For most of the 130-ish years of automobile history, most cars could be counted on to make some kind of sound via their propulsion system. The ring-a-ding of a two-stroke engine, the clatter of a diesel, and of course the many variations of four-stroke engines and their equally varied cylinder counts and configurations all provide wonderful mechanical songs to enthrall enthusiasts – not like those silent, souless machines that don’t ignite fuel and air to create motiv power (I’m talking about steam cars, of course). Which sounds are your favorites?
Now, you may find the science-fictiony warble of a Tesla or another EV’s “hello, electric car behind you” sound to be your favorite “exhaust” note, but for the purposes of this Autopian inquiry, I’m primarily interested in the piston-popping sounds delivered via pipe that most entertainingly tickle your tympanic membranes.
I fully expect many answers will be in the vein of tough/cool/powerful-sounding exhausts, and one of my faves certainly qualifies, but I also greatly enjoy engines and exhausts that just sound interesting, or even cute. Consider the Volkswagen Beetle (the “real” ones) and their signature whistling exhaust note (attached here to a Ford Raptor, because I’m a lil’ stinker):
OK, I’m just gonna say it: the Ford Raptor R’s exhaust sounds terrible. Sound up on this clip from @DougDeMuro‘s review ???? pic.twitter.com/djFZ94cVph
— Peter (@Peter_M_V) November 27, 2022
It’s a fun sound, right? Puts a smile on my face every time. On the other end of the sonic spectrum, we have a sound I’ve only heard once: the wail of a North American Aviation P-51 Mustang performing a fly-by at near 400mph, its Packard V-1650 Merlin (licensed from Rolls-Royce) at full deafening song. Man, what a roar – it was like nothing I’ve heard since both in quality and volume. I do get to enjoy the occasional flyover from the T-6 Texans flown by Texas Warbird Adventures, and three or four Texans in harmony is a wonderful sound indeed, but that Mustang was on a whole ‘nother level.
Your turn:
What Are Your Favorite Exhaust Sounds?
Top graphic image: stock.adobe.com
I’m letting my redneck show here, but I’ve always loved the sound true dual straight piped 4.6 and 5.4 fords.
I’ve always liked the stock 6.7 cumins exhaust sound out of rams gen 4 maybe sounds a little better then the others but could be phycological. 12v cumins also nice both trucks and marine. 6.0 ps sound good . Ford 302 with racing headers and side pipes is nice. Chrysler 360 / 5.9 can sound decent in both automobiles and marine.
I can’t stand coyotes with valved exhaust. Vq35 can sound decent and absolutely garbage the way they normally are found now.
Who can resist the siren call of a Honda CBX? I love to hear a Harley with stock exhaust idle. Don’t rev it, Skeeter. Just let it idle.
The whispering beautiful murmur of an Iron Duke/Tech IV in a Grumman LLV with 300,000 miles
Automobiles? My favorites are all from the motor sports arena- the BRM 1.5 liter V-16 comes immediately to mind, as does the Cosworth DFV. If you ever get the opportunity to hear a pack of DFV powered 70’s Grand Prix cars howl by, take it. I’m also a fan of prewar Bugatti engines, they truly have a unique sound.
Radial aero engines also tend to sound pretty unique. My favorite is probably the Pratt & Whitney R-2800, but the quartet of Wright R-3350 Cyclones in Fifi is a special experience.