If you disassembled an automobile and scattered the parts on the floor of a roomy garage, my friend Mike Carlson could put it all back together.

Blindfolded.

So I knew where to turn with a question about the throaty rumble of a muscle car starting up. Why is it so much more suggestive of power than the sound produced by typical cars? Is it just the size of the engine?

That’s part of it, he said. “The larger the displacement the more sound is produced.”

The engine configuration, exhaust pipe diameter and design of the muffler are among the other factors.

I’m not really doing justice to Mike’s detailed explanation. But as I read his reply to my emailed query, I realized I had asked the wrong question.

What I really want to know is this: Why does that sound excite someone who is not a car guy?

It’s one thing for gearheads to get into big engines, acceleration potential and what have you. But why would that guttural growl momentarily transfix at least some people who have never been all that interested in automotive stuff?

Is it something primal? Something to do with the Beach Boys and “American Graffiti”? A case of gender being destiny?

If you have a theory, please share.

Go Cougs: Here’s the note Debbie Wraspir got from her nephew in recognition of a graduation gift.

“…Thank you for the money!!! I know you’re thinking this money might go towards girls, but I saved it for WSU…”

Where I hope he will spend some of it on girls.

Slice answer (admiring Olympic bodies): “For me it is definitely the swimmers,” wrote Isabelle Nachtsheim. “Every single muscle is amazing. Have you seen their … well, their EVERYTHING.”

The last time you ran through a sprinkler: “On purpose, 1987,” wrote Shelley Davis. “Inadvertently, May 2012.”

Re: Tuesday’s Slice: Whenever Coeur d’Alene’s Tom Nash thinks about buying or renting an RV, he recalls the 2006 Robin Williams movie “RV.”

“And the thought goes away quickly.”

Today’s Slice question: From what local body of water would you not eat the fish?