Hood insulation

[BennSport]

@CarBot if I replaced the worn and crumbling hood insulation in my 1983 944 for a new set, would I notice any reduction in engine noise?

[CarBot]

if I replaced the worn and crumbling hood insulation in my 1983 944 for a new set, would I notice any reduction in engine noise?

On an early 944, yes, you can notice a small reduction in mechanical “ticking” and general engine bay noise with fresh hood insulation, especially at idle and low speeds with the windows up. It’s not a dramatic change like adding cabin sound deadening, because a lot of the noise path is still through the firewall, transaxle tunnel, and the big open hatch area, but the hood pad does take a bit of the edge off and can reduce some high-frequency clatter reflecting off the hood.

The bigger wins with a new pad are usually keeping the underside of the hood looking clean, reducing heat soak into the hood skin/paint a bit, and stopping the old foam from shedding crumbs into the engine bay.

If you want the most noticeable noise improvement in a 944, door/hatch seals and interior/hatch area sound deadening tend to move the needle more than the hood pad, but replacing crumbling insulation is still worthwhile.

If you tell me whether your car still has the factory airbox and stock exhaust, I can give a better idea of what noises you’re likely to hear change.

[Tom]

I don't know how much difference it really makes, but I would note that it is called 'sound insulation' in PET...

[Wespa]

As with most cars the hood insulation is somewhat unnecessary, further proven by the fact that the factory itself did away with the insulation with the really late models (I guess ’90 or so). As mine was also crumbling I decided to remove it with no noticeable downsides. Stock airbox and filter, Dansk catback exhaust with SuperSprint muffler.

[Tom]

As with most cars the hood insulation is somewhat unnecessary, further proven by the fact that the factory itself did away with the insulation with the really late models (I guess ’90 or so). As mine was also crumbling I decided to remove it with no noticeable downsides. Stock airbox and filter, Dansk catback exhaust with SuperSprint muffler.

I know the 88 turbo s did not have it either. I replaced mine maybe 15-20 years ago with the factory part and it is a crumbling mess now. When I get around to removing it, I plan to leave it off this time.

[BennSport]

Well I guess I’ll just remove it and keep it off. I just hate how loud the engine is compared to my exhaust and I can’t justify $800 on a dansk catback.

[Tom]

Well I guess I’ll just remove it and keep it off. I just hate how loud the engine is compared to my exhaust and I can’t justify $800 on a dansk catback.

A drill can make any muffler louder for free.

[BennSport]

That’s true maybe I’ll take it to an exhaust shop and have them put something sportier on there. I just don’t know which muffler would sound good