LT1 and LT4 sound
12-24-2018, 01:13 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
LT1 and LT4 sound
I test drove a GS and Z06 back to back and like everyone has said, there is a very different sound difference between the two. I imagine that it has to do with differences in the LT4 power plant as well as the exhaust. Probably a mistake to drive the Z in the first place but I loved how it sounded. Can the LT1 sound that? I thought the GS was pretty quiet in comparison. Normally I like that but I was wowed by the Zs sound.
I dont necessarily need the extra power frankly but I’m a engine sound person. Thought about getting the GS with maybe an xpipe but my guess is I should just suck it up and buy the Z and be judicious with the throttle pedal.
Anyine have thoughts?
I dont necessarily need the extra power frankly but I’m a engine sound person. Thought about getting the GS with maybe an xpipe but my guess is I should just suck it up and buy the Z and be judicious with the throttle pedal.
Anyine have thoughts?
12-24-2018, 02:05 PM
#2
No differences in exhaust, same block and displacement, but you're hearing supercharger whine in the LT4.
Last edited by Foosh; 12-24-2018 at 02:06 PM.
12-24-2018, 02:09 PM
#3
Instructor
Thread Starter
12-24-2018, 02:11 PM
#4
Moderator
I test drove a GS and Z06 back to back and like everyone has said, there is a very different sound difference between the two. I imagine that it has to do with differences in the LT4 power plant as well as the exhaust. Probably a mistake to drive the Z in the first place but I loved how it sounded. Can the LT1 sound that? I thought the GS was pretty quiet in comparison. Normally I like that but I was wowed by the Zs sound.
I dont necessarily need the extra power frankly but I’m a engine sound person. Thought about getting the GS with maybe an xpipe but my guess is I should just suck it up and buy the Z and be judicious with the throttle pedal.
Anyine have thoughts?
I dont necessarily need the extra power frankly but I’m a engine sound person. Thought about getting the GS with maybe an xpipe but my guess is I should just suck it up and buy the Z and be judicious with the throttle pedal.
Anyine have thoughts?
Also are you sure you had the exhaust modes set the same? For example the exhaust mode was set to track on both test rides?
Last edited by Zjoe6; 12-24-2018 at 02:13 PM.
12-24-2018, 02:11 PM
#5
You probably just noticed the faster spool up in RPM during your test drive. Higher RPM = louder exhaust note. As I said, the OEM exhaust systems are the same, pipes, mufflers, resonators, cats, etc.
Last edited by Foosh; 12-24-2018 at 02:12 PM.
12-24-2018, 02:13 PM
#6
Melting Slicks
Are you sure the exhaust was set the same electronically during both drives too?
They should sound different of course, but if the NPP was closed on the GS it would have made it even more quiet.
They should sound different of course, but if the NPP was closed on the GS it would have made it even more quiet.
12-24-2018, 02:24 PM
#7
Instructor
Thread Starter
I figure this is last manual car I’ll buy so I want to do it right without regret. You guys would know better as you have the cars in question and many have test driven both more extensively than I have. Test drives are short and hard to get a good feel for the cars differences. Torque and sound is what unnoticed most. The GS drove amazingly, tough choice.
12-24-2018, 04:28 PM
#11
Team Owner
Easy choice get what you really want and enjoy your Z.
12-24-2018, 04:47 PM
#12
Plus when the LT4 starts getting into boost, there's going to be sound increase as well. You can put headers/high flow cats on the GS and sound way better than the stock Z06. Just something to consider and much lower cost than spending the delta between GS and Z06. BUT...if you like the porky wide body, might as well go with the Z06 and call it done.
Last edited by lakemg; 12-24-2018 at 04:47 PM.
12-24-2018, 05:47 PM
#13
Burning Brakes
If you like the sound of the Z better, and money isn't an issue, I'll pretty much guarantee that that extra 190 hp and torque will grow on you as well! Enjoy!!!
12-25-2018, 07:13 AM
#14
Racer
12-25-2018, 08:24 AM
#15
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St. Jude Donor '12
I happen to have a Z06 and a Z51, both are 17's. The Z06 is way louder and of course much more powerful. On startup in the garage the Z06 almost shakes the garage, not so with the Z51. If I was to get rid of one of them it would be the Z51 and I'd keep the Z06!
12-25-2018, 09:37 AM
#16
Instructor
Thread Starter
This is helpful- thanks for the comment. Just starting the car on the test drive, I noticed a pretty big difference. Sounded amazing. Unfortunately I drove the car when the roads were wet so traction was awful so it left me wondering if I’ll use the power or if it’s overkill since I’m not likely tracking it but love mountain roads. But man that thing sounded good.
12-25-2018, 10:16 AM
#17
Team Owner
This is helpful- thanks for the comment. Just starting the car on the test drive, I noticed a pretty big difference. Sounded amazing. Unfortunately I drove the car when the roads were wet so traction was awful so it left me wondering if I’ll use the power or if it’s overkill since I’m not likely tracking it but love mountain roads. But man that thing sounded good.
If money is not an issue just do it.
12-25-2018, 06:41 PM
#18
Le Mans Master
The camshaft profile of the LT4 delivers greater valve lift and duration than the LT1. Also, LT4’s compression ratio is 10.0:1 compared to 11.5:1 for the LT1.
C&D tested the decibel levels back in early ‘15 (it’s posted on here somewhere). The LT1/NPP was measured at 89dB and the LT4 registered 95dB.
When you hear them side by side, which I have, there is a noticeable difference in tone and volume.
C&D tested the decibel levels back in early ‘15 (it’s posted on here somewhere). The LT1/NPP was measured at 89dB and the LT4 registered 95dB.
When you hear them side by side, which I have, there is a noticeable difference in tone and volume.
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12-25-2018, 06:48 PM
#19
Le Mans Master
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12-26-2018, 08:29 AM
#20
Burning Brakes
I have not had my Z06 very long, but when the boost comes on it changes the tone of the exhaust in a good way. It is very noticeable to me especially when you are walking into it slowly and the boost is just starting to come on.
