Increasing cabin noise - Cayman 987s - Page 1 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

This might sound a bit odd but has anyone ever attempted to increase the exhaust noise within the cabin? My Cayman now sounds truly sublime when it starts getting beyond 4k, ( bmc filter, 200 cel stainless headers, carnewal GT back box, awe tips ), but I need the windows down to really enjoy it and even then I'm not getting as much of it as I would like...I've been told it sounds mega from a bystanders perspective but inside it just sounds a bit too distant...( especially with windows up ). The car is generally a weekend toy that needs to be capable of longer journeys. Whilst I don't want to have to wear ear plugs I'd like the car to feel a bit more raw/racecar in order to enjoy the full fat flat 6 music... I'm conscious that big wheels means extra road noise and having both windows down increases wind noise too which counters some of the exhaust noise so just wondered if anyone has found a way to get a bit more without spoiling the car? I've seen youtube vids of people running without the engine cover. Sounds great for about a minute but would then become too much..! One option I have heard of is someone in the U.S saying he removed the boot carpet and put an OEM rubber load cover, ( from Suncoast), in its place which allows more exhaust noise to penetrate the cabin.. This could be the solution but I don't know if the carpet is fixed or not and I dont really want to damage it if it's not a reversible mod.. Any thoughts..?

I have run mine without the foam and carpet engine cover in place and it's fine, it's sounds different and louder but not necessarily better. In the cabin I'd like more induction noise ideally, I've done the desnork mod which I think increases it slightly.

The carpet on top of the engine cover lifts out pretty easily. You may need a plastic pry tool to unhook the locating tabs, it's very easy to remove. You will get quite a lot more mechanical/engine noise, which as already mentioned might not be to your liking.

Hi. Yes I've had that one off plenty of times. The carpet the chap in the U.S was referencing was the boot carpet thus nearer to the exhaust which is the noise I was after rather than mechanical noise from the engine.. I see design911 sell the OEM porsche rubber load liners for this area. As mentioned I still want to keep it feeling comfortable rather than looking stripped back but this might be worth a look. If the carpet isn't stuck down then presumably I could remove and see how it sounds and then put rubber liner in its place if indeed it's louder and so still looks factory/road car spec. If the trial proves of little gain then I wont bother with the liner and reinstate the carpet.. Anyone know if this carpet area is stuck down or any good to know tips ref correct removal to avoid damaging it? Thanks, Ed

Yes I've not desnorkled yet but will try it. Have BMC filter in place. Again I think boot carpet could well dampen a lot of induction noise as well as exhaust so could be double bubble..

Hi Edmundo! Only just seen this thread - I could have written it myself! How are you getting on? I too have spent many hours and cash on getting the perfect exhaust note, which is lovely from outside but just not loud enough inside for the driver to appreciate. The problem is engine noise - remove the engine cover and mine sounds way too mechanical and drowns the exhaust. I've also removed the carpet behind my left elbow above the tunnel and that didn't help either. With Winter around the corner, windows down all the time won't be an option, so I'm hoping you've come up with something. This afternoon I was going to try driving with the tailgate open (I'll secure it somehow) to see if that does the trick. Let me know! (Don't watch any Alfa 4C videos by the way).

Thanks for that link - most interesting. He's certainly made the noise in the cabin louder, but for me, not in the way that I'm after. I don't want the Cayman to sound like an old 911 or GT3 racer. The problem is induction/mechanical/engine/gearbox noise above exhaust noise. The minute you start removing carpet and soundproofing, that noise seems to increase and the exhaust sound gets lost. I took all the rear carpets out today and it didn't work - just lots of whooshing and mechanical noise. I couldn't raise the tailgate either as there's nowhere to secure it. Going to give up soon (buy a 4c) Bright ideas appreciated.

Have to ask, how do you find the Cayman compared to a 993?

The Cayman is a dream to drive and feels light (steering, clutch, brakes), and to my ears with a PSE it sounds better. I tried all the 993 exhaust routes. Personally I prefer responsive, nimble cars with a bit of fizz, the 993 I find more a tourer. Having said that, I've had 5 of them so there must have been an attraction at the time. Would not have another though unless I got the classic car bug. Great cars though, love the looks, solid feel, but not for me as an everyday driver. Edited by 993kimbo on Saturday 28th August 10:22

993kimbo said: Hi Edmundo! Only just seen this thread - I could have written it myself! How are you getting on? I too have spent many hours and cash on getting the perfect exhaust note, which is lovely from outside but just not loud enough inside for the driver to appreciate. The problem is engine noise - remove the engine cover and mine sounds way too mechanical and drowns the exhaust. I've also removed the carpet behind my left elbow above the tunnel and that didn't help either. With Winter around the corner, windows down all the time won't be an option, so I'm hoping you've come up with something. This afternoon I was going to try driving with the tailgate open (I'll secure it somehow) to see if that does the trick. Let me know! (Don't watch any Alfa 4C videos by the way). Hi. Just seen this. FYI I sold the car in the spring in order to buy a Caterham. Loving the 7 and just done my first track day in it which was part of the appeal. Still miss the Cayman.. I got it is looked as i could with zero drone..Catless stainless Manifolds, Carnewal, BMC, desnork, windows down. Removing engine cover etc just increased the wrong noises. Not sure there’s much else you could do. I never tried removing the boot carpet but doubt it would change much..? Good luck with it

the poor-man's solution to creating more engine noise in the cabin is to leave the oil-filler cap off. it's surprising how much noise comes out of that little hole.