VW bug engine sound
 

OK, I've always wondered why it is that a classic VW bug makes that unmistakeable engine sound?


Figured this was a good OT need to know question...

The classic VW bug sound is a mix of cooling fan noise and the pea-shooter exhaust.

I'll post a sound file of my bug tomorrow.

I have been driving around for the last couple of days with my 911 air filter cover off (now held down with plastic ties like a bra). The car sounds the same except when I punch it, then its a little like track day.:)

My old bug had a cool sound, the only thing cooler was the horn; beep-beep.:D

Re: VW bug engine sound
 

I think valve train noise as well?

JCM

it's also the baffling inside the stock muffler...

Yeah. My bug will sound very extreme compared to anything near a stock bug motor. It's not even a bug motor, it's from a 914. But I'll post the sound file anyways, because I can.

Almost.

The bugs, in particular, have an OE carb that whistles! (get really loud w/o an air-cleaner) Anyway, that whistle really adds to the cacophony of sounds that screams VW Bug.

The exhaust has a major role in the sound. When you take the pee shooters off the exhaust and run zoom tubes or with out it is a much lower and louder sound. My last bug I sold two years ago had a 1776, with strait cut cam gears for some whine, Merged collecter with dual quiet packs with 40 DCNF's and it was a smooth, pretty sound. Nothing close to stock.

I'll say, the thing almost scared me off my bike the other day.

Bike ya say? Whaddya ride?

He rides this b!tchin' red and black Triumph. Nice bike. We've known each other for a while, but we weren't expecting to see each other out riding around. I don't think he was expecting the second gear tire spin either, or the megaphone. Hehe, I love my Bug.

I had a bug hot-rod back in the day with a stinger exhaust. That thing was stupid fast and louder than hell. Tons of cheap fun it was.

The classic bug sound is mostly characterized by the "tweeter pipes", as many bug guys call them. The "pea shooter" pipes have baffling in them that causes that "tweet-tweet-tweet" sound. Take 'em off and that sound goes away. Years ago I used to run a stock muffler with just straight pipes (un-baffled). The sound was kinda nice, not too loud, but more ballsy than stock.

Quite impressive, I must say. :)

98 Triumph Thunderbird Sport (900 cc)
http://www.motorbyte.com/mmm/pages/r...bird6_98_e.jpg

Cool@$$ bike, but you're a big guy. You almost look too big for it. I can see you on a FatBoy though.

Nice bike. I ride a BMW R1100S but I am not, I repeat, not a "BMW guy".

Suuuuuurreee yer not...:D

I like the R1150RT (cop bike)...BMW makes good machines but them engine heads sticking out gotta go.

"BMW makes good machines but them engine heads sticking out gotta go."

But they are so much fun to drag around the track. ;)