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

First, I have not seen/heard the new Z in person (I'm stuck in the middle east right now). And I did try to search.

All of the reviews that I have read so far say that the new VQ37 engine basically sounds like rubbish in the upper range. What gives? Have you all figured out what specifically causes it?

I suppose if it's just the intake or exhaust setup it's easily fixable, but the impression that I get is that it's something in the valvetrain.

Thanks!

Well my personal opinion on the engine harshness is that it "feels" like the engine is not suppose to rev that high (totally subjective person to person). Anything past 5.5-6k rpm sounds almost like its being over-revved even though it isn't. Thats the best way I can explain it.

Its almost like a mind-game to me lol. I have to force myself to ignore the sound and have faith the engine isnt going to explode and slap me in the head.

Edit: Mine is broken in and I've driven it hard.

EDIT: I added a video in post #40

basically what their talking about is the high rpm range (top end)...there is a lot of vibration in the motor as a whole on the top end...i couldnt tell you for certain myself, i am still in the break in period so ive been conservative on the rpms...

someone thats broken in theirs and has been in the upper rpm range could chime in to verify...

and welcome to the forum :tiphat:

The engine sounds and feels like it doesn't want to accelerate past 6k. Even still when I am going all-out I have to grit my teeth and force myself to go to 7500. It's very hard to push it all out because, even though it's not going to tear itself apart, it really makes you think it's going to tear itself apart.

Just a question here. I don't own a Z yet but I was wondering for those of you that do and have driven your cars pretty hard, do you think that putting eurethane motor mounts would help with the vibrations and harshness at higher rpms? It might just be a small fix to compensate for the harshness.

I don't think that would help much. I was always under the impression that aftermarket motor mounts minimize engine movement at the cost of more NVH.

this topic is really the only thing keeping me from wanting a Z. coming from a 2JZ-GE im used to a nice buttery smooth inline 6.... hmmm

shouldnt keep from it, this v-6 was built to scream! :driving:

It doesn't really scream, though. It cries for help above 6k. :icon18:

its because they are used to driving the VQ35 which sounds amazing at that range

I've never stepped foot inside anything with a VQ35 and I still think it sounds like its going to explode :)

:ugh2:

Time for a V8 in the Z or a TT if its gonna struggle to put out 332hp. Maybe the VQ architecture has reached its limit for making smooth power and is being pushed beyond its NVH threshold for smoothness to make that 332hp. Dont really know but just saying:ughdance:

More thoughts needed. There is a build explanation out there somewhere..

This could be a great thread.

I'll even admit that 6k onwards to 7.5k rpms kind of makes me feel uneasy, like something's going to give.. lol.