Engine sounds like a jet?? (coupe, idle, spark plugs, brake)
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I know somebody selling a 1999 Firebird Coupe 6 cyl. - the body is in perfect condition, mint... but it sounds like a jet when you speed up. I saw people mention cooling fan clutch (?) or exhaust leak (?) or old alternator (?) on other sites, but the car runs pretty good.
Anybody run into this on 4th gen. firebirds or similar year model GM's?
The only thing on my mind for some reason, is a short somewhere in the speaker wiring picking up something from the motor somehow.
I know that isn't descriptive, but a buddy of mine had a car where you would hear a high pitched static, almost like tuning an AM radio, coming through the speakers, in perfect sync with the RPMs.
In the olden days we used to have 'cutouts' headers that bypassed the muffler system and that noise sounded like a jet. Maybe that what you're hearing. Vrooooooom
Has the OP kept an eye on the tachometer?
It is entirely possible that he is hearing high engine revs as a result of a slipping transmission (automatic) or a slipping clutch (manual trans).
At...let's say...60 mph, at how many revs is the engine turning?
Look at that car either at night or in pitch dark place. Pop hood open. Start the engine and have someone step on the gas pedal. If you see any "lights" or shine showing under the hood, it's cracked exhaust manifold.
Reason I know this, my 87 Taurus was same way. Sounded like a machine gun large caliber on cold engine. Until I looked under the hood when it was dark outside. Exhaust manifold had several large cracks, as in - large.
Found later, it was common issue with Ford using cheap metal for those, resulting in cracks from exhaust heat.
Maybe it is transmission related?? I rarely go over 2000 rpm though, so the car seems to run fine... the jet engine sound is annoying though and can't be right.
Also the previous owner must have tinkered with the electrical wiring because the turn signals aren't doing their thing but the brake lights are fine, the headlamps pop right up... yet the guy at the tire store said he fooled around with the electrical and had them on all at once - so the bulbs are not bad. Is it usually easy or difficult to find a mechanic who is competent on wiring without spending ridiculously?
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