engine note

[higgimonster]

I am sure I am not alone when I say that the sound of a well tuned engine is the most beautiful sound in the world. But what I am wondering (and have not been able to figure out) is why different engines have different distinct sounds?
My assumptions where that it had something to do with exhaust valve timing, size of ports, exhaust piping, combustion chamber design, and intake design. But what I want to know is why these things make a chevy small block sound different then a ford 5.0L or a ferrari V-8?

[CraigFL]

Ferrari V8s have flat cranks and much less displacement too...

[911GT2]

Intake/exhaust valve timing, overlap, compression, combustion rate, exhaust piping, bore/stroke, too many things to consider in real life.

There's just too much to describe why a smallblock sounds different from a Ferrari.

[454Casull]

Also the number of cylinders. A four-banger's sound is quite distinct from a rumbly V8.

[SaabJohan]

Engine speed is also a big factor.

But the valve timing does a lot for the sound, listen to a Honda VTEC when the timing changes.

Also, if the engine is equipped with a turbocharger or a supercharger this will also affect the sound.

[un4gvnbb]

whatever the reason, nothing beats the sound of flowmasters on a '71 chevelle w/351 perfectly tuned.

purrs when its cruzin and screams when its racing.