ATP Thermal Blanket Consideration

[CharlesHoward]

All,
I was quoted $234 for a Valve Cover Blanket, $440 for a Oil Pan Blanket, and $300 for the Reflective Hood Blanket from an Advanced Thermal Products Salesperson today for my stock 05 Ram 3500.

I can stand/justify to pay $234 for a Valve Cover Blanket based on positive reviews and test results in old Threads/Postings.

But would anyone recommend the (equally effective?) Oil Pan Blanket at $440? It was explained that it was much more complex in construction, accounting for the very high price.
Would an equal amount of Dynamat or similar in the cab/doors (albeit a lot more work to install) be more cost effective?

I'll live with the stock hoodliner vs. $300 for a prettier one from ATP... Actually, its not all that noisy inside the cab to begin with (at least to me).

But showing more consideration to my neighbors and lowering the noise when working on it (outside noise) is also an important consideration.

Any advice / user experience is appreciated.

THANKS!

 

[Mishkaya]

Well, I have the ATP products on a 2nd gen and not a 3rd gen, so there will be some differences. I was extremely impressed with the improvement made by both the valve cover blanket and the oil pan blanket. I cannot find my Db readings anymore, but it was relatively substantial. I would not recommend anything else though sound wise, as there was not enough improvement to even remotely justify the cost. The hood blanket does look nice though...

Good luck

Mishkaya

 

[MChrist]

I have the valve cover and the oil pan blanket. I prefer an engine to be as quiet and civilized as possible, and these products work. Yes, they are expensive! I can now pull into most drive thru's and leave the engine running, and they usually get the order right... I also wrapped the exhaust with header wrap twice, and that took some of the sharp sound out of the exhaust, leaving a nice, deep tone. Most people comment on how quiet my truck is, if that tells you anything.
Don't expect it to sound like a gasser, though. It's not a miracle worker!

 

[CharlesHoward]

Thanks for the advice and endorsements!

 

[CharlesHoward]

After a long and pleasant conversation with Tim Thompson, President of ATP I completed my purchase of the Valve Cover Blanket for $234 (no longer a 10% discount for TDR members), plus S&H.
Looking forward to installing and will report on the perceived effectiveness in a few weeks!

 

[MChrist]

Tim is a trip, isn't he?

 

[CharlesHoward]

Its always a pleasure to deal with a competent company. My first inquiry was directed to Roberto who explained current pricing and part numbers along with endorsing their performance. For my purchase inquiry, I was directed to Tim, the President of the company, who was very informative and cordial. In both cases the Receptionist was also very helpful. This kind of customer service is remarkably rewarding and encourages me to purchase more, assuming performance meets expectations and once I get over DW grief for $$.

 

[JBonpua]

I went with the valve cover, oil pan cover and turbo heat shield. I stopped by Tim's shop and his techs installed them for me. Yes Tim is a trip. Since we are both veterans we talked about being in the service for at least an hour and a half. I did some DB readings before the install and the oil pan produce more noise than the valve cover... FYI

 

[seafish]

I went with the valve cover, oil pan cover and turbo heat shield. I stopped by Tim's shop and his techs installed them for me. Yes Tim is a trip. Since we are both veterans we talked about being in the service for at least an hour and a half. I did some DB readings before the install and the oil pan produce more noise than the valve cover... FYI

JBonpua, are you able to tell us from where you measured the dB, before and after, as well how much a drop in dB there was. That would be super helpful, if possible.....

 

[JBonpua]

I measured 6" behind the oil fill cap and 12" above and 12" from the oil drain plug. I can't remember the exact DB reading but the drop was 2 db on the valve cover and just under 3 db on the oil pan. The numbers might not sound that much but in terms of perceive noise to the human ears that is significant reduction. You might get different result as me so just be aware that each truck is different.

 

[seafish]

I measured 6" behind the oil fill cap and 12" above and 12" from the oil drain plug. I can't remember the exact DB reading but the drop was 2 db on the valve cover and just under 3 db on the oil pan. The numbers might not sound that much but in terms of perceive noise to the human ears that is significant reduction. You might get different result as me so just be aware that each truck is different.

JB, Thanks for taking the time to answer with the particulars and also for pointing out that each truck is different. I do Realize that even small changes in dB can make important differences, particulary if diffrent areas of the engine AND body are addressed. I am very interested in quieting down my truck in general, but now particularly more so since I MIGHT decide to install a dual disc clutch in it... In fact, if I go wiuth the SBC DD "quiet" clutch, I have even thought of using one or two layers some DynaMat around the transmission, near the bell housing to help dampen the noise as it seem like the aluminum housing of the g56 transmits the rattle more easily then the denser iron NV5600 casing. I will also consider using a Fluidampr on the crankshaft, and even BalanceMaster bands on the driveshaft. That is, of course, If I can convince my wife that it is necessary. :-laf



In any case, I am intrigued by the ATP products, just hoping that they aren't a PITA to remove foe servicing if necessary, and also do NOT dertrimentally affect corrosion on parts.

Whaddya think??

 

[CharlesHoward]

UPDATE: The ATP Valve Cover Blanket arrived within a week of order and I got it installed today with only one scraped knuckle for my trouble.

Definitely just a little quieter as even wife admits but still need the Oil Pan Blanket as that racket remains. Mostly the Valve Cover Blanket has taken away the rapid tapping noise from under the hood.

Installing took a short while to get it all the way back under the cowling, as described. I noted the blanket cutouts on the drivers side did not take into account two Electrical Outputs from the Engine so its not quite so tight on that side.

Sound Deadening the Doors and Cab Rear are next on my agenda.



Thanks again for the positive reports/encouragement and enjoy the weekend!

 

[JBonpua]

JB, Thanks for taking the time to answer with the particulars and also for pointing out that each truck is different. I do Realize that even small changes in dB can make important differences, particulary if diffrent areas of the engine AND body are addressed. I am very interested in quieting down my truck in general, but now particularly more so since I MIGHT decide to install a dual disc clutch in it... In fact, if I go wiuth the SBC DD "quiet" clutch, I have even thought of using one or two layers some DynaMat around the transmission, near the bell housing to help dampen the noise as it seem like the aluminum housing of the g56 transmits the rattle more easily then the denser iron NV5600 casing. I will also consider using a Fluidampr on the crankshaft, and even BalanceMaster bands on the driveshaft. That is, of course, If I can convince my wife that it is necessary. :-laf



In any case, I am intrigued by the ATP products, just hoping that they aren't a PITA to remove foe servicing if necessary, and also do NOT dertrimentally affect corrosion on parts.

Whaddya think??

Yep it’s all about incremental progress when it comes to noise reduction on your truck. Every little bit helps and before you know it you are at -8db from stock. Some members that have been to May Madness have seen my truck and how well deadened the doors and hood are. My truck is really quiet inside.

Funny you mentioned SBC DD as I have a new one sitting in my garage I bought from Peter last May Madness but just waiting for the DM to finally quit and I’ll get it installed. You mentioned “quiet” clutch. Does peter have a new clutch design that is even quieter? I was planning on installing Dynamat Extreme on the transmission valley while the transmission is out. This should help with all that DD rattle. I’ve done the Fluidampr and is considering a one piece drive shaft along with Balance Master balancing band. I just don’t tell my wife till she ask me “what was in the box that the UPS man delivered today”.

You can’t go wrong with ATP’s valve and oil pan covers. I’ve had both on my truck for over two years now and had not had a reason to remove either one. I must admit that the oil pan cover was a PITA to install as it was thick and the gaps were just a little too small for it. I ended up flattening the metal hook fasteners and re-bend it after the install. As far as corrosion I don’t have a problem but Sacramento CA is hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean.

:-laf

 

[MChrist]

I, also, have had my ATP blankets on for a few years and have not had to take either one off for any reason. I think there was more of a result using the oil pan blanket. I have a lift at work, so it wasn't that hard to install. Without a lift, it would be much tougher. I like how they engineered for the access tonthe oil drain plug. Simple, yet effective. If I had to spend money on only one product and my goal was to make it as quiet as I could, I would install the oil pan blanket.

 

[JBonpua]

According to my DB reading the oil pan produced more noise than the valve cover. If funds permit get both and if $$$ is a little tight get the oil pan. As I had no lift, I had to do the install of the oil pan cover on my back and it took some time to persuade the thick blanket to fit. If I had to do it again I would.

 

[CharlesHoward]

I do plan to get the $400+ Oil Pan cover next year since the ATP Valve Cover Blanket effectiveness was proven, and install in conjunction with my annual Synthetic Oil Change (8-10K mileage) since I will have the truck up on the Hydraulic lift at my local Auto Hobby Shop. Hopefully my DW won't oppose me using my money too much!

 

[seafish]

Funny you mentioned SBC DD as I have a new one sitting in my garage I bought from Peter last May Madness but just waiting for the DM to finally quit and I'll get it installed. You mentioned “quiet” clutch. Does peter have a new clutch design that is even quieter?
:-laf

Yes indeed, I believe that since LATE last year, SBC redesigned their 3250DD to include a number of some sort of rubber tabs in between the 2 discs that substantially helps to dampen the vibration noise between them when they are rotating in neutral, or even at less then 1400 rpm. They did have some problems with the tabs coming loose or something on the early models, but they have resolved that since April or so of this year. Most people are very happy with the reduction in noise. I also think that installing DynaMat in the transmission valley is a great idea, as well as maybe, like I suggested, putting a full ring of DynaMat or other material around the transmission, as close to around the clutch discs as possible. Even patches of DyanMat on the bellhousing in places (if a full ring is not possible) should help to quiet down the noise by changing the density of the transmission housing in areas. Apparently it also may help alot to use a FluidDampr vibration damper on the crankshaft in place of the oem damper, as it is a much better design and helps to much better dampen the detonation pulses on the driveline that then make their way to the DD adding even more noise, if that makes sense. Call Peter to ask about the upgraded design... I wonder if he would trade in your NIB clutch for the newer version?? If you don't mind, let us know what you find out.

 

[seafish]

I, also, have had my ATP blankets on for a few years and have not had to take either one off for any reason. I think there was more of a result using the oil pan blanket. I have a lift at work, so it wasn't that hard to install. Without a lift, it would be much tougher. I like how they engineered for the access tonthe oil drain plug. Simple, yet effective. If I had to spend money on only one product and my goal was to make it as quiet as I could, I would install the oil pan blanket.

MChrist, thanks for the info... . !!!