jcochran1

i also installed one of these back in December, I think it was the same brand you went with and also happy with the quality.

pp000830

I had my pad replaced at 80K miles when the engine was out. Within 20K miles, with the engine back in, the rear facing edge started to exhibit cracks. Also the thickness of the pad makes it hard to service the ancillaries on top of the manifold below it. If I was to do it over I would find a thinner aftermarket pad. I ended up making an edge finishing strip out of a drywall edge cuff painted black to clean up the look of the pad's edge.

https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...ngine-bay.html

Also if I was to reinstall the OE pad I would add a cutout section above the idle valve and the Varioram actuator to the top left to add some clearance for servicing these items.

paulkromz

Great thread with lots of excellent information - here is my question - has anyone ever swapped out their pad with the engine in?

I don't want to drop my engine to install a new sound absorbing pad...

best,
Paul

Chuck W.

Another pretty cool option is the Pad Keeper made by David Etter. I just replaced my pad with an OEM one but the first sign of sagging I'll pick one of these up. When I checked with him a few months back they were $159 with free shipping. I know that there was also a prior post a few years back for a group buy.

Here is a prior Rennlist Post on them.... https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...er-thanks.html

Pad Keeper info ....... http://thepadkeeper.com/

IXLR8

You can if you want to. All you need to do is remove all of the components above the cooling shroud. It is not as complicated as it sounds.

AOW162435

Kein_Ersatz

Addressing this deteriorating pad while engine is out. Going to use old pad as a pattern and have ordered a roll of Dynamat Hoodliner (32"x54") - $58. Original overall is 45"x26". Will report back after cutting and installation.

Jon 'Bama

I just did mine with OEM while the engine was out, this will be added in the next few months as well. Thanks

evilfij

Pad keeper hides a lot of sins and seems to make it like the pad will last longer.

KBell

Drove the Air-cooled for 10+ years without the engine compartment pad.
Loved having it removed.
Easy to remove.
A Little more exhaust note comes in.
Cleaner engine bay.

KBell

Another pic further back.

Kein_Ersatz

How did you remove glue and what did you do about the studs?

KBell

Gasoline and rag for the glue.
Tiny zip saw for the studs.
Touch up paint.
Your done.
Best mod ever.

Kein_Ersatz

So far glue is proving more stubborn to remove. Will report back once new pad is installed.