I’ve been trying to figure out exactly why these engines are (to me) the best sounding out there, and I’m not sure how much of it is firing order, exhaust layout, or something else. I thought it was just the LS motors (unless they have dumb exhausts), but the first time I heard the MP4-12C I realized that others could have that same amazing throaty sound, even with a turbo affecting the exhaust note.
Is there something obvious about why these sound so much better (when compared to bigger displacement Hemi/Coyote/AMG/BMW V-8’s that to me don’t sound as good in mid-range when pinned) that I haven’t figured out?
However, I will admit that this is some of the best motoring video I’ve seen to date. The test drivers time on the track starting at 21:30 is sublime. The McLaren P1:
I love GM’s LS series engines and Ford’s new coyote 5.0 ain’t no slouch either (although it has 3 extra cams ). But I must say the new Jaguar F-Type and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG have the best factory exhaust note I’ve heard in a long time.
I’m actually a Ford guy effectively (I’ve had a early 93 Ranger as my sole vehicle since I bought it at 16 a decade ago, talked my mom into a 2013 Fusion) and I really suspect I’ll wind up getting the 2015 Stang if the 4cyl Turbo comes with decent brakes/suspension, despite that I don’t love the 5.0 Mustang sound.
but there’s something about that throaty engine noise shared between the LS and LT engines, Chevy small block racing engines, and still the Mclaren engines that just sound amazing. It’s not firing order, since the LS and Small Blocks are different there. It’s not the cross plane crank either, since the Mclaren is flat plane, yet both sound amazing to me at mid-range when flogged. The 12c, P1, and 650S all sound fantastic, even more so when Harris Monkey is sending blue flame out the inconel exhaust, but I just want to figure out what part of that sound makes this so amazing to me personally, and I’m really at a loss.
I am currently looking at new pickups and decided to look at US pickups again. To be honest…I do not like what I found.
Turns out the 1/2 ton crew cab GM pickups are all assembled in Mexico! Then, there is the oil burning problem going on with that fuel management system that GM has put on all of its V8 pickup motors. Google it…it is all over the web. Some are having to put a quart in after 1500 miles. No thank you. Or should I say…no bueno! LOL
Dodge 1/2 tons are also mostly assembled in Mexico. So much for those apple pie eating “buy American” guys that bash me for my Tundra.
Ford? Well I think the F-150 is just ugly and in 2015…it gets more uglier. My 2 ventures into owning Ford vehicles did not go well at all.
On the other side, the new Tundra has 30 more HP than the GM trucks, is made in Texas and does not seem to have the oil burning problems.
After TRYING to buy American and not liking what I found…I might be going back to another Tundra. Thats ok…my 06 has been very reliable and never left me on the side of the road.
Back to the original post…yes…the many small block V8 Chevys I have owned HAVE sounded very good. Most Mustangs I hear sound terrible. Why…I do not know. I am sure they are fast and drive well…but every aftermarket exhaust I have heard on the Stangs sound tinny and terrible. YMMV
The way to buy American is to buy a foreign owned mark, because they’ve outsourced their labor to the southern US, so Toyota, Subaru, and Volkswagen are more American made than GM/Ford/Chrysler. I wouldn’t feel bad in the least. If the F150 doesn’t suit you, get the Toyota for sure… what’s galling me is that the 2015 Chevy Colorado actually looks good, but it’ll probably be overpriced, unreliable, and underpowered. Anybody who says getting a Tacoma, Tundra, Jetta, or Outback is unamerican is a retard, just at best a low information voter type.
I’ve been around pretty good sounding Fords, especially souped up 5.0 Stangs, but it never has that same mid-range noise as even the cheap LS-3’s. The German V-8’s (BMW, Audi, Mercedes) tend to just sound blatty, like big brass instruments trying to play too loudly, which is good because I’d go broke trying to get one of those. If I’m willing to give up that awesome V-8 sounds, then I want a turbo 4, since that means fuel efficiency and light weight, but it’s still crazy that some of the best sounding vehicles on the road are 1500 Chevy trucks with high output exhausts.
). But I must say the new Jaguar F-Type and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG have the best factory exhaust note I’ve heard in a long time.