Cabin noise

RiCharlie · 02-07-2011, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guard Dad

Can't say much about the 2011 as mine's a 2010. On my test drive I heard the noise but I was focused on so many issues (brakes, steering, transmission, seats, throttle response and more) on that brief test drive that the cabin noise issue didn't make much of an impression on me. It was only somewhat later that the noise began to be an issue for me. The noise is highly dependent upon the road surface, smooth road=quiet cabin, rough road=loud cabin.

Though I found the level of cabin noise annoying, I was never really worried about it because I knew that their were many affordable ways to address the issue. Dealing with it was just one additional way that I chose to personalized my car.

If anyone were to ask me, I would recommend the 370Z with enthusiasm. I would be candid though, and point out that the cabin may be a bit noisy for some, and anyone who intends to do a lot of aggressive driving will probably see high oil temperatures and, maybe, have brake issues. However, I would be quick to point out that all of these issues, should they even arise, can be easily and affordably addressed.

WHITE WOLF This is exactly my experience.. I now love the car but did not notice the road noise during the test drives because I was too focused on other things..When I went on a trip with my wife for the first time I noticed it and it was horrible.. the roads here have a rough surface for driving during snow and ice and it was LOUD.I really thought I had made a terrible mistake. I had the car dynamatted and it has made a difference. My Z is good now but still I am going to go one step further and get the Conti Extremes at some point probably next year to take the car from "very good" to "excellent beyond all expectations!" because to me the less the road noise the better.

I dont think there is anything different about the 2011..The noise may not bother you or maybe the roads in your area are not so noisy..but if it becomes a problem its easy to correct. Its no different from those that buy a car and then add a better sound system.. its just a way of making the car more to your exact liking.

Go ahead and buy it!!

One other thing.. I notice you live in Hawaii.. are the roads there built with a rough surface to cope with snow and ice??

spearfish25 · 02-07-2011, 08:44 AM

If you think changing the stock tires to another summer tire brand will cause a dramatic change in road noise, you're fooling yourself. The difference will be minimal at best. The only time you get a big variation in tire noise levels is when you go from something like mud tires to more conservative all-seasons.

Better would be to Dynamat more aggressively. If you only did the rear hatch area, go for the doors. If that's done and your'e not happy still, Dynamat the floor. Last option is the roof. And now you'll have yourself a 4,000lb sports car.

LunaZ · 02-07-2011, 10:28 AM

Holy crap, ANOTHER cabin noise thread?!?!
Oh wait... it's still the same one.

kenchan · 02-07-2011, 10:31 AM

hey you guys with noise issues should consult 90ST how he did his entire floorboard with dynamat. he's an audio guru here taking things from the traditional acoustic side.

big's the other audio guru taking things from the electronics side.

hey luna you should link your thread about nissan engineers prioritizing things.

cheshirecat · 02-07-2011, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

If you think changing the stock tires to another summer tire brand will cause a dramatic change in road noise, you're fooling yourself. The difference will be minimal at best. The only time you get a big variation in tire noise levels is when you go from something like mud tires to more conservative all-seasons.

Better would be to Dynamat more aggressively. If you only did the rear hatch area, go for the doors. If that's done and your'e not happy still, Dynamat the floor. Last option is the roof. And now you'll have yourself a 4,000lb sports car.

I disagree. Certain summer tires, like the Bridgestones, are well known to be a very noisy tire.

Also, Dynamat is not meant to be sound-deadening material. Its sole purpose is to add mass to whatever it is applied to, making it heavier and therefore less prone to rattling or vibration from acoustics. IMO, you can find better material to use.

kenchan · 02-07-2011, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheshirecat

I disagree. Certain summer tires, like the Bridgestones, are well known to be a very noisy tire.

Also, Dynamat is not meant to be sound-deadening material. Its sole purpose is to add mass to whatever it is applied to, making it heavier and therefore less prone to rattling or vibration from acoustics. IMO, you can find better material to use.

RE050s are pretty noisy but they aren't THAT noisy until about 50% worn...then it roaarrs like a frikken 4x4 with off-road tires.

as for dynamat there is noticable noise reduction just doing the trunk. the trunk floor is pretty flimsy in some areas. i speak from experience. it's quite more tame now, not that road noise was ever bugging me. i wanted to reduce the low frequency resonance for a clear bass note off my stereo without using subs, etc.

Guard Dad · 02-08-2011, 01:36 AM

Despite any evidence to the contrary, Dynamat alone proved delightfully effective in reducing all types of noise, good bang for the buck.

RiCharlie · 02-08-2011, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheshirecat

I disagree. Certain summer tires, like the Bridgestones, are well known to be a very noisy tire.

Also, Dynamat is not meant to be sound-deadening material. Its sole purpose is to add mass to whatever it is applied to, making it heavier and therefore less prone to rattling or vibration from acoustics. IMO, you can find better material to use.

According to a Dynamat promo, dynamat does reduce sound but not by adding mass but by changing sound energy into heat .. The amount of heat is very small but this is how Dyamat is able to quiet sound with a very lightweight product.. I bet you could do the entire car with less than one hundred pounds of Dynamat..

RiCharlie · 02-08-2011, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltp

Half the noise due to the noisy stock tires. I just changed out the worn out stock tires with the Continental ExtremeContact DWS. The DWS tires are cheaper, much smoother & quieter than the stock tires. Now I enjoy my Z much more.

I am torn between DWs and DWS's.. any thoughts? I was concerned the tread of the "S" would be a problem...Also did you notice any change in performance?

3SeventyZ · 02-08-2011, 08:52 AM

I have honestly never found the road noise issue to be too big of an annoyance..

pbs370z · 02-16-2011, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jessobear

Get new tires. The OEM tires are INCREDIBLY LOUD. Not that I'd expect anything less from Bridgestone, but at least they grip the road. Dont weigh your car down with sound deadening materials.

Ya, 30 lbs is really going to slow down a 3000 lb + car.

pbs370z · 02-17-2011, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guard Dad

I grow weary of posts that deal with the cabin noise issue with a curt "live with it". The forum is here to support its members with information about our favorite car, not to slam members because they don't share our exact same priorities for enjoying the 370Z.

Guard Dad,

Thanks for all your excellent info on quieting this beast down. Why live with annoying levels of noise unless you only care about performance? Your posts have been very helpful in helping me to decide what methods to use.

I'll let everyone know how mine turns out.

Guard Dad · 02-17-2011, 07:30 PM

pbs370z

I'm glad that my posts have been of benefit. Please feel free to PM me with your results or questions.

tsolin01 · 02-17-2011, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiCharlie

I am torn between DWs and DWS's.. any thoughts? I was concerned the tread of the "S" would be a problem...Also did you notice any change in performance?

If you're in a state that gets some snow and plan to drive it in the winter time, get the DWS. For more snowy states, get a dedicated set of snow rims and tires.

The noise is significantly less with the DWS. Performance wise they've been really good so far for street driving and I don't drive hard enough to really miss a summer tire.

With damplifier pro and luxury liner pro from second skin in the trunk/doors and these new tires, the road noise isn't even a problem. All I really hear now is my exhaust.

pbs370z · 02-19-2011, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c41006

I am still trying to figure out why road noise bothers people so much

I'm trying to figure out why it doesn't bother you. Little hard a hearin' are ya? Maybe a few too many rock concerts in your youth, eh?

02-07-2011, 08:44 AM	#122 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1856	If you think changing the stock tires to another summer tire brand will cause a dramatic change in road noise, you're fooling yourself. The difference will be minimal at best. The only time you get a big variation in tire noise levels is when you go from something like mud tires to more conservative all-seasons. Better would be to Dynamat more aggressively. If you only did the rear hatch area, go for the doors. If that's done and your'e not happy still, Dynamat the floor. Last option is the roof. And now you'll have yourself a 4,000lb sports car. __________________ 2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

02-07-2011, 10:28 AM	#123 (permalink)
LunaZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Vagabond Posts: 6,704 Drives: Project: a white one Rep Power: 512	Holy crap, ANOTHER cabin noise thread?!?! Oh wait... it's still the same one. __________________ 2009 370Z Sport/Touring/Navigation \| see my journal for mods facebook: Be my friend... or not.

02-08-2011, 08:52 AM	#130 (permalink)
3SeventyZ Track Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: MD/DE Posts: 626 Drives: 350Z, 370Z, SRT8 Rep Power: 475	I have honestly never found the road noise issue to be too big of an annoyance.. __________________ 2009 Magnetic Black 370Z Sport 6MT

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02-07-2011, 10:31 AM	#124 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	hey you guys with noise issues should consult 90ST how he did his entire floorboard with dynamat. he's an audio guru here taking things from the traditional acoustic side. big's the other audio guru taking things from the electronics side. hey luna you should link your thread about nissan engineers prioritizing things.

02-08-2011, 01:36 AM	#127 (permalink)
Guard Dad Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: South Orange County, CA Posts: 422 Drives: 2010 370Z Silver A7 Rep Power: 14	Despite any evidence to the contrary, Dynamat alone proved delightfully effective in reducing all types of noise, good bang for the buck.

02-17-2011, 07:30 PM	#133 (permalink)
Guard Dad Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: South Orange County, CA Posts: 422 Drives: 2010 370Z Silver A7 Rep Power: 14	pbs370z I'm glad that my posts have been of benefit. Please feel free to PM me with your results or questions.