So I know our S2k's make a lot of noise, this isn't a thread on "what's wrong with my car", it's more just wondering why it happens. I've noticed during the winter the drivetrain and valvetrain seem to fluctuate in intensity. Is it just the nature of an engine to have different noises when accelerating in different temps, etc.?

For example, i've noticed I can hear more of the injectors when it's really cold out, and when it's just around freezing, I hear the engine and tranny more. I'm sure nothing is wrong though because the car runs just great and feels smooth. What am I not understanding?

 

Probably just the components are cold and and there's more friction in the moving parts in the various systems that make up the drivetrain. Fresh oils helps so if you don't have fresh oil give it a swap. Read through the care & faq threads in this forum and there'll be more information about this, but it's the same for most cars you just don't notice it as much. Temperatures here in melbourne aren't as extreme in the states, so we can get away with the 10w30 engine oil. But I'd imagine that if you're in the northern states you'd have to consider running 5w30 or even 0w30. As long as you're using the factory spec fluids or better you'll be OK.