Road noise
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 38
Likes: 3
Road noise
Just got a 2016 Z06 with 3000 miles, completely stock with OEM run flat tires. The road noise is unbearable, so much so my 10 speaker Bose is drowned out unless I'm driving 30 MPH on a smooth concrete road surface. I've tried the 'Blockit" product, it was totally ineffective, no help at all. As much as I love this car, I''ll need to sell it If I can't solve this problem. Anyone have a fix for 'tire roar' on a C7 Z06?
Last edited by roller11; Nov 5, 2017 at 05:35 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,072
Likes: 196
From: Arizona
If the roads you frequently use are concrete -- especially grooved or textured -- there is, IMHO, no really effective cure for the 'concrete roar.' AT 3,000 miles, I'm assuming the OE tires on still on your Corvette. Other forum members may chime in to offer a quieter tire choice.
On asphalt surfaces, these cars are pretty quiet -- but on certain types of concrete -- embarrassingly loud.
On asphalt surfaces, these cars are pretty quiet -- but on certain types of concrete -- embarrassingly loud.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 8,729
Likes: 1,508
From: Redmond WA
I have the convertible and it's not bad, really. It comes with extra sound insulation, which is available aftermarket, which I recommend.
I'm by no means an expert in the field, but you want sound INSULATION. Your problem is tire roar, not reverberation of body panels, where you'd want deadening. Insulation is by its nature thick, not like boommat or similar. I mean a layer of that can't hurt but I don't think it solves it on its own.
Take a look at this, which is called deadening but it includes multilayer insulation:
http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/p-1...and-sport.aspx
Unless you meant BLOCKIT when you said BLOCKOUT, then you've already tried it and I'd like to hear more about the results! I've never heard from anyone before/after.
I'm by no means an expert in the field, but you want sound INSULATION. Your problem is tire roar, not reverberation of body panels, where you'd want deadening. Insulation is by its nature thick, not like boommat or similar. I mean a layer of that can't hurt but I don't think it solves it on its own.
Take a look at this, which is called deadening but it includes multilayer insulation:
http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/p-1...and-sport.aspx
Unless you meant BLOCKIT when you said BLOCKOUT, then you've already tried it and I'd like to hear more about the results! I've never heard from anyone before/after.
Last edited by davepl; Nov 5, 2017 at 04:14 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 83
Likes: 69
From: Richland, Washington
roller11
I went one season before I installed this kit last spring, I found the noise annoying and longer rides were not that enjoyable. Now between the sound and heat insulation and the DSC suspension controller it has become the GT car I had envisioned for my wife and I.
http://www.exoticvette.com/c7-insulation-kit_2.html
I went one season before I installed this kit last spring, I found the noise annoying and longer rides were not that enjoyable. Now between the sound and heat insulation and the DSC suspension controller it has become the GT car I had envisioned for my wife and I.
http://www.exoticvette.com/c7-insulation-kit_2.html
Instructor
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 153
Likes: 45
From: Ct
I have 2018 GS Coupe, I also found noise intrusive. I bought Dynamat and lifted up the carpeting behind the seats and carpeting over the wheel arches in the rear, and as much carpet that I could pull up, It does not come up easily.
At automotive flea market a vendor was selling large rubber mats, 4x6 foot , 1 1/2 inches thick. I cut this to fit the floor and placed it over the rear carpet. I then placed a blanket over the rubber mat.
I agree on concrete the noise is loud, however what I did reduced the noise to an acceptable level for me.
I did receive a questionnaire from GM a month after purchasing the car and noted the noise, two weeks later I received a phone call from GM asking me what noise I was complaining about and if I had any other concerns with the corvette.
They said it was the large tires and thanked me for my input and would evaluate the situation to make improvements
I must say of all the cars I have owned, I never received a phone call regarding my comments as I have with my Corvette purchase.
At automotive flea market a vendor was selling large rubber mats, 4x6 foot , 1 1/2 inches thick. I cut this to fit the floor and placed it over the rear carpet. I then placed a blanket over the rubber mat.
I agree on concrete the noise is loud, however what I did reduced the noise to an acceptable level for me.
I did receive a questionnaire from GM a month after purchasing the car and noted the noise, two weeks later I received a phone call from GM asking me what noise I was complaining about and if I had any other concerns with the corvette.
They said it was the large tires and thanked me for my input and would evaluate the situation to make improvements
I must say of all the cars I have owned, I never received a phone call regarding my comments as I have with my Corvette purchase.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 38
Likes: 3
I have the convertible and it's not bad, really. It comes with extra sound insulation, which is available aftermarket, which I recommend.
I'm by no means an expert in the field, but you want sound INSULATION. Your problem is tire roar, not reverberation of body panels, where you'd want deadening. Insulation is by its nature thick, not like boommat or similar. I mean a layer of that can't hurt but I don't think it solves it on its own.
Take a look at this, which is called deadening but it includes multilayer insulation:
http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/p-1...and-sport.aspx
Unless you meant BLOCKIT when you said BLOCKOUT, then you've already tried it and I'd like to hear more about the results! I've never heard from anyone before/after.
I'm by no means an expert in the field, but you want sound INSULATION. Your problem is tire roar, not reverberation of body panels, where you'd want deadening. Insulation is by its nature thick, not like boommat or similar. I mean a layer of that can't hurt but I don't think it solves it on its own.
Take a look at this, which is called deadening but it includes multilayer insulation:
http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/p-1...and-sport.aspx
Unless you meant BLOCKIT when you said BLOCKOUT, then you've already tried it and I'd like to hear more about the results! I've never heard from anyone before/after.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 38
Likes: 3
Thanks to all who have responded. "30MPH on smooth concrete roadway" was misinterpreted. I meant that concrete is way less noise than asphalt, and slow speed is less noisy than high speed. So under ideal conditions, the noise is acceptable with concrete/30MPH. But 98% of my driving is on non ideal normal asphalt road bed at typical around town speeds (30-50). On typical Chip and Seal road surface, Anything over 20 MPH is too loud. After 10 minutes driving the corridor between Longmont CO and Boulder CO, my ears were ringing.
Seems there are two types of solutions- thin butyl rubber (50-80 mm) like Dynamat, and thick foam like Blockit. Blockit was totally ineffective, perhaps I'll try the butyl.
Also, I wonder how much difference there would be between, say, a stock non-Z51Stingray and a Z06 in terms of noise. I would be willing to step down to a base Stingray, even with the stock skinny tires, if this would satisfy my noise requirement. As it is, all the wonderful performance/looks of a Z06 is wasted on me cause the noise is so irritating.
Anyone tried a stock stingray vs a Z06?
Seems there are two types of solutions- thin butyl rubber (50-80 mm) like Dynamat, and thick foam like Blockit. Blockit was totally ineffective, perhaps I'll try the butyl.
Also, I wonder how much difference there would be between, say, a stock non-Z51Stingray and a Z06 in terms of noise. I would be willing to step down to a base Stingray, even with the stock skinny tires, if this would satisfy my noise requirement. As it is, all the wonderful performance/looks of a Z06 is wasted on me cause the noise is so irritating.
Anyone tried a stock stingray vs a Z06?
Last edited by roller11; Nov 5, 2017 at 06:11 PM.
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Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
none of those noise blockers made any difference here either no matter what the car, perhaps the placebo "spent money" effect works for some.
If the car bugs you get rid of it..todays cars can seal so well you hear everything which is good and bad. Wide tires indeed can increase audible noise but shouldnt make your ears ring?
If the car bugs you get rid of it..todays cars can seal so well you hear everything which is good and bad. Wide tires indeed can increase audible noise but shouldnt make your ears ring?
Instructor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 169
Likes: 36
From: China Spring TX
I installed the 2 layer 'solution' to the noise issue and even bought a bunch of extra dynamat to cover additional areas. Front and rear carpets and seats were removed for installation. This is a '15 non Z51 Stingray base model. Two db meter phone aps showed about a 3 db difference. It took the edge off the noise on some roads, but you still cannot carry on a conversation on chip seal roads. Smooth concrete and very smooth asphalt are accetptable. The wide tire excuse is only partially correct. The lack of a divider glass separating the hatch and the seats seems to be the problem. I had a Pantera (mid engine and even wider tires) that had a glass behind the seats that was much quieter than the Corvette. Chances are that the mid engine Vette will be much quieter.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 38
Likes: 3
If the car bugs you get rid of it..todays cars can seal so well you hear everything which is good and bad. Wide tires indeed can increase audible noise but shouldnt make your ears ring?
Last edited by roller11; Nov 5, 2017 at 06:42 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 4,785
Likes: 1,417
Sell it immediately. I’ll give you $1000 for that defective junker.... it’s a sports car. Have you ever owned a sports car before? They trade comfort and quietness for performance.
I fully suggest you wear earplugs and a helmet.
I fully suggest you wear earplugs and a helmet.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,964
Likes: 6,768
From: Bonneville Salt Flats
I was not impressed with "Blockit," perhaps a little less heat, as much as anything (my notebook laying in the back doesn't seem as hot) and the folded creases in it produced during packing for shipment have NOT gone away, contrary to the sheet included with the product. I think any sound deadener should have "before & after" decibel measurement data to justify what they are selling, if specific to a certain vehicle. Have not seen such.
All that said, when I got my C5 the runflats were gawd-awful and they are still out in a shed somewhere. "Real" tires made a significant difference on it. I was pleasantly surprised that the runabouts on the C7 (Stingray, base-model) are much better. Perhaps there is more to cockpit noise on some models than others?*
And, I agree that the worst "paved" roads I've ever driven on--with anything--were concrete (such as I-70 in east Indiana. It was the gawd-awful worst road of my entire 1600 mile trip home with the new '18 in September). Best... relative new asphalt, no contest.
All that said, when I got my C5 the runflats were gawd-awful and they are still out in a shed somewhere. "Real" tires made a significant difference on it. I was pleasantly surprised that the runabouts on the C7 (Stingray, base-model) are much better. Perhaps there is more to cockpit noise on some models than others?*
And, I agree that the worst "paved" roads I've ever driven on--with anything--were concrete (such as I-70 in east Indiana. It was the gawd-awful worst road of my entire 1600 mile trip home with the new '18 in September). Best... relative new asphalt, no contest.
Last edited by Avanti; Dec 8, 2017 at 07:52 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 22,717
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From: Hillsborough NC
NC Events Coordinator
After years of driving a C5 with a built motor, headers, X-pipe and catback, my 2017 GS is like driving a Caddy. 
I have my exhaust set in the bypass position so I have something to listen to besides just "Classic Vinyl" on Sirius.
I have my exhaust set in the bypass position so I have something to listen to besides just "Classic Vinyl" on Sirius.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 4,980
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From: Bainbridge Island WA
I don't mean this to be argumentative, but I simply do not understand it. To my ears, smooth asphalt is much, much quieter than concrete. Not only that, asphalt is faster. Concrete also tends to be done in sections with dividers, causing a "thump, thump" effect.When I hit a stretch of asphalt after a stretch of concrete, the car ups its speed by up to 5mph without any change in my driving. I have to let up on the accelerator to maintain the same speed. I did about 12,000 miles of freeway driving this last six months and noticed it repeatedly. There's a section of Interstate 5 between Seattle and Tacoma where the 'contract' for paving had to have ended at the county line. You thump, thump along bumpy concrete until you get South of Federal Way and when you hit the King County/Pierce County line the pavement turns to asphalt. I always give a sigh of relief when I hit the asphalt because the noise goes down and the ride is so much more pleasant.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2017
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I don't mean this to be argumentative, but I simply do not understand it. To my ears, smooth asphalt is much, much quieter than concrete. Not only that, asphalt is faster. Concrete also tends to be done in sections with dividers, causing a "thump, thump" effect.When I hit a stretch of asphalt after a stretch of concrete, the car ups its speed by up to 5mph without any change in my driving. I have to let up on the accelerator to maintain the same speed. I did about 12,000 miles of freeway driving this last six months and noticed it repeatedly. There's a section of Interstate 5 between Seattle and Tacoma where the 'contract' for paving had to have ended at the county line. You thump, thump along bumpy concrete until you get South of Federal Way and when you hit the King County/Pierce County line the pavement turns to asphalt. I always give a sigh of relief when I hit the asphalt because the noise goes down and the ride is so much more pleasant.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 6,430
Likes: 3,620
From: Commerce Texas
OP - sorry you find your Corvette too noisy to enjoy.... I've got 700,000 miles in Corvettes since January of 1990.... just passed 54,700 miles in my C7 today.... been gone two weeks in the car (another 1,000+ miles) road trip.
If you think your Vette is loud you should take a 3,000 mile trip in my 28-year-old Ferrari.
Have been driving sports cars for almost exclusively for 60+ years..... never much considered the noise as I bought them for sheer driving pleasure....
If you think your Vette is loud you should take a 3,000 mile trip in my 28-year-old Ferrari.
Have been driving sports cars for almost exclusively for 60+ years..... never much considered the noise as I bought them for sheer driving pleasure....
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,496
Likes: 856
From: Walhalla South Carolina
My 16 base stingray was way quieter than my current 17 GS, those big Run flat tires are loud and there are currently NO replacements for them in RF as I can find and not even any all season tires for the rear. I think there are some for front sizes. I got some of the thin insulation from LOWES and slid under seats, behind seat, over carpet in cargo area and placed 2 harbor freight black moving blankets over them and then put a custom Lloyds mat over this in cargo area and it cut noise down a lot. Cheap and you can't tell they are there and the lloyd mat covers it all up in the cargo area. I didn't want to rip any carpet up to install anything so I put it over the existing carpet. Good luck