So you think you know your engine sounds, eh?

[btsai]

I was toying around with an idea for the annual reunion meeting. What if I brought some sort of recording equipment (probably a digital camcorder)...

You know how everyone talks about the SOUND that their car makes, FEs make, etc? How about if I tape several different combinations at the meeting? I'd get a lot of different cars and then we could post them here on Club Cobra. Then the (on-line) fun would begin -- we'd see if people could match up the sounds each engine style makes.

My plan would be to keep it simple. Microphone would go a few feet away from an exhaust pipe. Car is started and then revved a couple of times. If we had the space (Hershal -- is the "runway" long enough?) maybe we could include a non-tire-spinning take off (tire squeal would probably be too loud) too.

I'd just need to keep a good record of each sample participant and get some pertinent info on each car (engine type, displacement, exhaust details and any other relevant info --e.g.- an agressive cam or whatever).

So do you think you can tell an FE from a 392 stroker?



Gentlemen -- start your engines!

Ben

[REDSC400]

Ben:
This "sounds" like a great project! If you have a laptop, you may be able to record right into the laptop directly if you have the microphone and mic jack (most laptops have the mic jack) and software.

I wonder how only one mic will pick up the "lop lop looop lop" of the slow idle of the big blocks with side pipes? It may sound unbalanced if both side pipes are not recorded. Playing around with the mic location will be the key. (like inside the car vs outside).

do it.

[btsai]

Well, how about it AZ Cobras? You guys interested?

If so, please chime in so I can get a head count and please include your basic powertrain set-up -- e.g. "302, carb'd, F-cam, standard FFR sidepipes" or whatever you think might be pertinent to our little experiment.

Ben

[Bob Broberg SPF667 460BB]

Ben, I have a CD of Small and Big Block Cobras racing, idling and reving. If you want a great sound record Brian's 429. It sound loke a NASCAR! Awsum! My BB is kind of quiet.

Bob

[mrpink]

Ben, I don't think I can bring my cobra. May have to bring the SUV with toys, food and chairs. No room,
Jim

[rlearp]

That is a great idea! I think a lot of folks will have egg on their face, but, they'll write it off as "that is a digitized sample" and not the real thing so of course they couldn't tell.

But, I know I cannot tell an FE from a 385 motor if the cam, induction, etc. are similar on both, that is for sure, even standing next to it.

Maybe if you could include the burning/leaking oil smell as part of it the FE guys would have a chance. ;-)

R

[btsai]

R -- yeah, there definitely is that possiblity -- that we WON'T be able to tell from the recorded sound. I just figured it would be fun and if I didn't try -- well, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Ben

[rlearp]

Just tell them which ones are leaking or smell when you recorded it and it'll help.

R