Zetec sound?

[Vovchandr]

This is something that I've been pondering on for a little while.

 

I've had this video in the back of my mind for sometime of another Zetec member's car being tuned (Brightonuk)

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0FDHVcnkhA/

 

His Zetec sounds drastically different than mine even though it's also ITB and I presume very similar exhaust setup which are pretty standard on Cats. It also revs different which could be due to gearing and appears faster due to reasons (and the very nice build he's got)

 

 

Can other Zetec members on how theirs sounds in comparison? Different or similar? I'm not sure if this is an SVT motor, I know mine is a slightly different variation due to position of oil filler cap. Mine is likely from a Cougar being a VCT Zetec.

 

Edit: After another look we might have the same model Zetecs even.

Edited January 7, 2021 by Vovchandr

[Sean]

A Duratec sound (with apex overshoot!):

[Croc]

2L Zetec virtually stock. Standard Caterham exhaust. Standard under bonnet plenum intake. No throttle bodies

 

 

 

 

A few things modify the sound an engine produces:

- microphone position

- internal muffler baffling - if metal it corrodes over time, if that fiber fill then it burns up over time

- the headers' shape

- engine build spec

- bonnet cut through or no hole for the intake. Intact bonnet mufflers the intake sound

 

but the biggest thing is distinguishing between intake and exhaust noises if the engine has the standard intake or throttle bodies. Throttle bodies add so much depth to the satisfying noise an engine produces. But when recording, throttle bodies also tend to drown out the exhaust noise - even with two mics being used.

 

 

A different Zetec - Kitcat's. 2L Zetec with a high spec. Same mic set up as my old Maroon zetec

 

 

 

 

A couple of variations:

 

1) Caterham 360R - 1.6L Sigma engine. No throttle bodies. Standard plenum intake. Two muffler UK set up for noise - one side and one under rear end used for noise.

 

 

 

 

2) Caterham 420R - 2L Duratec. Throttle bodies. No bonnet cutout. Two muffler UK set up for noise - one side and one under rear end used for noise.

 

 

[Kitcat]

My 2.0 Zetec SVT, shown above, is totally stock, including intake, no ITB's, no bonnet cutout (all per SCCA rules and regs, to make it less competitive). No catalytic converter, but that's it as far as mods. I still prefer the sound of my X-flow Cat:).

Edited January 7, 2021 by Kitcat

[JohnCh]

Some other things that affect sound:

• The silencer material. Stainless steel, titanium, carbon fiber, and mild steel all sound different when they resonate.
  
• Cams. My Duratec has gone through three sets: stock, Kent DTEC10 and Kent DTEC20. The sound has changed each time.
  
• AFR. If the tune is on the richer end vs. leaner end, the sound tends to be a little more baritone.
  

 

Even if the engines are identical down to the last detail, the recording and playback change will have an affect. In addition to microphone position as Croc points out, the microphone itself imparts a sonic signature, which is why many producers and musicians have their personal favorites. Also, try listening to the playback through your devices speakers then through high quality headphones. There will be a difference.

 

Here is a Duratec with the DTEC20 cams and the microphone located near my left hip, so closer to the intake than the exhaust.

 

 

And yes, crossflows do sound best :-)

 

-John

[Vovchandr]

Kitcats and Brightonuk sound similar enough. Almost "fast/raspy" if I had to describe it. Kitcat is SVT maybe Brighton is as well? I didnt see a VCT on the valvecover in the instagram video. Maybe he will chime in at some point.

 

Duratecs seem to have a similar sound as well.

 

I'll provide sound video of mine once the weather permits, I don't think I have anything on hand.

[CarlB]

I agree with the things being said about what affects the sound. My Zetec sound close to this one. I think mine is a little crisper. I credit the deep sound of mine to a Flow Master Muffler. Mine has throttle bodies, the middle Kent cams, ten to one compression (compression makes a difference) and a light flywheel.

[FE07]

Vlad,

Really hard to compare sounds without having them side-side due to so many variables.

 

Mine sounds different than the instagram post.

 

Mine started as a VCT but then we swapped heads, upped compression and changed cams. Mine is still fuel injected. Lightened flywheel will make it spin up quicker. Sounds OK but could probably sound better.

 

We're probably a little limited with mufflers as well.

 

Jim

[Brightonuk]

My setup

 

2.0 Zetec overbored Not sure the specs on the overbore but running:

JE Pistons 85mm

Around a 11.1.Compression

TMW Throttle Bodies

Decked Block .0040"

Oversize valves and followers

Race Ported head

Fidanza Aluminum Flywheel (8.5Lbs)

Jet hot coated headers

Kent Rally Cam

MicroSquirt ECU

Simson Exhaust

[Vovchandr]

My setup

 

2.0 Zetec overbored Not sure the specs on the overbore but running:

JE Pistons 85mm

Around a 11.1.Compression

TMW Throttle Bodies

Decked Block .0040"

Oversize valves and followers

Race Ported head

Fidanza Aluminum Flywheel (8.5Lbs)

Jet hot coated headers

Kent Rally Cam

MicroSquirt ECU

Simson Exhaust

 

Thanks for chiming in! Are you SVT to begin with? Did it sound like that before the build? (I'm not sure if the build happened under your ownership or prior)

 

 

 

As far as exhaust sounding different due to variations of hood cutouts and camera etc, while thats true, a drastic difference is a drastic difference.

 

For the sake or argument: In motorcycle terms a 4 cylinder and 2 cylinder will have distinct sound note differences that can be told apart regardless of any other circumstances.

 

The exhaust note of Brightonuk's 7 is so distinct from mine it makes me curious as to what makes that difference coming from a similar engine block. Thanks for all so far who shared their opinions and contributed videos etc.

[bball7754]

FWIW, the Crossflow in my Mallock sounds quite different from the Crossflow in my Caterham.

 

The Caterham is more mellow, and pitched lower. More Baritone. The Mallock is brighter, harsher, and higher pitched. Closer to a Tenor.

 

I’ve always assumed that much of it is from the higher compression ratio in the Mallock (either 12.5 or 13 to 1- can’t remember off the top of my head) and the cam profile. It also has straight pipes, no muffler.

 

Steve

[Brightonuk]

OK may not be a Zetec but this has gotta be the best recording of a Caterham engine (I would like to know where his mike was)

 

 

Edited January 12, 2021 by Brightonuk

[Croc]

Have an embed from me

 

 

 

I think the mic will be in front of the exhaust, which is likely rear exit just based on me hearing it (lack of wind noise is the giveaway). The mic is unable to cope with the input - that may sound good to you but the sound is breaking up. That tells me it is relying on the action camera to power the mic - no separate power source. A good powered mic will improve the quality of sound from what you hear.