Removing and Replacing Engine Sound Pad

[Sunroof]

I just hate when that darn engine sound deadening foam pad starts to decay and literally crumble all over the engine. I am confronted with several options of which I am seeking feedback from the group.

Can I remove and replace the pad without dropping or lowering the engine? It seems that the pad can come out fairly easily now.
Its just how to tuck a new one in the rear.

Are the updated pads (silver) any easier to install or provide any better soundproofing? These give a cleaner look and are maintenance free.

Appreciate any feedback


Bob
73.5T

[Purrybonker]

This topic has been kicked around more than a few times, but then, what topic hasn't? Seems like the usual answer to the question is that you have to wait until engine drop time to get a new pad properly in place.

Ignore the naysayers, Bob (they're comin' - just wait); go ahead and swap out that pad. Just work on a cool engine (obviously) and use the weaker of the two 3M spray on glues. You can get at just about everything without doing an engine drop - just yank out that pesky intake and anything else that gets in your way.

I've changed two of them (SC and a 3.2 Carrera) and had very little trouble. I had kinda looked forward to an opportunity to tidy up the job on a subsequent engine drop on one of them - but there was nothing to "tidy-up".

The new pads weigh nothing and are very easy to work with. I didn't notice a difference in sound level - but I drive a cab...

[tops911]

When the pad rotted out on mine I just tore it out with the engine in place. I left it out and have no regrets. No one sits in back any way. Some people think it gets too hot or too loud with out the pad; however there is carpet, seat cushions and some insulation under the carpet, so I think the pad is kind of useless. This is not exactualy answering your question, but it's what I did.

[Todd Simpson]

I bought the silver pad from Pelican and I like it. I dropped the engine about 6 inches to make the install easier.

My guess is it does not do as good a job insulatiing against sound, as it's much thinner and lighter than the stock pad. It does help with heat though, with no insulation and just RS carpet I was getting lots and lots of heat, now much less.

[randywebb]

"much ... lighter than the stock pad"
The new stock pads are very light wt. If you are trying to get down below 1,600 lbs. -- then I would worry about it.

As usual, the data are available at Rennlight.com on my wt. database - you don't need to speculate...

Dry fit the pad, and then work your way up from the bottom with the spray glue - search for the threads on this & note that there are 2 different 3M spray glues.

A stock 73.5 has CIS, so note the reduced access if your car is stock. I'm sure someone has posted what to remove and whether a partial engine drop is worth it. The pad will last many years, so pulling the engine might be in your future...

[Paulporsche]

If you have CIS, make sure you have a plug in the access hole for the fuel mixture adjustment screw.

[Sunroof]

Thanks for all the advice. When these foam backed pads start falling apart its an absolute mess! Melting pieces of plastic and foam everywhere. The concensus is that it can be removed without the engine lowered, so I will have at it as soon as the new pad arrives (silver reflective noise pad).

Protecting the CIS mixture screw hole is a valuable piece of advice Paul.
I will probably try to shield the top of the engine while I take that stuff out.

Thanks
Bob

[randywebb]

Got a shop vac?

Do that right away. Avoid a fire hazard.

It will sure be easier to pull the remnants out than to put a new one in...

[Dixie]

I think it'd be well worth a partial engine drop. You don’t need to remove the engine completely.

Due to time constraints, I pulled mine out with the engine removed, and installed the new foil type pad with the engine in. Getting the pad in wasn’t too bad. However, I think getting all of the pad out with the engine in place would be a PITA. Mine came out in pieces. Some of which were very small.

[axl911]

Anyone has the part number of the silver engine pad? I can't seem to find it in Pelican's catalog.

thanks,
anthony

[86 911]

I did not remove the engine when I installed mine. I took off the intake plenum, air-box cover, the fan that has the 2 tubes connecting to it (if you have a 3.0 engine), and the oil breather hose. That made it much easier to work with. Then used a putty knife and wire brush to remove old insulation. After-wards I test-fitted the pad, put the pad in with the help of my father, and bent the pad back so that I could spray the glue. The only part of the pad that needed the glue was the top part, so the bottom part is not glued, just a snug fit. It has been working well so far.

Hope this helps.

[86 911]

Anthony,
Is the Foil Engine Compartment Sound Mat/Pad, 911 (1974-89) the one you want? The part number is: PEL-APBZ-ESPU

[ZOA NOM]

I installed the new pad from Pelican, without glue. I have been pleased with the sound level and the heat. I don't know why you would need to glue the pad in when it will be just that much more mess to clean up the next time. It is held in by tabs. It ain't goin nowhere.

Engine Drop Thread

[stealthn]

Ken, you pointing those stubby sausages at me?

I'll give her a go without a drop, mine fell and my wrench ripped it out (and cleaned up) so the worst part of the job was done.

[bigchillcar]

i'm with tops911...i tore my decaying eyesore out 2 years ago from my daily driver with no regrets..nor complaints from the rare passenger in the rear seat. honestly..i'd like even more sound to flood the cabin if i could get it!
ryan

[Mysterytrain]

Geez, I was thinking about using the silver pad under the factory pad!

[randywebb]

Here is a compilation of some threads on this and related topics:

Engine Soundproofing Replacement..How-To?

Engine & Tranny cleaning

Sound Blanket

sound padding, again

What jobs are MUST DO with engine out?

Detailing Engine & Compartment-Should I drop it?

Cleaning engine compartment?


Also, this can be a dirty and -- uh -- "transformational" job, as seen by the pic of me after I finished cleaning my engine compartment:

[randywebb]