animeS2K

I'm just curious here - is there specific transmission tunnel noise dampening material (stock)? Were later model years (vs. 00/01) equipped with something that muffles the transmission noise better?

I just did a comparison last night with a fellow owner's '03 and his comment was that while driving mine the noise was was like you had a stethoscope to the tunnel. Driving his, I could barely hear any transmission noise. But you hear the transmission - it was just seriously muffled in comparison. Perhaps it has to do with the heavy vinyl transmission cover or design of the center console?

Skip (FF2Skip) drove my car last night and agreed. And his interior is stripped.

He also has the same clutch kit I do and we've determined that the rattling/buzzing I'm getting from the clutch is definitely not anything normal (but that's another topic altogether), while the clutch itself is working very well and as intended.

Soul Coughing

It might be a bearing in your actual transmission that is making the noise. Does it increase with the speed you are going>?

animeS2K

The rattling noise is separate from the overall noise LEVEL, but yes it only occurs when in gear and the frequency increases directly with revs. It sounds like a loose bolt or something rattling and only occurs once the transmission has warmed up. It occurs under accel, decel or constant speed and mostly disappears if you disengage the clutch. It is a new-to-me used ('00, 28k mile) transmission.

Oh and what a HORRIBLE noise I get if I take it in tight left-hand circles and I'm barely on the gas -- that sort of maintaining the speed/just a tad light on the gas position. -- this is a different noise... it just sounds horrible... I don't even know how to describe it... maybe a rough grinding/shearing noise?

Doug1627

i get that loose nut noise as well except on sharp right turns, never the left.

I hope you guys can figure this out.

Soul Coughing

sounds like a installation issue... Possible loose bolt... Especially considering you said it increased with RPM, not speed. Does it make the noise in neutral?

Try lifting the car up and looking at the bolts on the driveshaft to be safe...

Doug1627

I am on the stock clutch, factory install, if that helps

cdelena

Last time I put in a clutch I used Dynamat Xtreme on the tunnel to quiet and close gaps letting heat in. Also used a piece of header blanket to cut off heat from the cat that heats the passenger floor on long trips. Both mods have been very effective.