Why do different cylinder engines sound different?

Why do different cylinder engines sound different?

Different configurations of engines differ in sound due to the values of the dominant frequency emitted from each motor. To calculate this frequency, the engine speed has to be broken down from revolutions per minute to revolutions per second, which is simply dividing the RPM value by sixty.

Why do Harleys engines sound different?

The 45° design of the engine thus creates a plug firing sequencing as such: The first cylinder fires, the second (rear) cylinder fires 315° later, then there is a 405° gap until the first cylinder fires again, giving the engine its unique sound.

Why do 4 cylinders sound bad?

Four cylinder engines are less smooth than V6s and FAR less smooth than inline sixes. This causes more vibration in the car, which makes it louder.

Can 4 cylinders sound good?

Sounding great isn’t just for cars with V8s and V12s. Even a car with a four-cylinder engine can sound amazing.

Why do new v8 engines sound different?

Each pulse makes a tone, which combined with the other pulses forms a harmonic series. The same thing happens in all engines, but it’s the irregular firing sequence that gives a big V8 its distinctive throbbing sound.

What makes a v8 rumble?

Particularly, what about V8s sound so unique? A lot of American muscle V8s are set up on a flat faced crankshaft, meaning that often times they’re set up so that when the left bank cylinder fires, the right bank cylinder fires after. This opposition is what makes that rhythmic, balanced, orderly rumble.

Why do Harleys sound V8?

The different firing interval is the reason Harley engines have a V8-like sound. Harley’s V-Twin engine has two cylinders arranged in a 45-degree “V” configuration attached to a single-pin crankshaft. Since the pistons are sharing a pin, this causes the cylinders to fire at uneven intervals.

What causes Harley sound?

Harley claims the “potato” sound stems from its traditional engine configuration, a V-twin with a 45-degree angle between the cylinders and a single crankshaft pin that holds the two pistons. The spark plugs fire at uneven intervals, contributing to the cadence Harley describes as “pop, pop, pause.”

Why do 4 cylinder engines vibrate?

RAY: Four-cylinder engines vibrate because they produce fewer explosions per turn of the engine’s crankshaft. So, with the explosions spaced farther apart, you tend to be aware of the spaces between them.

Can a 4-cylinder beat V8?

Many new four cylinder engines can beat V8 engines for power, but other are still far behind. That said, there are still some woefully slow 4-cylinder sports cars and entry-level vehicles that really make us wish for a decent V6 or V8 under the hood.

What kind of sound does a Harley make?

But Harley-Davidson motorcycle engines rumble. Harleys produce a low, deep-throated, somewhat syncopated vibration many aficionados describe as “potato-potato-potato-potato.” The sound is so distinctive – and so closely associated with the brand – that Harley-Davidson once sought to have it trademarked.

How does a Harley-Davidson engine work?

Each piston fires on every other rotation of the crankshaft and with the sparks plugs at 180° from each other; this provides a smooth, even rhythm sound. However the classic Harley-Davidson engines are V-twin engines, with a 45° angle between the cylinders.

Why does my motorcycle sound different with the mufflers on?

Even with the mufflers on, however, it sounds different from other motorcycles. The reason for the sound has to do with the way the engine is designed. If you have read the HowStuffWorks article How Car Engines Work, then you know how a basic four-stroke gasoline engine operates.

How many degrees does a Harley Davidson engine fire?

This design, combined with the V arrangement of the cylinders, means that the pistons cannot fire at even intervals. Instead of one piston firing every 360 degrees, a Harley engine goes like this: A piston fires. The next piston fires at 315 degrees. There is a 405-degree gap. A piston fires.