New Intermeccanica option

Henry Reisner now offers Dynamat or a similar sound insulation installed such that engine and transaxle noise transmitted to the cockpit/interior is virtually nil.

I'm ordering it on my new Speedster so I'll be able to hear the raddio, daddy-o.

Of course the exhaust noise will still be there but the Porsche/VW "thrashing machine" persona will be gone.

George, it would be neat if you could record the decibel levels at different speeds/rpm in your current IM Roadster, then compare them to your new Speedster. I understand that the engine in your new car will be different, but at least it will give a "ballpark" idea of how well the insulation works.

Dave

For that I would have to buy a Radio Shack decibel meter (had one years ago for exhaust systems but it died), then test top down, top up, and top up with windows up. Then do the same thing later with the Speedster. Henry says there is a BIG noise reduction, which is all I really care about.

Do you know much weight the Dynamat will add to the car? Just curious.

Very little on an IM, probably less than five pounds.

What's the cost for the insulation?

Eastwood is offering Dynamat in various sizes for the do-it-yourselfer.

David, I don't know what the IM option costs but I would guess it is under $100; Dynamat is fairly expensive for what it is, but the installation should be a quick and simple task.

Alohas,

A few years ago I helped a buddy of mine install dynamat on his VW Jetta to counter vibration generated by his stereo. Granted, a Jetta is A LOT bigger than a speedster, however, I remember it being rather costly to purchase. For one 'box' of the stuff, my friend spent around $80, which only did both front doors.

Installing the stuff isn't too hard, just time consuming. Obviously, wherever you're instaling it, you have to remove all door panels or similar. From there, its measuring and eye-balling to get the correct shape outlined onto the dynamat. The key to it all is letting it sit in the sun for a good 15 minutes or so before you try to cut it and fit it. Just like a headliner in a VW Bug, its a lot easier when you can bend it without it fighting you. The dynamat my friend bought already had adhesive on one side. I'm sure there are a few other brands that are less expensive, but exclude adhesive. So far (2 years later), still no vibrations and the stuff hasn't come loose yet.

alohas,
Joel