Dyno Cell Soundproofing: Acoustic Foam for Dynamometer Testing
With the growing popularity of car customisation and the long-established interest in car maintenance and testing, more garages and dealerships now offer in-house engine testing. Commonly known as "dyno cell" testing, it lets an individual or dealership determine a car's full horsepower in a controlled environment.
A vehicle is placed on a rolling road and accelerated, then its power is measured against various factors including torque, overall power and force. Specific parts such as the chassis or engine can also be assessed with a dynamometer to calculate RPM and horsepower. Some specialist dyno cells add environmental factors too, with controls over airflow and barometric pressure.
Why soundproof a dyno cell?
Whatever the type of testing, a dyno cell creates significant noise and vibration. A soundproof dyno cell isn't yet a legal requirement, but it's highly recommended for employee safety and comfort – and for keeping the peace with your neighbours. Staff in the control room also need to communicate easily and accurately, which is far harder amid excessive noise and vibration.
Recommended foam: Pyrosorb-S Class 0
Standard practice for soundproofing a dyno cell is full acoustic foam insulation across all walls and the ceiling. We highly recommend Pyrosorb-S foam – a Class 0 accredited cellular acoustic foam that is also fire resistant, a vital consideration for a test area involving heat, flammable liquids and mechanical stress. For the walls, the most effective option is a convoluted Pyrosorb-S sheet, whose wave-like surface increases the area that reduces reverberation, sound reflections and flutter echoes.
Pyrosorb-S is also available for ceilings as a flat sheet (or smaller sheets) for a more minimal look, though convoluted foam can be used there too. All acoustic foam from eFoam is high quality and can be cut to size with our online tool, and it's designed to work alongside other acoustic barrier layers, supportive facings and adhesives for easy, secure fixing. For the basics of fitting it, see our guide to installing acoustic foam.
Sealing gaps and adding bass traps
An appropriately soundproofed dyno cell can reduce sound levels by 40 or more decibels, and wall and floor foam is a great starting point. However, sound and vibration travel through any open space – even gaps in a doorframe – so we recommend sealing all window and door frames where possible. For greater reduction, consider corner bass traps, which cut reverberation and reflections while giving maximum absorption in the least space.
EPDM for floors
For maximum soundproofing, we supply a specialised foam – EPDM – that works well on floors to assist with sound treatment. It's a fire-resistant, durable foam widely used in the automotive sector for window and door seals.
For any enquiries about soundproofing dyno cells, please contact one of our friendly, knowledgeable advisers.
Frequently asked questions
Is soundproofing a dyno cell a legal requirement?
Not yet, but it is highly recommended for employee safety and comfort, for good relations with neighbours, and so that staff in the control room can communicate clearly over the noise and vibration.
What foam is best for soundproofing a dyno cell?
Pyrosorb-S Class 0 is recommended – a fire-resistant cellular acoustic foam. Convoluted Pyrosorb-S sheets work best on walls, flat or convoluted sheets suit ceilings, and EPDM closed-cell foam is a durable, fire-resistant option for floors.
How much can soundproofing reduce dyno cell noise?
A properly soundproofed dyno cell can reduce sound levels by 40 or more decibels. Wall and floor foam is a great starting point, alongside sealing gaps in window and door frames and adding corner bass traps.
