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The easiest way to reduce the cabin noise is with a trunk partition. You can make one for cheap, or buy several different styles/types from CF vendors for $99 to $400. I went with the 2.5 inch think foam partition with matching carpet and a Z06 logo from Eckler's for $99 -
They all greatly reduce the road/exhaust and tire noise to the point I think my Z with B&B PRT's is as quiet as my 99 coupe with Corsa Indy's. As a side benefit the stereo sounds better and the HVAC works better. I like it better than the flapping cloth security shade used on the coupes.
Buy the Z install a partition and be happy. So you can have your cake and eat it too.
Tom
I have the same one and it worked great. It cut out the tire noise, 100%. I do still have a bad spot @ 1500 to 1700 where the borla stingers get bad. It is much worse with headers. Just give it more gas and it is gone!
Dave
If you already have a Z06 or other car and want to put in some insulation that is not heavy or expensive, there is an HVAC duct insulation that is easy to work with available at Lowes.
I have a Z with headers, igh flow cats and PRT's and a coupe with Corsa Pace Cars. I put the partition in the Z and it is not any noisier than the coupe. We took it on the Hot Rod Power Tour and to the Blackhills Classic and had no problem with conversation or hearing the music (either off the stereo or from the exhaust).
I drove my first ZO6 a 2003, The interior noise from the exhaust and tires was loud to a point it was difficult to hear the passenger talking at a normal level . The dealers Corvrette "expert " said they are all like that as they have tinner glass and less sound deadner to save wieght ....... does this sound correct ?....... I will try to drive another ZO6 before I purchase , but if anyone can give me the stright story I would appreciate it
Bring on the noise! I love it! (at least if I'm in the Vette)
I drove my first ZO6 a 2003, The interior noise from the exhaust and tires was loud to a point it was difficult to hear the passenger talking at a normal level . The dealers Corvrette "expert " said they are all like that as they have tinner glass and less sound deadner to save wieght ....... does this sound correct ?....... I will try to drive another ZO6 before I purchase , but if anyone can give me the stright story I would appreciate it
You need to drive past the Chevy dealer, and head for the Lexus lot.
The Corvette and especially the Z06 is not a personal luxury car, it is a high performance sports car. The Z06 is more akin to a race car that is DOT approved for the streets. Sounds like you might need to reconsider why you want a Corvette.
The Z06 has several weight saving features, among them the thinner glass and minimal sound deadening material. The Z06 is purpose built for performance not luxury, even though it does have some nice upscale features, like HUD, memory option, auto climate control, etc. If you are looking for a quiet cruiser the Z is not your car. The Z06 is designed to be lighter, faster and more nimble and this is how it achieves it's awesome performance...i.e. 0-60 in 3.9 seconds, 1.1 G lateral acceleration, etc.
You may prefer the coupe as it is quieter but still offers outstanding performance. Those who desire the kind of performance that the Z06 puts out are not generally concerned with quiet interiors and soft rides.
The Z06 is a brute with supercar level performance. Quiet is not one of its desired nor expected qualities.
I love my Z06 and am amazed at it's docile side, but that is not what I bought it for, even though it is my daily driver. I bought it for it's performance and I love all the sounds it makes. BTW, I don't seem to have trouble hearing my passengers...unless I am at full throttle...at that point I am not listening to them anyway, I am listening to the beautiful sound of my screaming 405 hp LS6!
Hope you find the right car for you...good luck!
A pure bonus to my Z, I cannot hear a thing my wife says!!
I drove my first ZO6 a 2003, The interior noise from the exhaust and tires was loud to a point it was difficult to hear the passenger talking at a normal level . The dealers Corvrette "expert " said they are all like that as they have tinner glass and less sound deadner to save wieght ....... does this sound correct ?....... I will try to drive another ZO6 before I purchase , but if anyone can give me the stright story I would appreciate it
I'd say yes. HOWEVER, I did not like how much tire noise I heard when I first got my car. A BIG HELP was a partition. You can make or purchase one reasonably that drastically reduces tire noise from the rear of the car.
Further, if you want a Z06 but want it quieter, you can add noise deadening material and reduce it further.
Think about it, 30-40# of deadener and if you are in shape at 180# you have a total weight the same as my fat butt in my car at 220#.
I had a '99 FRC with runflats and it was much noisier than my '03 Z06.
I installed a partion and a cargo area carpet from one of the vendors and the difference was significant. Noise level now is very acceptable.
I drove my first ZO6 a 2003, The interior noise from the exhaust and tires was loud to a point it was difficult to hear the passenger talking at a normal level . The dealers Corvrette "expert " said they are all like that as they have tinner glass and less sound deadner to save wieght ....... does this sound correct ?....... I will try to drive another ZO6 before I purchase , but if anyone can give me the stright story I would appreciate it
All true.
To be honest, I like it this way. In fact, for many months, I never even new if the radio/CD even worked!
I just roll down the windows and enjoy the noise. For me it is part of the fun.