I think my engine is just starting to grow into its throat. Is it possible that it is just getting broken in after 8 years of being a garage queen and driven like a Camry? The only thing I have done is switch from 0W40 to 5W40 oil and I swear it sounds different now, where when I got it, it had that kind of Volkswagonny sound.

 

It's not the engine. It's probably the mufflers--and yes, they often sound different with age.

b-man

 

they can get a bit quieter if they get coated in carbon, and depending on their construction.. the packing material inside could be starting to wear out -- thus absorbing less sound.

i remember guys with E46 M3s would spray water into their mufflers to catalyze this !!