VTEC Modulation Makes Audio Quiz a Dead Giveaway
11.03.06 // 14:05
By: Che Chou
Last week we posed an audio challenge to gearheads on the 'net at large. Based on our Dyno Spotlight of Brian Smith's 1991 Acura NSX, we threw together 4 different like-minded sports car engine sound bytes and asked you guys to not only pick out Brian's customized engine, but identify the 4 other models too. Thanks to the passionate auto community out there, we got the usual flood of great responses through email (some of which we'll share with you guys below).
Now it's time to reveal not just the answers, but also our favorite responses from the community. The next car we throw on the dyno will be a classic Datsun 240Z, extensively pimped out with some of the most amazing mods for Nissan's ol' Fairlady.
Turn 10 Dyno Spotlight Audio Challenge Answers
Even if you didn't write in to submit your educated guess but you chose audio sample #2, then you are correct. The dead giveaway this time seems to cement the fact that there's really nothing quite like Honda's VTEC engine technology. Both the high-rev RPM and variable valve timing signatures are clear signs for anyone who's ever heard the beautiful scream of a Honda VTEC motor.
Perhaps it was due to some confusion with the article itself but it must be noted that when Brian's car was dyno'ed for Forza Motorsport 2 audio recordings, he did not yet have the Comptech supercharger installed in his NSX -- hence those of you who picked audio sample #4 may have been mislead. Sadly, nobody got any of the other 3 audio samples correctly. Guesses for the G35, R32, and Boxster S ranged from Lamborghinis and Corvettes to Bimmers and a 350Z.
As promised, here are our favorite responses from readers...
PJ not only got the correct answer, but he also sent in sound clips of his friend's Type-R NSX as well as a challenge to the community to identify his own car:
"Easy one, audio clip number 2 is the NSX. It's easy to hear the engine switch to high cam at around 6000 RPM. But more importantly, a close friend of mine was the biggest NSX freak known to man. He owned a pristine 1990 model, converted to full Type-R spec. I have spend many hours in the passenger seat of that car, so recognising that engine note is rather easy... I attached a small clip of Guus having a hoon ;-) And i attached a soundclip of my car on a dyno. I bet you guys can't identify it..."
Steven Bullington didn't quite nail the car, but he sure had his reasons for choosing audio clip #3:
"In response to the question of which is Mr. Smith's '91 Honda NSX, I would have to go with sound clip number three. I chose this because it seems to be the only clip with an overwhelmingly audible supercharger, the singing whine of a supercharger pulley is not easily forgotten, not like the "wooooosh" "Whistle!" that a turbo charger has and then looses whenever you shift gears. No the supercharger always holds that memorable note."
David G, being confident in his choice, got right to the point with his answer:
"Hey guys in response to your quiz question I would have to say that Sounds Clip #2 is Brian Smith's 1991 Acura NSX. Considering Brian's engine modification I knew the the DC headers and Comptech exhaust would produce a loud sample. You can definitely hear the vtec actuation. The blower seems faint but that is because of the dyno rollers. Sort of a high pitched sound coming from both the rollers and the blower. Overall I am confident in my choice, but I will just have to wait and see."
Danny pretty much pegged it on the head when he said:
"Dyno run #2. Lower RPM throaty note, VTEC transition, longer power band. I own the red '92 Twin turbo NSX that won this year's Sport Compact Car Ultimate Street Car Challenge. I believe your company sponsored this event with K&N."
Logan LeGrand appreciates his VTEC engines:
"Audio clip #2 is no doubt Brian's NSX. The sound created at 5500 RPM of VTEC on a V6 is something that can not be undistinguished. You simply can't compare the 4 cylinder VTECs to it. And the custom exhaust and header combo lets the car breath like it was meant to. Easily one of the best sounding Honda motors ever."
And finally, Kim Shearer has an unfair advantage:
"I think it is sound clip 2. That clip revs out much higher than the others, as you would expect from a car that redlines around 8000, and there is the definite change in note that the you would expect from a VTEC engine. I should admit that I have the advantage here of having heard Brian’s car, he works in the same building…"
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