SurfDog's Soundproffing journey

SurfDog · 09-06-2012, 01:47 PM

I Couldn't take the noise. I want to LOVE my Z, but the Friggin' road noise is killing me!!!

So... Dynamat!

Here are some Photos.
This one is about 1/3 the way into Dyna-carpeting my Hatch.
Nissan 370Z Forum - SurfDog's Album: Surfdog 09 370z sport - Picture

Here is the trim I pulled to get access.
http://www.the370z.com/members/surfd...-out-trim.html

Pulling the trim seemed a bit intimidating, but I spoke with my dealer service manager and he gave me some tips and advice (it was actually pretty easy)

Anyhow the results are noticeable but NOT A HOME RUN

I have ordered a 10 square foot FREE SAMPLE of GT Mat from Pintsized725. I will put it on the Doors as soon as I can find some time. I suspect 10 feet will *probably* only cover 1 door. We'll see.

My plan looks like this:
1. Dynamat hatch: done- result: noise is better, but not better enough.
2. GT Mat doors:Materials on order. Results-TBD
3. GT MAT or Dynamat Wheel Wells. Results-TBD
4. install quieter non-stock tires: I'll wait till my tread gives out: Results-TBD
5. Consider active noise cancelling sound system in cabin: Results-TBD

I'm looking for suggestions. So far my results have been a bit underwhelming.

The photo doesn't show it; I forgot to snap a "job done" photo (because I was beat), but I Dynamatted every inch I could reach of that Hatch and up into the left fender as far as I could reach. It improved, but DID NOT solve the problem.

If anybody has really nailed this problem down and can help me with "best bang for the buck" suggestions, please chime in. I don't need the Z to be silent, just pleasant to drive on longer trips.

Rockhound · 09-06-2012, 02:12 PM

I'm certainly no expert at sound deadening, but I've tackled projects like this on previous cars - in a similar manner. I think the primary reason you didn't get the results you were looking for (nor did I on my previous cars) is that you really need to take a three-layer approach as outlined here:

http://www.sounddeadenershowdown.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi

The layers, from the bottom up, should be a 1) dampener, such as Dynamat or even Frost King from Lowes, 2) a closed-cell foam and 3) mass loaded vinyl on top.

Dampener materials don't have the necessary mass to knock out much sound, they only dampen vibrating panels (still important, though). Ideally, you'd want to use lead for its optimum sound reduction, but it's restrictively heavy and difficult to use...hence the mass loaded vinyl as a substitute.

Most of the big name products out there that people tend to use fall more under the 'dampener' category, and don't have the acoustic suppression properties people are looking for.

I'd recommend getting a digital sound level meter (Radio Shack has one for around $50) to measure sound levels on some test roads at set speeds to monitor results.

Just my two cents, though, is that I'm shocked at how refined the Z is. It measures about the same dB levels as my daily driver ('08 Mazda3) and really only exceeds it on horribly rough pavement. I was sure that I'd be looking into a project like this once I got my Z, but after a month of ownership I don't think I will - that shouldn't detract from what you're trying to do here, though. Good luck.

Sent from my SGSII using Tapatalk 2

bigaudiofanat · 09-06-2012, 02:12 PM

We were just talking about some of this Here 370z Audio Install

You need foam instead of a mat layer.

Hushmat or dynaliner

Dynaliner

SurfDog · 09-06-2012, 03:11 PM

Thanks! I'll look into it!

I plan to stop all the panels I can reach from ringing with Dynamat. And I will definitely layer the hatch.

The Z is new to me with used stock tires. I suspect new tires are needed. I think this might help a lot as most of my complaint comes from rough pavement noise.

bigaudiofanat · 09-06-2012, 04:22 PM

There are liquid solutions as well, that are much more.... permanent

Naenyn · 09-22-2012, 04:37 PM

How is this going? OP, have you made any progress? I'm pondering sound deadening options for the new Nismo and am very curious about your findings.

sparky · 09-22-2012, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockhound

I'm certainly no expert at sound deadening, but I've tackled projects like this on previous cars - in a similar manner. I think the primary reason you didn't get the results you were looking for (nor did I on my previous cars) is that you really need to take a three-layer approach as outlined here:

Sound Deadener Showdown - Your Source for Sound Deadening Products and Information

The layers, from the bottom up, should be a 1) dampener, such as Dynamat or even Frost King from Lowes, 2) a closed-cell foam and 3) mass loaded vinyl on top.

Dampener materials don't have the necessary mass to knock out much sound, they only dampen vibrating panels (still important, though). Ideally, you'd want to use lead for its optimum sound reduction, but it's restrictively heavy and difficult to use...hence the mass loaded vinyl as a substitute.

Most of the big name products out there that people tend to use fall more under the 'dampener' category, and don't have the acoustic suppression properties people are looking for.

I'd recommend getting a digital sound level meter (Radio Shack has one for around $50) to measure sound levels on some test roads at set speeds to monitor results.

Just my two cents, though, is that I'm shocked at how refined the Z is. It measures about the same dB levels as my daily driver ('08 Mazda3) and really only exceeds it on horribly rough pavement. I was sure that I'd be looking into a project like this once I got my Z, but after a month of ownership I don't think I will - that shouldn't detract from what you're trying to do here, though. Good luck.

Sent from my SGSII using Tapatalk 2

I agree with you Rockhound, I too followed the noise threads on here for months before buying my car and was prepared to do some sound deadening. After having the car for awhile it doesn't seem to be an issue for me. I think the quality of road surface probably has a lot to do with it. The stock tires also have a low rating for road noise.
I may do the doors as some have indicated it marginally improves front speaker audio quality.

SurfDog · 09-22-2012, 07:06 PM

The hatch dynamat helped. Doors next. I think it will be done then though I will definitely not go stock on next tyres.

Definitely worth the effort and 200 bucks to do hatch.

Rockhound · 09-24-2012, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SurfDog

The hatch dynamat helped. Doors next. I think it will be done then though I will definitely not go stock on next tyres.

Definitely worth the effort and 200 bucks to do hatch.

Have you considered using any closed-cell foam or mass loaded vinyl for true noise suppression? Some companies make a combined product that has both materials bonded into one sheet. Cutting one to size for the floor of the rear hatch would likely have a huge impact - just a thought.

Here's an example:
Mass Loaded Vinyl 48W w/Closed Cell (per foot)-Super Soundproofing Store

SurfDog · 09-24-2012, 10:42 AM

I have, but I'm worried that I will have to trim my foam "inserts". (That grey styrofoam stuff that goes around the spare) in order to fit them on top of the presumably thick extra layer. My trim already got a bit snug after dynamat.

I do not really care about cutting the stuff, but this is my city car (not my Colorado car) so I don't have much in the way of a garage and tools to modify my foamies.

I might use a mass loaded foam barrier like dynaliner on the doors though.

09-06-2012, 01:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
SurfDog A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Colorado (9000 feet) Age: 56 Posts: 1,793 Drives: 09 6mt, 13 Sequoia, Rep Power: 15748	SurfDog's Soundproffing journey I Couldn't take the noise. I want to LOVE my Z, but the Friggin' road noise is killing me!!! So... Dynamat! Here are some Photos. This one is about 1/3 the way into Dyna-carpeting my Hatch. Nissan 370Z Forum - SurfDog's Album: Surfdog 09 370z sport - Picture Here is the trim I pulled to get access. http://www.the370z.com/members/surfd...-out-trim.html Pulling the trim seemed a bit intimidating, but I spoke with my dealer service manager and he gave me some tips and advice (it was actually pretty easy) Anyhow the results are noticeable but NOT A HOME RUN I have ordered a 10 square foot FREE SAMPLE of GT Mat from Pintsized725. I will put it on the Doors as soon as I can find some time. I suspect 10 feet will probably only cover 1 door. We'll see. My plan looks like this: 1. Dynamat hatch: done- result: noise is better, but not better enough. 2. GT Mat doors:Materials on order. Results-TBD 3. GT MAT or Dynamat Wheel Wells. Results-TBD 4. install quieter non-stock tires: I'll wait till my tread gives out: Results-TBD 5. Consider active noise cancelling sound system in cabin: Results-TBD I'm looking for suggestions. So far my results have been a bit underwhelming. The photo doesn't show it; I forgot to snap a "job done" photo (because I was beat), but I Dynamatted every inch I could reach of that Hatch and up into the left fender as far as I could reach. It improved, but DID NOT solve the problem. If anybody has really nailed this problem down and can help me with "best bang for the buck" suggestions, please chime in. I don't need the Z to be silent, just pleasant to drive on longer trips. __________________ 09 6spd Berk CBE, JWT cams, ZSpeed CSC, Stillen (25 row oil, brake cooling, sways, gen3 CAI), Passport (9500ci), Quaife LSD, Z1 400 hp kit, ss lines, pads, rotors, clutch etc, Phunk's pan and fuel starve fix Last edited by SurfDog; 09-06-2012 at 01:49 PM.

09-06-2012, 02:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 852	We were just talking about some of this Here 370z Audio Install You need foam instead of a mat layer. Hushmat or dynaliner Dynaliner __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

09-06-2012, 03:11 PM	#4 (permalink)
SurfDog A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Colorado (9000 feet) Age: 56 Posts: 1,793 Drives: 09 6mt, 13 Sequoia, Rep Power: 15748	Thanks! I'll look into it! I plan to stop all the panels I can reach from ringing with Dynamat. And I will definitely layer the hatch. The Z is new to me with used stock tires. I suspect new tires are needed. I think this might help a lot as most of my complaint comes from rough pavement noise. __________________ 09 6spd Berk CBE, JWT cams, ZSpeed CSC, Stillen (25 row oil, brake cooling, sways, gen3 CAI), Passport (9500ci), Quaife LSD, Z1 400 hp kit, ss lines, pads, rotors, clutch etc, Phunk's pan and fuel starve fix

09-06-2012, 04:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 852	There are liquid solutions as well, that are much more.... permanent __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

09-22-2012, 07:06 PM	#8 (permalink)
SurfDog A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Colorado (9000 feet) Age: 56 Posts: 1,793 Drives: 09 6mt, 13 Sequoia, Rep Power: 15748	The hatch dynamat helped. Doors next. I think it will be done then though I will definitely not go stock on next tyres. Definitely worth the effort and 200 bucks to do hatch. __________________ 09 6spd Berk CBE, JWT cams, ZSpeed CSC, Stillen (25 row oil, brake cooling, sways, gen3 CAI), Passport (9500ci), Quaife LSD, Z1 400 hp kit, ss lines, pads, rotors, clutch etc, Phunk's pan and fuel starve fix

09-06-2012, 02:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
Rockhound Base Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 86 Drives: '13 Z Touring Rep Power: 13	I'm certainly no expert at sound deadening, but I've tackled projects like this on previous cars - in a similar manner. I think the primary reason you didn't get the results you were looking for (nor did I on my previous cars) is that you really need to take a three-layer approach as outlined here: http://www.sounddeadenershowdown.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi The layers, from the bottom up, should be a 1) dampener, such as Dynamat or even Frost King from Lowes, 2) a closed-cell foam and 3) mass loaded vinyl on top. Dampener materials don't have the necessary mass to knock out much sound, they only dampen vibrating panels (still important, though). Ideally, you'd want to use lead for its optimum sound reduction, but it's restrictively heavy and difficult to use...hence the mass loaded vinyl as a substitute. Most of the big name products out there that people tend to use fall more under the 'dampener' category, and don't have the acoustic suppression properties people are looking for. I'd recommend getting a digital sound level meter (Radio Shack has one for around $50) to measure sound levels on some test roads at set speeds to monitor results. Just my two cents, though, is that I'm shocked at how refined the Z is. It measures about the same dB levels as my daily driver ('08 Mazda3) and really only exceeds it on horribly rough pavement. I was sure that I'd be looking into a project like this once I got my Z, but after a month of ownership I don't think I will - that shouldn't detract from what you're trying to do here, though. Good luck. Sent from my SGSII using Tapatalk 2

09-22-2012, 04:37 PM	#6 (permalink)
Naenyn Base Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 212 Drives: '13 Magma Red Nismo Rep Power: 12	How is this going? OP, have you made any progress? I'm pondering sound deadening options for the new Nismo and am very curious about your findings.

09-24-2012, 10:42 AM	#10 (permalink)
SurfDog A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Colorado (9000 feet) Age: 56 Posts: 1,793 Drives: 09 6mt, 13 Sequoia, Rep Power: 15748	I have, but I'm worried that I will have to trim my foam "inserts". (That grey styrofoam stuff that goes around the spare) in order to fit them on top of the presumably thick extra layer. My trim already got a bit snug after dynamat. I do not really care about cutting the stuff, but this is my city car (not my Colorado car) so I don't have much in the way of a garage and tools to modify my foamies. I might use a mass loaded foam barrier like dynaliner on the doors though. __________________ 09 6spd Berk CBE, JWT cams, ZSpeed CSC, Stillen (25 row oil, brake cooling, sways, gen3 CAI), Passport (9500ci), Quaife LSD, Z1 400 hp kit, ss lines, pads, rotors, clutch etc, Phunk's pan and fuel starve fix

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