Zeemods Sound & Engine Packs
This manual covers the general installation, setup, load order and audio recommendations used across Zeemods S&E Packs for American Truck Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator 2.
1. Overview
Zeemods Sound & Engine Packs (referred to as S&E Packs) add new engines to the game that expand the audio experience in ATS and ETS2. Each pack is built around a specific engine family and includes matching engine definitions, FMOD sound banks and supporting files.
The sounds used in Zeemods S&E Packs were recorded from real life counterparts of the corresponding vehicle using up to 8 professional grade microphones.
The exact engine model, horsepower options, exhaust setup and supported truck list may differ from pack to pack. The installation method and recommended game settings are generally the same, so this manual focuses on the parts that apply across current engine packs.
2. What is included
Most Zeemods Sound & Engine Packs include the following items:
Recorded and produced engine, exhaust, turbo, and related audio layers.
Engine definitions with matching power, torque and sound references for supported trucks.
Compatible packs can use extra Zeemods Audio Framework features where supported.
Some packs may include extra variants such as different exhaust sizes, tuning options, transmission files, or wider "modded truck" support through an Open Def file.
3. Installation
Install engine packs by placing the supplied .scs files into the game mod folder, then enabling them in the in-game Mod Manager.
- Download the engine pack from your Zeemods order page.
- Extract the downloaded archive if required.
- Copy the supplied
.scsfiles into your ATS or ETS2 mod folder. - Open the game and go to Mod Manager on the profile screen.
- Activate the files you want to use and follow the load order guidance in this manual.
- Visit a truck dealer or repair shop and install the correct Zeemods engine.
Common file types
| File | Purpose |
|---|---|
zeemods.engine_name_v*.scs |
The main Sound & Engine Pack. This normally contains the sound banks, engine definitions and support for default trucks. |
zeemods.engine_name_v*_open_def.scs |
Optional Open Def file. This contains support for modded trucks and can also be used with the Zeemods Definitions Generator. |
v* part of the filename represents the pack version. Your downloaded file may have a different version number from screenshots, videos, or older instructions.
4. Zeemods Common Dependencies Mod
The Zeemods Common Dependencies Mod contains shared components used by various Zeemods sound packs and mods.
It is required when using G5 (or higher) Zeemods content.
The Common Dependencies Mod is included with your order for any G5 (or higher) pack. Look for a link to Common Mod, open it, follow the link, download the mod, install it like any other mod, and place it at the very top of your load order.
5. Selecting the engine in-game
After the mod is active, go to a truck dealer or repair shop and open the engine upgrade screen. Zeemods engines are usually marked with ZM, and some packs may also show the exhaust size, generation or engine variant in the engine name.
If the truck is supported, the engine should appear in the list. If the engine does not appear, check the load order, confirm that the truck is supported, and make sure the correct Open Def file is active if you are using a modded truck.
6. Recommended extra mods
For the complete Zeemods experience, the following companion mods are recommended where available.
| Mod | Status | Why it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Zeemods Common Dependencies Mod | Required for G5 (or higher) | Contains shared components used by Zeemods G5 content. This must sit at the top of the load order when required. |
| Zeemods Audio Framework (ZAF) | Recommended | Enables extra engine and truck audio behaviour in compatible packs, such as fans, wear effects, extra turbo behaviour and other framework-driven features. |
| Zeemods Master Reverb Mod | Recommended | Improves the way sounds react to tunnels, bridges, enclosed areas and other reflective spaces. |
| Weather, Wind, Tire & Trailer Effects | Recommended | Adds supporting weather, road, tire, wind and trailer layers designed to sit alongside Zeemods engine audio. |
| Zeemods Eaton Transmission Mod Pack | Recommended | Recommended for North American manual engine packs. ETS engine packs usually include suitable transmissions directly in the mod. |
| Zeemods Physics Mod | Recommended | Improves the physics for the vehicle handling, clutch, transmission, shifting speed etc (which in turn can improve how the engine sound is played). |
7. Supported trucks and Open Def files
Each Zeemods S&E Pack includes support for all of the default trucks. The exact list depends on the engine pack and the current version.
Open Def files provided with Zeemods S&E Packs contain support for modded trucks. If a particular truck mod is not included, you can use the Zeemods Definitions Generator to add it.
8. ZAF features
ZAF Ready engine packs can unlock extra audio behaviour when the Zeemods Audio Framework is installed.
Available features vary by pack and by engine type. A naturally aspirated engine, an older mechanical engine, and a modern emissions-controlled engine will not all use the same feature set. If a feature is not appropriate for the real engine, it may not be included.
| Feature | Typical behaviour |
|---|---|
| Engine cooling fan | The fan can engage based on water temperature and can be forced on through ZAF controls where supported. |
| Turbo with engine brake | Extra turbo behaviour may be applied during engine braking so the turbo does not behave like a simple static layer. |
| Engine wear effects | Additional worn engine sounds, belt squeaks or rougher mechanical details may appear as truck damage increases. |
| Air compressor cycles | The compressor can run while the truck refills its air tanks, following engine RPM where supported. |
| Extra turbo effects | Some packs include extra spool, flutter, whine or load-based turbo behaviour. |
9. Transmissions
For best results, use a transmission that suits the engine and truck. Many engine packs are tuned around realistic working RPM, shift timing and gear spacing, so the transmission can make a big difference to how natural the sound feels in-game.
For ATS, we recommend the Zeemods Eaton Transmission Mod Pack where appropriate. This is designed to pair naturally with North American manual engine setups.
For ETS2 engine packs, suitable transmissions are usually included directly in the engine mod. If the pack includes Zeemods transmissions, use them unless you have a specific reason not to.
10. Mod load order
Load order matters. If a dependency or definition file sits in the wrong place, the engine may not appear, sounds may be missing, or another mod may override the definitions.
The list below follows the recommended top-to-bottom order in the Mod Manager.
11. Volume and audio settings
Zeemods sound packs are designed to be used with all relevant in-game volume sliders set to 100%. This keeps the internal balance correct across engine, exhaust, turbo, effects, interior and trailer-related layers.
For audio channels where Zeemods content is not currently provided, such as AI traffic sounds, reduce those sliders to better balance the overall soundscape.
Recommended in-game settings
| Setting | Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Master Volume | 75-100% | Set this to personal preference. Running the master slightly below 100% often gives cleaner output and better headroom. |
| Truck Engine Volume | 100% | Controls engine and intake sounds. Use the recommended setting or adjust to taste. |
| Truck Exhaust Volume | 100% | Controls exhaust output. Use the recommended setting or adjust as needed. |
| Truck Turbo Volume | 100% | Controls turbocharger sounds. Use the recommended setting or adjust as required. |
| Truck Effects Volume | 100% | Controls air brakes, transmission noises, horns, squeals and other vehicle effects. |
| Truck Noise Volume | 100% | Controls tire and road noise. Use the recommended setting or adjust as required. |
| Trailer Noise Volume | 100% | Controls trailer-related sounds such as reefers and brake squeal. |
| Interior Sound Volume | 100% | Controls interior sounds such as switches, knobs, buttons, windows and cabin details. |
| Open Window Noise | On | Controls the sound of air rushing into the cabin when the windows are open. Turn this off only if you prefer no open-window wind noise. |
| Reverb Effect of Cabin | On | Controls cabin insulation and attenuation of engine, exhaust and other external sounds. Keep this on for a realistic driving experience, especially with an I&E Pack. |
| All other volume sliders | As required | Set Traffic, Ambience and World sounds around 25-30% to balance them with Zeemods audio. |
12. Convoy mode
Zeemods Sound & Engine Packs are designed to work in Convoy mode. Your custom engine audio is played locally on your own game client. Other players will hear audio based on their own installed mods and game setup.
For best results in multiplayer, make sure all players using Zeemods content have compatible versions installed and active.
13. Support
If you need support, head to our Discord Server and create a support ticket. Include clear information about the issue, the game you are using, your active mods, the truck, the engine selected, and the latest game.log.txt file.
For crash reports, always include the full game.log.txt. The most useful information is usually near the bottom of the file, but the full log helps confirm missing mods, bad load order and definition conflicts.
game.log.txt file.