Unhood Insulation

[BillHanna]

Underhood insulation was standard for decades. I suppose engines have gotten smoother and quieter since then, but obviously the real reason it went away is to cut production cost.

I had a '56 Buick that you had to put your ear to the hood to tell if it was running. Don't remember if it had insulation on the hood or not.

Sponsored

 

[Blue_Max]

I had a '56 Buick that you had to put your ear to the hood to tell if it was running. Don't remember if it had insulation on the hood or not.

I think it showed up in the '60s for expensive cars first, and then everything had it until at least the late '90s.

 

[MaverickDragon]

It redirects and focuses the sonic flow under the hood to add 5 horsepower. It also adds needed mass to improve front-wheel traction, for more efficient steering.

I'm sure the JC Witney version not only does all of that, but also dramatically improves the MPGs.

There are those who say that the bit of fluff actually does something, and chastise those who say it doesn't, but is there any evidence that the mat is worth a Benjamin for what it does under the hood, other than (maybe) improving the looks for those times when you actually open it to check the oil?
I guess I just don't get it.
At least in the hybrid, engine noise is something I have to focus on to hear.
Most of the sound I get in my Mav is from the tires on dodgy pavement, not from the Atkinson.
Is there any objective evidence of any difference?

 

[MaverickDragon]

I had a '56 Buick that you had to put your ear to the hood to tell if it was running. Don't remember if it had insulation on the hood or not.

Of course on that Buick you could use the hood like an anvil to straighten out bent nails..

 

[Surly Old Bill]

The use of insulation on the hood seems a little antithetical for the people who like bolt-on "accessories".

Cars should be quiet, THAT is a sign of superior engineering and luxury. EVs are a cheap way to get that effect, sort of cheating.

Of course, some people have lower brain activity (unrelated to intelligence, mostly) and need loud noises and flashing lights to excite it up to normal, comfortable synaptic levels that make them think clearly*. You know, the people who LIKE fireworks and guns and full-volume radio/TV and explosions. It's not a "fault" on their part, they were just born different. Like the use of a rainbow flag to show shared affiliation of another group that was born different, they often display a different flag.

*(I have degrees in Psy; this is a real and documented thang in the DSM)

However, I wonder how this strip of insulation works for cold temperature places? Most of the time you want the engine to run as cool as possible, but some places it helps to have a warmer engine bay. It would typically get to -40f or colder overnight where I lived in Colorado at 10,000' in the Winter.

And of course, most people who are aficionados of bolt-on "accessories" are just expressing themselves, almost like an artist, by "customizing" their vehicles to look different than other people's same vehicle. And like any artist, they will draw criticism for some of their choices, especially if these decorations are presented as "performance improvements" as a way to not attract attention to their interest in decorating. It's OK to decorate stuff the way that pleases you, no need to make excuses. Go ahead, get those red aluminum rims!

 

[Blue_Max]

I'm sure the JC Witney version not only does all of that, but also dramatically improves the MPGs.

There are those who say that the bit of fluff actually does something, and chastise those who say it doesn't, but is there any evidence that the mat is worth a Benjamin for what it does under the hood, other than (maybe) improving the looks for those times when you actually open it to check the oil?
I guess I just don't get it.
At least in the hybrid, engine noise is something I have to focus on to hear.
Most of the sound I get in my Mav is from the tires on dodgy pavement, not from the Atkinson.
Is there any objective evidence of any difference?

I suggest that you spend $100 of your own money, install it, and give us a review.

Or maybe don't, and don't worry about it. I mean, what is the value of adding decals to the lettering in the tailgate, or buying different wheels, or adding hydraulic struts to the hood?

 

[MaverickDragon]

@Blue_Max
Highly unlikely, unless there was some actual benefit, but there are those who already did the install and would already be in a position to note any appreciable difference.
Otherwise, what is the basis for a recommendation? Actual data would help.

I just asked the question. Is there a benefit that makes it worth a $100.00, or is there any benefit at all other than when you open up the hood occasionally to see it ?

In the examples you noted, they either provide some functional benefit (hood struts) or at least you can see those items as they aren't hiding under the hood where you can't.

 

[Bret Grabber]

Color me weird, but I like to hear all I can from under the hood when I'm in the driver's seat -particularly in this hybrid. Like to be aware when ICE kicks on/off on residential streets, and the comfortable hum/growl at cruising speed on the highway, same as telling me 'all is well'. It doesn't seem like a particularly noisy or annoying powertrain compared to other vehicles I've driven. Perhaps I'll change my mind after a few longer trips.

I used to regularly drive this so I think our Utes are quite the quiet ride!
Disturbing The Peace

 

[CarbonGrayFX4]

Tell me this an engine that doesn't need under hood sound deadening:

 

[Blue_Max]

@Blue_Max
In the examples you noted, they either provide some functional benefit (hood struts) or at least you can see those items as they aren't hiding under the hood where you can't.

But you'd have the satisfaction of knowing it's there. It's a stealth mod. And it must dampen noise somewhat. Or did manufacturers include that feature for decades for no reason?

 

[Ebone84]

 

[MaverickDragon]

But you'd have the satisfaction of knowing it's there. It's a stealth mod. And it must dampen noise somewhat. Or did manufacturers include that feature for decades for no reason?

Well, my penchant for practicality overrides my appreciation for "stealth mod satisfaction".
It well could reduce the engine sound that doesn't bother me, but by how much?

As far as removing that "feature", maybe they decided it was no longer necessary.
You don't see many fancy hood ornaments anymore either.

Oops - Just saw that testimonial. It's obviously the greatest thing since sliced bread.
How unusual for a manufacturer to tout their product without providing any specifics.

If the mat reduced the sound by one decibel and one degree in temperature, their statement would be true, but the product would not be worth the price, but that's just me, and it seems more like a gimmick. I could be wrong, but I'm willing to miss out on the product of the century.

 

[Blue_Max]

Well, my penchant for practicality overrides my appreciation for "stealth mod satisfaction".
It well could reduce the engine sound that doesn't bother me, but by how much?

As far as removing that "feature", maybe they decided it was no longer necessary.
You don't see many fancy hood ornaments anymore either.

Oops - Just saw that testimonial. It's obviously the greatest thing since sliced bread.
How unusual for a manufacturer to tout their product without providing any specifics.

If the mat reduced the sound by one decibel and one degree in temperature, their statement would be true, but the product would not be worth the price, but that's just me, and it seems more like a gimmick. I could be wrong, but I'm willing to miss out on the product of the century.

It amuses me how much time you've invested in it, though.

 

[MaverickDragon]

Not really much, I type fast!

 

[El Kabong]

So this type of stuff (sound deadening) is high-tech engineering that can be penny-pinched by the need for profit over at the Blue Oval offices, I reckon.

I would surely think that a Lincoln has more sound insulation than a Ford variant of the same platform.

Do (or did) other vehicles with the same powertrain use underhood insulation?

But the bottom line is that until someone proves it works with independent sound level testing the "benefit" of using such a product is not quantified.

Sponsored