964 Gurgle exhaust sound

[Jay Laifman]

I've driven some 964s over the years, and have been thinking again about getting one. But there has always been this thing about 964s (and admittedly some 993s) that has bothered me - and someone just drove up to my house yesterday with a 964 and it did the same and reminded me of it.

At least to me, there is this gurgle sort of sound as part of the exhaust sound. And to me, it is not a particularly good gurgling sort of sound. It is kind of gruff, and not really smooth, like a 911 should be (to me). But, then I have a '73 911, which is an unfair comparison. But even with the SC's and 84-89 Carreras, I've never noticed this sound that I've heard in multiple 964s. And even my son heard it and brought it up without me ever saying anything to him about it in the past.

So if you have any idea what I'm talking about, is there a difference between exhaust that "cures" this?

[black_falcon]

Yes it's one thing I do not like about my 964. The exhaust sounds like a car that has a hole in the muffler, just not a very appealing engine note from the outside compared the high pitch zing of its predecessors.

[clutch-monkey]

do you have a sound clip of what you are talking about? i have a 964 motor in my car, not sure what the gurgle is
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX3jicn9X-w

[Cobalt]

If you don't like it on a 964 you would hate the turbo. IMO it is the best part of the exhaust note. It is not common on the stock exhaust, this usually occurs on modified exhausts and only occurs when you lift and coast. Extra fuel being burned on lift off is normally filtered by the cat and two mufflers, remove these and you hear it. I have never liked the stock exhaust it is just too quiet and IMO one thing a sports car should not be is quiet.

I find it rather sporty as many cars of this era will do this. Even my 2014 boxster will do this in sport mode to some extent.

[bazar01]

Originally Posted by Jay Laifman

So if you have any idea what I'm talking about, is there a difference between exhaust that "cures" this?

The stock exhaust don't do this as mentioned by Cobalt.
It does it when you do a cat bypass.
When you do a cat bypass, you can also smell a mix of unburned oil and fuel which is typical with this cars.

I like the exhaust sound and the smell though.

[Jay Laifman]

Thanks guys. For what it's worth, I'm not talking about a deceleration gurgle or growl. I've got that on my Boxster S with factory sport exhaust and it is awesome. This is more of an overall roughness in the exhaust sound on acceleration. And to my knowledge, the cars I've noticed it in have actually had the factory stock exhaust.

I do not have a sound clip.

[RedCoupe]

I have a 964 and I think I know what you're talking about. I have had a primary muffler bypass on my car for many years, and I think doing that intensified the roughness compared to when I had the complete system on. I actually think the exterior sound of my car is fine, but as I also get some seat time in a 3.2 Carrera, I like the engine/exhaust sound that you get while driving the earlier car much better than my 964. On the other hand I like the performance advantage of the 964, so there you go!

[Cobalt]

Originally Posted by Jay Laifman

Thanks guys. For what it's worth, I'm not talking about a deceleration gurgle or growl. I've got that on my Boxster S with factory sport exhaust and it is awesome. This is more of an overall roughness in the exhaust sound on acceleration. And to my knowledge, the cars I've noticed it in have actually had the factory stock exhaust.

I do not have a sound clip.

Interesting. I do admit the 964 has its own distinctive sound although would not consider it a gurgle or roughness. Unfortunately the 964 sounds as it does due to the larger displacement and cams used vs the older engines. I have also found the intake comes into play. Dirty filter and restrictive air box make it sound like it is pulsing when started. I am using a K&N filter with cup airbox it is somewhat loud with the primary and secondary replaced by a single magnaflow. Still pulses but sounds as good as any air cooled 911 I have owned or driven.

Drive it and it sounds much different behind you and is a great all around car.

[drola]

my 964 with headers makes a fabulous gurgling sound. i love it !!

[Jay Laifman]

Originally Posted by Cobalt

Anthony

>1993 964 C2 Amazon Green/Tan

That's my hands down favorite color for the car! I see those, and I just want to sell my other cars and get one. For good or bad, I haven't seen one for sale near me lately!

[ischmitz]

The stock 964 exhaust might do that when cruising in the city. Put some headers with an open exhaust on it, beef up the rod bolts with ARP and drive it like you stole near the rev limit => no more gurgling, trust me.

[Jay Laifman]

Originally Posted by ischmitz

The stock 964 exhaust might do that when cruising in the city. Put some headers with an open exhaust on it, beef up the rod bolts with ARP and drive it like you stole near the rev limit => no more gurgling, trust me.

Will if you see one in Santa Barbara that is set up like that, you let me know and next time I'm at Schneider Auto House, I'll check it out!

Jay

P.S. (FYI, I spelled it correctly with Schneider with "haus" and this web site blocked the word out. Odd.

[ischmitz]

Mine is set up like that..... but I don't frequent that shop. But drop me a line when you are in town.