My IM Roadster sounds like a 1600 VW because it is a 1600 VW. But I watched Shampoo (c1975 Warren Beatty, Goldie Hawn, Julie Christie), the movie, and heard an authentic Porsche. Now I want to have the authentic sound. One article long ago stated that the exhaust ports made the difference. Anybody?
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By the way, I took my ride out onto the snowy streets yesterday for fun! Like trying to push a snake! A tad risky, but then thats the point , no?
What does your 1600 have on it for carburetion? A 1600 sounds like it does in part because of the stock carb. The exhaust plays a big part in what it sounds like as well. What's the exhaust on it?
By the way, I took my ride out onto the snowy streets yesterday for fun! Like trying to push a snake! A tad risky, but then thats the point , no?
I've driven VW bugs, a Corvair, and a Karmann Ghia all in the snow, and never had much of a problem. It's nice having the engine and the weight in the rear over the driving wheels, because you hardly ever get stuck.
The "Porsche Sound" has a few factors that make it different from a 1600 Type 1 VW engine. My IM originally had a 1600 VW engine with 40MM Weber carbs and an original 356 exhaust that had VW round exhaust flanges welded on so that it would bolt to the VW exhaust ports. It also had "ratio rockers" that changed the valve timing. My engine sitting next to a stock 1600 Porsche sounded very similar.
Moving from a single solex-type carb on the stock 1600 to dual carbs of almost any size will help with the intake side of the sound (the pulsing carb sound will get more pronounced), but the real difference between any replica (including Subaru powered) and a so-called "real" 356 is the exhaust system. The original cars had much quieter exhaust systems that sounded closer to a stock VW beetle without its resonator exhaust tips installed, whereas everyone has heard the typical dune buggy-based replica exhaust sound, more similar to a Triumph TR-4 with strange cam timing than anything else. ALB probably knows what I'm talking about, but the rest of you probably think that your replicas sound "right". Any original owner can tell a replica as soon as it starts up from 50 yards away.
I am very happy with the way my car sounds; it's a 1915 from VS but I retrofitted it with CB 044 heads with larger stainless steel valves, 1.25 OEM VW ratio rockers from CB Performance, dual Dellorto 40 carbs, rigid rocker shafts, swivel feet adjusters, chromoly pushrods, breather box and Achiever crank pulley from from Gene Berg and the Tri-Mil (modified by VS) exhaust to fit Speedster replicas. As it stands it sounds almost dead on like an old Porsche but I've been eyeing the 356 stainless steel replica exhaust offered by Vintage Speed; it might get me even closer because it looks almost identical to a 356A sport muffler.
Thanks fellas. Souns like I'll have to spent mo muny to get the sound. I do have twin solaras but I might try the exhaust.
I too have driven beetles in the winter. No problem. The Roadster of course is lighter, has more horses, and does not have correct tires. It was fun in the snow though.
One of the few drawbacks with dual carbs is the noise. When I stomp on the gas pedal, and open up those big throttle bodies, the noise from the intake air overpowers the exhaust noise.
Down the road I'd like to fabricate a closed intake system, with one, big air cleaner. This would go a long way in quieting down the intake noise.
Maybe something like this, but mounted to the back of the shroud, because I have clearance issues.
One of the few drawbacks with dual carbs is the noise. When I stomp on the gas pedal, and open up those big throttle bodies, the noise from the intake air overpowers the exhaust noise.
I agree with Impala; why would you want to cover them up?
Call me strange, but I'd rather hear the burbling sound of an exhaust note than the sucking bleat from a carb intake.
Okay, okay, I know that VW air cooled engines never burble. Think of it as poetic license..... 
I know what it is; you want to actually hear the radio, don't you? You're going soft, Ron!
And to think I was going to make the trip out to grand ol' Chillie Whack one day to meet you..
Al, when I get the tub back on the road I'll come in and treat you to a Timmies.
