Installing Engine Pad -Which Side Showing?

mossguy · 09-25-2012, 02:17 PM

I have a new engine pad that I got from our hosts several years ago. One side is dark gray foam. The other side is black non-foam smoothish material with a surface texture not unlike a Targa top Covering.

I have done an extensive search and have learned a lot, but not the info I was seeking. Which side gets the glue, and which side is visible in the engine compartment?

I have been cleaning off the old pad and residue slowly over the past few years (when the mood strikes me) and am ready to install the new!

Thanks for your help!

gtc · gtc's Garage

Foam side goes against the firewall.

mossguy · 09-25-2012, 02:25 PM

Thanks Graham. That was my guess, but I really needed some confirmation. Doing it over is not in my plan.

gtc · gtc's Garage

No problem. Good luck!

wachuko · wachuko's Garage

Engine pad was made more for engine noise than for heat, correct?

I am having my '81 painted inside and out and not sure if I want to install the original engine pad or do something else, or even leave it alone and not install anything...

mossguy · 09-25-2012, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wachuko

Engine pad was made more for engine noise than for heat, correct?

I don't really know the answer to that question. I have had my engine pad out (incrementally) for several years. After looking at dozens of beautiful cars at the Carillon Point All Porsche Concours, I decided that it was time to finish the job that I started so long ago.

donagain1 · donagain1's Garage

[QUOTE=wachuko;6997235]Engine pad was made more for engine noise than for heat, correct? QUOTE]

Yes, the major heat reduction seems to be from the rather stout insulation underneath the rear seats. The foam pad in the engine compartment serves to dampen the sound vibration's impact upon the drumhead that is the steel firewall panel. In my opinion, after having installed one on my '85, it works noticably well.

I've read that the "dynamat" type peel'n'press sound deadening material has crystalline material sandwiched in its layers which actually produce heat as a byproduct of their vibration from the absorbed engine noise. I have no firsthand knowledge of this, just repeating what I've read about it. Perhaps other contributors can shed light on this.