A client from Greensboro, North Carolina, drove all the way to Adrenaline Autosound here in Clayton, North Carolina, for us to work on his 2005 Nissan 350Z. He had called and asked us about integrating an Alpine head unit and advanced backup camera into the vehicle. During the conversation, he asked if we had a way to make the car quieter. We worked up an estimate to apply sound deadening to the vehicle and install the electronics he wanted. With his approval, we scheduled an appointment to do the work.
Sound Deadening
To achieve the highest level of noise reduction possible, we agreed to treat as much of the interior as we could get access to. We removed the seats, door and side panels, center console, and rear cargo area trim pieces. The vehicle was essentially naked. We used layers of Focal BAM sound deadening on the floors and firewall of the vehicle, and Stinger Roadkill on the interior door skins.
Both deadening materials work by adding mass, in the form of a thick butyl layer, to the metal panels. This reduces the panels’ ability to be easily vibrated by noise, which eliminates the transfer of noise energy from the outside of the vehicle to the interior. Both materials have a moderately thin aluminum layer on top of the butyl base layer. The aluminum gives the deadening some structural stability, allowing it to span openings without sagging or drooping. The aluminum layer also serves as a thermal barrier. Finally, the Focal BAM includes a layer of closed-cell foam on top of the aluminum. This further aids in sound absorption, specifically in the mid- to high-frequency range. It also prevents anything that touches this surface from buzzing or rattling.
Head Unit
The Alpine INE-W967HD features a 7-inch LCD touchscreen, Bluetooth for audio streaming and hands-free voice communication, and support for both Android and iPhone devices through the USB port. While the vehicle was apart, we installed an Alpine HCE-C305R Active View camera system. This camera uses intelligent digital video signal processing to alert the driver to the presence of a moving object like a vehicle or pedestrian. We installed the radio in the dash while reassembling the car after completing the extensive sound-deadening treatment.
Client Loved His 350Z Radio And Sound Deadening Upgrades
When the client returned to Adrenaline Autosound, he was anxious about his 1 1/2 hour drive home. He couldn’t wait to hear the difference in the interior noise level and enjoy his music. We followed up with him, and he was ecstatic about how much quieter the car was. He mentioned that he has owned the car for 10 years, and it’s never sounded this good.
If we can help make your vehicle more comfortable, please contact us here.
