Silencing The "Grumble/Garble" Engine Sound

[jefferios]

I had no idea how to search for this question I have, I am talking about the sound our smarts make when they are accelerating from a stop. Its that odd and somewhat noisy grunt the engine or something else makes.

Is it possible to reduce or eliminate the sound by;

• Getting a K&N Air Filter vs. Stock filter
• Replacing the Exhaust for an aftermarket system

Thanks for the help!

[SuperGeek]

I'm not sure what sound you're talking about, but this does intrigue me. Mine makes a fairly unpleasant sound that I attribute to transmission design (non-synchronized?) Any chance you can get a digital recording of it?

[jefferios]

I can try...its nothing unusual though. I have heard many smarts make this noise. I'll search for a video of it and add it to my post.

[jefferios]

Perfect just listen...the rattling sound...they all make it for a second. Listen to the first second of the video, it is exactly what I am talking about. Also at second 0:06-0:07

YouTube - SmartCar Rally Rollout - Camarillo,CA.

YouTube - SmartCar Rally Rollout - Camarillo,CA.

[VinceLA]

yeah I know what you talking about...happens mostly at low rev/low speed, rolling from stationary etc.

I believe it has much to do with the 3-cyl engine.

[geosynch]

I thought I had paid extra for that!

Seriously, I've never heard it until know. I simply have the stereo blasting all the time.... Masks a lot. You should try it.

geosynch

[JD10367]

I can't play videos in work so I'll have to check that out at home, but I don't recall our '09 making much of a grumble-gargle upon starting from a stop. The little engine is in general a bit throaty but nothing horrible IMO. The only grumbling I get from our little guy is if I'm in low 5th doing 40 to 50 MPH; these little cars LOVE to go around 60-70, and we actually talk to him when he grumbles at 40-50, LOL. "That's okay, little guy, we know, you want to go faster... we'll be on the highway in a minute and then you'll be happy!"

[jefferios]

Originally Posted by geosynch

I thought I had paid extra for that!

Seriously, I've never heard it until know. I simply have the stereo blasting all the time.... Masks a lot. You should try it.

geosynch

No, I cannot hear it inside the cabin, believe me I have music going as well. But like at rallies and other functions when the music is off and windows are down it is sometimes apparent.

I'm not annoyed or upset about it but interested into seeing what is causing it, and to see if there is a solution for it.

[Gilbert's]

Lift the back of the car untill the two rear tire not toucthsing the ground start the engine and put it in gear run the tire freely you will hear the goorly sound is that the one you are talking about? then it's the defferential gears.....

[jefferios]

I have no way of lifting the car from the rear, but I do suspect it comes from the gearbox.