24 replies to this topic

[DannyTip]

Whats the best way to cut down engine noise in the cabin?

Currently ive not really got anything on my bulkhead inside or out. Will something butyl based like Silent Coat 2mm make much difference to engine noise? Or would i be best with something thicker and foam based?

[cal844]

im the same. just crank the radio up

[DannyTip]

That doesn't work when you get to 70 hah

[cal844]

it does lol

[Skortchio]

Turn the engine off :)

But assuming you want to drive as well, you can buy sound proofing material for inside the engine bay (can't remember the name, Ruckus has some on his), then you have to go to town on the bulkhead with plenty of deadening/damping - closed cell foam and underlay, it's a heavy panel so not much mass loading (butyl)required.
If you've got a dash then there's even more room for some sound absorbtion.

The other thing to consider is that a lot of your engine noise is coming through the windscreen so bonnet dampening is going to help too.

Also if you have a cone/pancake filter, going back to a standard airbox would help a little.

And as Cal says, a bigger amplifier!

Edited by Skortchio, 23 April 2013 - 01:41 PM.

[DannyTip]

So something like this? http://www.caraudiod...tor-8-bulk.html rather than http://www.caraudiod...-bulk-pack.html

I have a wooden dash but its currently bare metal behind it with no liner.

[Skortchio]

Holy crap on a cracker! That's some price for closed cell foam.

But yes, it's the right end of the scale. Thick and foamy not thin and sticky.
A couple of thin and sticky patches will wipe out any vibrations, then it's down to the foam to block the noise itself.
You can get closed cell foam cheaper which will do much the same job, also a couple of layers of carpet foam underlay on top is great to catch the upper frequencies.

[DannyTip]

Am i right in thinking closed cell foam doesn't absorb water too?

The felt style stuff i had before became a sponge.

Edited by DannyTip, 23 April 2013 - 03:11 PM.

[Skortchio]

It doesn't no, the cells are closed :)

Used it myself on my install, although I went a touch ott with the butyl

http://www.theminifo...r/#entry2562729

[DannyTip]

This guy seems to be cheap on fleabay http://stores.ebay.c..._fsub=396948319

[Skortchio]

Same guy I bought mine from as it happens. As a tip, don't bother with the self adhesive backing it's a bit of a pain to work with. I found a can of carpet adhesive worked wonders.

[DannyTip]

Ok cheers. Do you think 10mm will make a noticeable difference?

[Skortchio]

I've had nothing but good reports from my own install, I've since gone up to 2 (or is it 3) layers of closed cell plus some underlay and the original rubber backed damping too

[DannyTip]

Nice is there any room left in your mini for you? or is it just solid foam

[Skortchio]

Haha! I'm fairly sure the internal volume is markedly smaller, but it's quiet (by mini standards) there's no rattles or buzzes and it stays warm inside for a surprisingly long time