DIY: Noise Insulation for the RE Short Ram Intake
03-06-2004, 01:33 PM
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DIY: Noise Insulation for the RE Short Ram Intake
I LOVE my Rotary Extreme short ram intake except for one thing: It's LOUD as HELL! When I get on the gas, after about 6000 RPM, its so loud that the entire dash and windwhield vibrates. This got so tiresome that I decided to see if I insulate it.
The stuff I got came from Home Depot, and I found it back by the insulation. Sorry I can't recall the name right now, but it's pretty easy to spot... it looks like a gigantic roll of puffy aluminum foil... and it is, after a fashion.
It's actually two really thick pieces of foil-mylar-like stuff, very strong. Sandwiched between the mylar/foil stuff is what looks like clear bubble wrap, but it's actually stronger and more heat resistant.
So I bought this stuff (it was like $10) and some spray adhesive. After I got it home, I cut a piece and went after it with a heat gun. The "bubble wrap" like stuff inside did eventually melt, but not until it got really hot. Much hotter than the heat shields of my intake ever get.
So, I took out both heat shields, cut a piece to fit on the inside of the side and back covers, sprayed them with spray adhesive, and fitted the insulation stuff to it. When the intake is reassembled, it is completely invisible... and even when you've got the top shield open, it still looks pretty good.
I would say this has made a 50% reduction in the noise of the Rotary Extreme short ram intake. It's still loud at WOT, but not nearly as obnoxious as it was before. I'm still a little concerned about it melting, but so far I've got 500 miles on it and have had no hint that it will.
So, without further ado, here's what I bought:
The stuff I got came from Home Depot, and I found it back by the insulation. Sorry I can't recall the name right now, but it's pretty easy to spot... it looks like a gigantic roll of puffy aluminum foil... and it is, after a fashion.
It's actually two really thick pieces of foil-mylar-like stuff, very strong. Sandwiched between the mylar/foil stuff is what looks like clear bubble wrap, but it's actually stronger and more heat resistant.
So I bought this stuff (it was like $10) and some spray adhesive. After I got it home, I cut a piece and went after it with a heat gun. The "bubble wrap" like stuff inside did eventually melt, but not until it got really hot. Much hotter than the heat shields of my intake ever get.
So, I took out both heat shields, cut a piece to fit on the inside of the side and back covers, sprayed them with spray adhesive, and fitted the insulation stuff to it. When the intake is reassembled, it is completely invisible... and even when you've got the top shield open, it still looks pretty good.
I would say this has made a 50% reduction in the noise of the Rotary Extreme short ram intake. It's still loud at WOT, but not nearly as obnoxious as it was before. I'm still a little concerned about it melting, but so far I've got 500 miles on it and have had no hint that it will.
So, without further ado, here's what I bought:
03-06-2004, 01:35 PM
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Now remove both heat shields, cut the insulation to fit, and spray a layer of spray adhesive (also available at Home Depot) on the inside. Fit the insulation immediately, the adhesive drys pretty quickly.
Here's a shot of the back shield:
Here's a shot of the back shield:
03-09-2004, 03:46 PM
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Originally posted by lugerxu
That's the dumbest thing I think I've ever seen. You engine bay looks like crap. I'll give you a call next time I'm cooking baked potatos.
That's the dumbest thing I think I've ever seen. You engine bay looks like crap. I'll give you a call next time I'm cooking baked potatos.
03-09-2004, 05:28 PM
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Originally posted by lugerxu
That's the dumbest thing I think I've ever seen. You engine bay looks like crap. I'll give you a call next time I'm cooking baked potatos.
That's the dumbest thing I think I've ever seen. You engine bay looks like crap. I'll give you a call next time I'm cooking baked potatos.
03-10-2004, 08:35 AM
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So that actually worked out well for you Omi? I'm looking at this intake as well as SR Motorsports package deal...leaning more towards RE but don't want to have to scream when talking to passengers...
03-10-2004, 09:40 AM
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Originally posted by XeRo
So that actually worked out well for you Omi? I'm looking at this intake as well as SR Motorsports package deal...leaning more towards RE but don't want to have to scream when talking to passengers...
So that actually worked out well for you Omi? I'm looking at this intake as well as SR Motorsports package deal...leaning more towards RE but don't want to have to scream when talking to passengers...
03-10-2004, 11:00 AM
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With the covers and all, do you get the hesitation some have observed at certain RPMs?
Nice to see someone has solved the noise 'problem', for the most part.
Nice to see someone has solved the noise 'problem', for the most part.
03-10-2004, 11:04 AM
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Originally posted by Parmer8
Don't you just love Home Depot!! They have everything you need--for your home and auto.
Don't you just love Home Depot!! They have everything you need--for your home and auto.
03-10-2004, 11:08 AM
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Originally posted by Spin9k
With the covers and all, do you get the hesitation some have observed at certain RPMs?
Nice to see someone has solved the noise 'problem', for the most part.
With the covers and all, do you get the hesitation some have observed at certain RPMs?
Nice to see someone has solved the noise 'problem', for the most part.
03-10-2004, 10:59 PM
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yes, i have the RE too. I insulated the inside of the top cover as well with a similar type of insul., and it cut the noise down significantly...its to the point that i enjoy the sound on daily drive...mostly normal with a nice muffled howl. it does get pretty loud at WOT. i may do the inside of the box too just to see.
I MOUNTED THE AIR FLOW METER WITH THE INTAKE TUBE TURNED 90 DEGREES TO THE DRIVERS SIDE (SO THE AIR FLOW METER WAS FACING THE L. FRONT WHEEL WELL...HAD TERRIBLE HESITATION, UNTIL I MOUNTED IT FACING THE SKY AS DIRECTIONS SAID. NOW, NO REAL HESITAION ...JUST LIKE OMICRON SAID. WORTH MONEY FOR THE SOUND ALONE.
also, everyone says RE is great and typhoon is trouble...worth listening to feedback.
I MOUNTED THE AIR FLOW METER WITH THE INTAKE TUBE TURNED 90 DEGREES TO THE DRIVERS SIDE (SO THE AIR FLOW METER WAS FACING THE L. FRONT WHEEL WELL...HAD TERRIBLE HESITATION, UNTIL I MOUNTED IT FACING THE SKY AS DIRECTIONS SAID. NOW, NO REAL HESITAION ...JUST LIKE OMICRON SAID. WORTH MONEY FOR THE SOUND ALONE.
also, everyone says RE is great and typhoon is trouble...worth listening to feedback.
03-12-2004, 09:52 PM
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I do not yet own a 8. I was just skimming forums considering trading in my 94 firebird for a newer vehicle. After reading this thread I decided to sign-up just to post here.
Though the insulation you are using is a cheap fix, you might consider ordering some actual sound damping / insulation material. Knowing the engine compartment has heat considerations, try some that is also rated for heat.
The following I would think would work wonders for you. You could also consider the sides of the enclosure and what you can cover.
---------------------------------------------------------
MYLAR®-FACED FOAM SOUND/HEAT INSULATION WITH VINYL LINING
Protects against noise, vibration, heat and cold.
$32.99 - $66.99
Permanent noise/temperature insulation ideal for use in engine compartment, hood, trunk and fender. Great under mats and floorboards. Acoustical-quality foam reduces airborne noise and noise from engine by absorbing vibration. Aluminized 1/2-mil. facing is attractive and easy to clean. Reflects heat and prevents absorption of dirt, fuel, oil, water, etc. Installs easily with contact adhesive (sold separately). Trims with scissors or knife for perfect fit. Instructions included.
Though the insulation you are using is a cheap fix, you might consider ordering some actual sound damping / insulation material. Knowing the engine compartment has heat considerations, try some that is also rated for heat.
The following I would think would work wonders for you. You could also consider the sides of the enclosure and what you can cover.
---------------------------------------------------------
MYLAR®-FACED FOAM SOUND/HEAT INSULATION WITH VINYL LINING
Protects against noise, vibration, heat and cold.
$32.99 - $66.99
Permanent noise/temperature insulation ideal for use in engine compartment, hood, trunk and fender. Great under mats and floorboards. Acoustical-quality foam reduces airborne noise and noise from engine by absorbing vibration. Aluminized 1/2-mil. facing is attractive and easy to clean. Reflects heat and prevents absorption of dirt, fuel, oil, water, etc. Installs easily with contact adhesive (sold separately). Trims with scissors or knife for perfect fit. Instructions included.
Last edited by Cormath; 03-12-2004 at 10:00 PM.
