My car runs really good now, but I am always worried about the detonation sound, what does it sound like? can someone compile a very descriptive abstract of this unforgiving phenomona?

 

Ummm.... drop marbles in a coffie can when it's under a few pillows. You'll know what it is if you ever come across it.

 

ahhhh what? anyways next

 

I don't think I've ever hear it, but I've heard it described as metal popcorn sounding...

Anyways, usually the sound is not audible inside the cockpit.

 

Crackling like bubble wrap, but more metallic.

 

I have a frontpipe/midpipe/JIC catback WITH an exhaust leak and I can hear when my car detonates. It does sound like metal popcorn. Your engine should rev smooth to redline...when it doesn't, listen to how it sounds...if it sounds like popcorn, then it's detonation. My car seems SO sensitive at times. It can tell when the fuel I put in it is not a higher octane brand.

 

it sounds like muffled backfiring orghinated form engine. Also, backfire usually doesn;t happend at WOT, and detonation does. And the engien will jolt a bit. but most of all detonation sounds like "****, god dammit, what the **** was that(then you check peak knock readings), I think I just blew my engine.

 

I once herd that if you shut off the car just after a good run and the engine continues running for a second or more thats a good sign of a detonating engine. Not a sure test but it makes sence, detonation is the ignition of gasses with out spark. It would make sence for this to happen even when you turn the car off. Not a great test for the turbos but if you start the car right away the oil shouldnt have time to cook inside them..