19's are a little talkative but nothing worth bit*hing about.

08-06-2009, 03:07 AM	#5 (permalink)
wolf41779 Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: The Desert Posts: 83 Drives: PW 370 Rep Power: 17	Couldnt agree with you more...Im not the kinda person to be bouncing the tach off the rev limiter every other shift. I just want to punch it every once in a while and feel a solid pull, or be able to merge in traffic with out having to down shift 2 gears. All of which the Z provides to me, and it looks damn right sexy doing it...

08-06-2009, 08:18 AM	#6 (permalink)
kdoske Track Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Louisiana Posts: 541 Drives: 800whp Unicorn FI Z Rep Power: 18	I think the new engine could use a little bit more low end torque but besides that I like the fact the the engine isn't a beast until after 4000rpm. It makes the a good daily driver. Then when you want that extra power just slame it above the 4000rpm range and go to town. The engine reminds me of and old turbo car I use to have to be honest. All that power kicking in above 3000rpm. Having said that I can see why there is an apeal for a Supercharger rather then a Turbo in this vehicle.

08-06-2009, 11:02 AM	#10 (permalink)
zZSportZz A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,095 Drives: 370z Blk on Blk 6MT Rep Power: 19	So I decided to add a little bit of real data to this thread instead and let people decide for themselves. I just went out and made a little video...its with my blackberry so its a little shotty....but you get the point. Holding a phone, driving, and shifting all at the same time was hard haha......I shifted nice and slow so you could hear it.... I'm 100% stock at the moment...video is from inside with windows up leaving my house. What do you think? Harsh or not? Edit: I think a lot of people may have upgraded exhaust before their breakin period was over and may have never even heard the car at redline stock.

08-06-2009, 11:48 AM	#13 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6963	Could the stock exhaust and intake be so restrictive that the engine harshness is a result of it being so strained at high RPMs... kind of like breathing through a straw while running and trying to poop while extremely constipated at the same time? Sorry for the analogy, but it's the best I could come up with. Given the gains we have seen with intake/exhaust, it may be the case. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

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