How to quiet a 914?

[TimW]

A post in the ‘tires’ thread made me realize I’ve never seen a comprehensive list of things that can be done to a 914 to make it quiet (for all us daily drivers). The bits and pieces I’ve run across include:

- Use an OEM exhaust, make sure there are no exhaust leaks
- Make sure the engine bay firewall pad is in place
- Use a sound-deadening material under the interior carpet (although I hear it can propagate rust) and on the targa top.
- Use an undercoating on the bottom pan.
- Make sure you have a solid rear window seal. It’s even been suggested to use two rear windows sandwiched together. Hmmm?
- Switch from solid to hydraulics lifters to quiet the engine
- Use Swivel feet rockers
- Use cast aluminum valve covers
- And evidently use Yoko AVS db's tires

Is there anything I missed?

[JmuRiz]

No need to quiet a 914 as far as I am concerned. We're not trying to make an Audi or Lexus here are we? The lighter the better, and if that means being a little louder so be it, IMHO

Nathan
PS: Those all sound like good ideas to quiet the 914, also you can make sure the weather stripping is in tip-top shape. Good list!

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'73 2.0 914

[Bleyseng]

If I don't what to hear all that "Noise" I just turn up the stereo! With the top off, there is so much wind noise I can't hear the engine. That's the charm of the car.
It helps to have the FI in place too, carbs were way to loud for me.
Geoff

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76 914 2.0L

[josh912]

turn it off

[SteveStromberg]

Ear plugs. Steve

[TimW]

Well Josh, unfortunately you hit the nail on the head when going through the drive thru at the bank or MickeyD’s. Not a very impressive characteristic of a daily driver .

[Doug914]

You can try a couple of other things...make sure the rain drip tray under the engine cover is in place. I've driven the car with and without it and it makes a difference, especially with the windows down.
Second, I bought a big roll of foil-backed sound insulation (Pep Boys, $20) which I used to line the firewall, sticking it down with 3M spray adhesive. I'm going to put another layer on the inside of the car, behind the upholstered backpad.
A 914 will never be a quiet car, but every little bit of noise reduction helps.

[Peter_Hinkle]

Mike, I did exactly what you are talking about with foil backed sound proofing material under the heat pad in the EC as well as behind the backpad. The stuff I used I got from an auto uphostery supply store and it was 100.00 bucks for enough to line the interior and the EC. It definately helps but be prepared to have a ***** of a time with the lower screws in the backpad when reinstalling it.