Stupid Question regarding 911 engine
 

I remember being in college in the 80's and idolizing the Porsche 911 as most young guys did. The engine always sounded great, until one day, circa '85-86, the Porsche engine started to sound like one of those older sewing machines. I hated it! Sounds stupid, but it really soured my lust for these newer 911's. I could never figure out what it could be. Has anyone ever noticed this? I'm guessing it started with the Carreras. Hope I didn't insult anyone.

Kurt

emission / noise requirement laws.....

Mufflers and necked down exhaust....my 3.6 sounds just like my 2.2 in my 356....

I own an 86 3.2 and a 993 both stock.

The 86 only sounds like "an old sewing machine" when it is at idiling in a closed in area. When under load or driving fast, the car sounds very deep and very throaty.

My 993 is much more of a high revver and sounds more resonant...

I like em both actually. The 86 sets off car alarms because its so deep...the 993 doesnt but sounds more like a modern race car.

I have to disagree on the sewing machine comment....maybe its just individual cars. but all 911s have this to some degree due to valve train noise.

Thanks for that guys. I just remembered I used to think it was because they had solid lifters! :) ha ha

Actually ... the quest for quiet began with the 1975 models and the 1.5 decades of untuned exhaust continued with all of the heat exchanger designs for single-inlet mufflers!!! Had nothing to do with engine displacement ... generally, though, the CIS and EFI cam designs tended to cause less valve overlap and aggressive/impresive exhaust notes!

The cure is spelled SSI & Dansk ...