Losing My Refinement Y33

[rover3l]

My Y33 is making a sort of droning sound when under load from the throttle. I know it is not susposed to be present because my son's Y33 with higher miles is very quiet under the same conditions.

If I back off the throttle the noise disappears and it almost sounds like a very minor exhaust leak. It is not loud but very annoying.

Any ideas, is there a common cause on this model.

By the way it is a 2000 Anniversary with 50,000 miles

[maxnix]

Sounds weird. Belts? From where does it originate?

[rover3l]

It is diffuse but I would say engine or exhaust system. Almost sounds like I have a big bore exhaust system fitted but a very mild version.

I am thinking maybe a defect exhaust system or a manifold gasket

[maxnix]

A defective exhaust manifold gasket, or even a perforation further down the system around the cats, would include a ticking sound as you heard the exhaust valves close.

[Q451990]

Your best bet for diagnosis is probably to have someone put it on a lift and run the car at speed (back wheels spinning in the air) and see if they can locate the noise...

Heath

[DrewQ45]

With the car idling, have someone grab an old rag and block the exhaust. This should create a back-pressure and you should hear a hiss wherever the leak is.

Drew

[miata007]

Recently I came across 91 300zx that needs exhaust manifold gasket replaced. I am not buying that car but just want to find out what kind of labor/job is this. Your opinion can be on Y33 or other Qs. Do I have to remove tons of stuffs to get to it or need to remove the engine as well?

Thanks for the info.

007

[BadQ45t]

I know on my 84' Z it is a royal PITA to do the mainfolds, on the Z31 the mainfolds cracked and the studs would break as you took them off. I had a mechanic do mine, no way I wanted to face off on those, and they are not cheap either.

If you did the job I would spend the extra money and get new manifolds at the same time.

Now that we hijaked this thread, this is very strange on you 2000. My 1997 has 83k and nothing like that at all. Do you garage the car or is it parked outside in bad weather? You have any warranty left?