ChrisLSx

After not driving my '04 coupe for a few weeks, I took it out yesterday and couldn't believe how LOUD the road noise is! I've been driving my "rust bucket", lifted '01 Jeep Cherokee and that thing is DEAD SILENT next to my Vette! So some serious sound dampening is in order!

The car (as far as sound dampening) is completely factory and the tires are Michelin Pilot Supper Sports.

Who makes the best sound dampening "kit"or what's the best product out there? Weight isn't a major concern as I don't race it, I see no need to add unnecessary or excessive weight (not looking to deal with MLV). I've had good luck with Second Skin's Damplifier Pro CLD tiles but that's primarily for vibration. I keep reading good reviews of the Frost King stuff, but wanted to see how it compares to the "kits" the forum sponsors offer. I want to do the entire "floor" (including tunnel), rear inner fenders and doors (so the entire cabin less roof).

Thanks,
Chris

knewblewkorvette

I think this is one of the better kits out there:
http://www.vettenuts.net/index.php?l...t_detail&p=273

traylbyk

Ordered the insulation kit form ddmods ( back when he still did business with vettes). Only received a partial order. After calling was told it would be taken care of. Never was. I ended up ordering rolls of "sandwiched insulation" from Lowe's.

ChrisLSx

Did you notice any difference between the ddmods stuff and the lowes insulation?

Pounder

this !!!!

ChrisLSx

What makes fatmat better than say Second Skin?

Pounder

what thickness is second skin ??? what's the price ???

ChrisLSx

2 mm thick (80 mils) +/- 10% (same as the fatmat).

Second Skin is quite a bit more expensive ($599 for 120 sqft vs $249 for 125sqft) if one has to purchase their "A stock". For me, they are in Tucson (1-1/2 drive from me) so I'm able to pick up their "B stock" stuff (rips/writing was bad/etc... still 100% good just not as "pretty") for around $250. So in the end (if I'm able to get B stock), comparable. I've used their stuff for years and it's never given me the slightest issues (running/smell/etc) out here in Phoenix 120 degree summers.


edit: just ran a search and people flat out said "if you live where it's hot, DO NOT use Fatmat! The stuff STINKS like tar when it gets hot." So Fatmat is a big NO for me.

royal flush

May I suggest a Rolls Royce-

royal flush

Nice to know who the Forum Patrol is--i wonder what a sports car should sound like inside? BTW no ping with 93 octane in 100- deg heat--BTW i had both hearing aids in with new batterys-

ChrisLSx

What an incredibly insightful piece of input, coming from someone who doesn't know how to check for engine ping...

Newell0921

Last year after I installed cam, headers, and corsa xtreme exhaust. It made it a bit loud on the inside so I decided to get the Vettenuts insulation kit. I got the one that has the ensolite installed on it. It has definitely cut out all the road noise and when you shut the doors now you actually can tell a major difference while the car is running. The only sound I have going now is the "bassiness" of the exhaust I guess you could call it. One other noticeable benefit is the doors feel more solid when you shut them and don't rattle as much.

The other positive is the precut pieces are super easy to install. I find myself triple checking the directions on things that I install a lot just to make sure I'm doing it right, but with the Vette nuts kit it was all straight forward and every piece is labeled. They all just kind of fall in place.

I did decibel tests before and after. I wish I had written down the numbers but whatever it was I believe there was somewhere around a 2-4 decibel reduction after the install.

Newell0921

One last thing on the vettenuts kit. When I went with it I partially did so because other solutions can cause an odor or smell others are mentioning. The vettenuts kit with ensolite doesn't do this. If anything it made my interior smell more new car like afterwards.

ChrisLSx

Well, when you make pointless comments that add zero value to the thread...

What "a sports car should sound like inside" depends on the purpose of the car. In my case, I sometimes use my Vette to go to work and that can include taking calls from clients, being on business calls, etc. So reducing road noise is beneficial.

Good for you, and to think I'm running around on 91 octane in 110 degree heat (with zero ping). No need for hearing aids here, I just use my tuning and data logging software to read and then tune as necessary.

ChrisLSx

Good info!

Did you use their foil tape? If so, did they give enough?

Newell0921

I did use the tape they offer. I can't remember if it was the default amount or if I had them add an extra one, but I had two rolls and used the whole first roll and maybe 3/4 of the second roll.

You may read about this elsewhere but if you get the kit with the ensolite added then it does add thickness. The thickness is going to make certain panels very tight. If you work with it and take your time you can get most to fit good. The only area I had trouble was getting my truck compartments to fall back in place right. The lids for me no longer lock into place, but this could be something I didn't do right or could have spent more time on.

ChrisLSx

You mean the little cargo compartment lids (center and 2 sides)? I seem to remember reading something about having to take the latches apart and add washers/shims to make them reach and catch.

Newell0921

Yeah. That's the ones. I'll check that out. If I ever get around to it I may go back and try doing that to make them lock in. As it is for me right now I never even lift my trunk carpet up let alone store anything in there, so it's out of sight out of mind for me.

I should also clarify as the tape is concerned... I was very liberal with the use of tape. I taped all the sides on every piece of insulation. So two rolls will be plenty without having to try to ration the tape on the install.

TKO Performance

There's a few solutions. Here are 2 more that are completely different.

Blockit "Quick & Quiet". Takes about 60 seconds to install. Its a pre cut mat that lays over your interior carpet. 4 layers of actual acoustical material. One large piece for the cargo area (Trunk for Z06 or Convertible) and 1 smaller piece for behind each seat.
It uses a unique infusion method to bond the layers so they don't separate and there is no glue smell. The top layer is a textured uv protected surface that is tough and looks good (you can place an aftermarket mat on to if you like.). It does a great job taking the edge off of road, tire noise.and some aftermarket exhaust.
There's no adhesive holding it down. So you can take it to the track, remove it, race and replace for the return trip.
Theres literally hundreds of positive post about this product for C4, C5, C6 & C7. Unfortunately we sold out for the C5 Coupe again BUT more on the way shortly.!
Check it out here :
http://www.tkoperformance.com/1997-2...upe_p_366.html




________________________________________ _________



Then there's DeadMats. Awesome damping product.
This is not the typical butyl rubber and tinfoil. We wanted to come up with something different, a little lighter then the tradition same ol combinations.
DeadMats are only 1/16" thin making them vary malleable but extremely effective. It’s not your typical mass loaded vinyl. The thin light weight mats are a highly damped proprietary mineral filled viscoelastic polymer which provides outstanding sound & vibration reduction. At only .445 lbs per sq ft the performance to weight ratio is amazing. Unique technology to eliminate unwanted vibration & noise in your.
Check it out here:
Comes in packs of 8 sq feet , 20sq feet & 36 sq feet.
8 sq feet: http://www.tkoperformance.com/Blocki...ft_p_2028.html
20sq feet: http://www.tkoperformance.com/Blocki...Ft_p_1079.html
36sq feet: http://www.tkoperformance.com/Blocki...ft_p_1081.html







Quick video with just a 5 inch strip!

You Tube

COMBO PACKAGE
Blockit "Quick & Quiet" with DeadMat included! :
http://www.tkoperformance.com/97-04-...it_p_2040.html





Any questions, feel free to reach out to us 1800 778 9898

traylbyk

Lowe's insulation was thicker with a plastic membrane "sandwiched" between to outer foils.