So I'm about to start on my newest project and while I am getting all the parts together I want to deaden the car and run all the wires in a neat fashion. So I am trying to decide exactly what I want to get, as I only plan to do this once.

So I've seen a few reviews on the SDS(Sounddeadenershowdown.com) tiles and they have 8mils aluminum with 2mm total thickness which is beefier than the SS(Second Skin Audio) pads. I did some calculations and for $90 you can get 40 6x10 (12x200"[16.6 sq ft])pieces of the SDS tiles or a little more of the SS pro(20sq.ft for $89). Considering that I'm doing a Mini Cooper and that I'm aiming for a SQ system over volume/SPL(Not that I don't want to be able to knock sometimes...) Would I see a benefit with the thicker constraining layer? Would I even be able to tell the difference? I can get Dynamat extreme through my work for a good price, but would I lose out with the 1.7mm total thickness and 4mil constraining layer?

I'm almost to the point where I'll give like $200 to someone and have them just pick, de-label and send me some stuff to install!:laugh:
Seriously though, someone shoot me a PM with some info about the following: My Mini suffers from some annoying road noise(low+sticky tires), tires/exhaust/potholes/wind and so on. It's also got a ton of rattles: door panels, dash pieces, trim, headliner etc... I had originally planned to do Dynamat xtreme all over, spectrum sludge(underbody, wheel wells, inside of the door plastics and if I've got enough left over a layer inside the door pocket to stop my stuff from clattering around) followed by some kind of MLV(mass loaded vinyl) and foam on at least the floor if not everything(depending on how the budget is looking at that point of course).

Damn... I started rambling again!

 

I used a layer of Second Skin strategically (doors, cargo area, rear panels). I have little to no road noise. I think I spent $50-75 on the sound deadening.

I've also used the eDead product by Elemental Designs in the past with good results.

 

Another option to consider would be JML SD1. Jet gloss black on the face. No labels more flexible, higher adhesion, and damping properties then anthing else out on the market.

 

So I bit the bullet and ordered 2 packs of RAAM Audio BXT II(37.5 sq ft each) and 8 linear yards of the Ensolite acoustic foam. I'll post build progress as it happens.

 

I was going for SQ in our car, and have been quite pleased with the SS Damplifier Pro. It is amazing how improved the isolation is with this product, especially in the boot area where the woofer and amp reside.

The RAAMat was a close second. Only reason I didn't use was ease and cleanliness, as well as getting the Second Skin quicker and cheaper.

 

To what regions did you apply the DP? Did you only use DP or did you also add a sound blocking product (e.g., SS Luxury Liner)? Thanks.

 

I only added Damp Pro, no Lux Liner (Yet) It was added to the doors and boot quite liberally. You could notice a HUGE difference is resonance reduction when closing the hatch, and even knocking on the rear quarter panels. The MINI sounds much tighter. Considering the sub/amp combo out back, it really is a remarkable improvement.

I am entertaining adding Lux Liner to the floors and front firewall, though I am also trying to control weight addition.

 

DMC: I got 8 yards of the ensolite foam which was relatively inexpensive and lightweight. I'll let you know how it goes on, the package is set to arrive Friday and I will either do it this weekend or next, depending on when I can get my buddy over.

I am starting with the floor, firewall and rear quarters first, then when I get the Focals I'll do the doors(I also need to fix my remote unlock....stupid unhooked wire) then the roof when I get the material to wrap it in black suede. So I'll be starting a build thread with tons of pics!(at least phone pics but I'm picking up a point-n-click because).

Side note: Does anyone know if it's possible to get factory black visors at a reasonable price? or should I just take them to a shop and have them wrapped professionally.

 

Let us know Raiyu. I for one, am anxious to hear about the application of the Ensolite.

If you are doing a sub in the boot, be liberal if you can, just my advice. I have the typical setup in back with 240w to the sub, and it just sounds so much tighter, no "boominess"

 

Here's a previous discussions on this topic https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...oad-noise.html , post# 27 for my take on this.

 

RAAMat and Ensolite is the ultimate combo, but adds a good amt of weight if you do it thoroughly (not so much of a worry in a 330 WHP subaru...but I assume the mini would feel it) .......not only will it make the audio awesome, minimize so much road noise.

At least this was the case with my FXT, GTi ....

 

Does anyone know the maximum thickness of material you can add to a door and still get the panel on?

Thanks.

 

It is amazing how improved the isolation is with this product, especially in the boot area where the woofer and amp reside.










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I just started the deadening project today! I took some pics and will take more as I complete the rear tomorrow!

 

Where are the pics! How did the project work out for you?
I am trying go figure out what to buy, I am not sure if its worth it to get anything more than sound dampening tiles.