Bump
I agree with the servers deciding, as suggested by NightShift.
The sounds can work the same way skins are used.
I don't see people's problem with 'big' and 'nasty' ENG. files, they're only ~280KB.
Besides, the sounds don't have to be saved anywhere except the user's PC, then uploaded to the server upon connecting. Then when another user connects, they load every other car's position, skin, and engine.
I'm pretty sure the only reason the ENG file has significant size to it is that it stores all the loaded sounds - IE engine pulse, gear shift, turbo, BOV, air intake, etc... so you shouldn't have to load everyone's BOV sounds, shifter sound, Etc.. just
each user would have thier own individual slider settings loaded(as in SHIFT+A mode). preferably not including the Volume adjustment slider
and the BOV, gear whine, intake, other sounds in the ENG should all be the same/not included in the individual loading.
And while the server has the choice between individual sound settings or random variation, put it in the multiplayer speed-up options to allow or disallow individualized engine sounds, and voila everyone's happy.