Acoustic Foam for Rolling Road Dyno Cells
If you run a rolling road or dyno cell, acoustic treatment makes a real difference to how the space sounds and feels to work in. GB Foam Direct offers everything you need to acoustically treat a dyno cell, from acoustic foam tiles, panels and bass traps to Class 0 fire-rated tiles, all recommended for dyno and tuning centres.
- A dyno cell is a small, hard-walled room housing a running engine, so reflected engine noise builds up quickly without acoustic treatment.
- Our standard acoustic foam range (grey, red and blue wedge tiles, panels, bass traps and kits) has an NRC rating of 0.85 and is CNC cut in-house.
- We also offer Class 0 fire-rated, self-adhesive acoustic tiles in black, which some dyno and tuning centres choose where a higher fire rating is a requirement.
- For best results, cover both the walls and ceiling of the cell, using our acoustic foam calculator to work out quantities.
- Acoustic foam absorbs and softens sound reflections. It is not a soundproofing product on its own.
Why Acoustic Treatment Matters in a Dyno Cell
A dyno cell is a confined, hard-surfaced room built to house a running engine at full load. Without any sound absorption, engine noise bounces between the walls, floor and ceiling, building up rather than dying away. That makes the space harder to work in for whoever is running the test, and louder for anyone standing nearby.
Acoustic foam softens those reflection points. It will not make a dyno cell silent, engine testing is inherently loud, but it reduces reverberation and takes the harsh edge off the sound inside the room. Ear protection is still recommended when a vehicle is under load.
What is a Rolling Road?
A rolling road, technically known as a chassis dynamometer, tests a vehicle by simulating real road conditions. The vehicle is driven onto a set of drive rollers, which are then turned by the car itself. The dynamometer measures the vehicle’s output and displays results such as RPM, horsepower and torque.
Many modern setups go further than measuring output alone. Dyno tuning can help optimise a vehicle’s fuel consumption and power output, so the car runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
What is a Dyno Cell?
A dyno cell is the dedicated room that houses the rolling road and its supporting equipment. It provides ventilation to clear vehicle emissions and, with the right acoustic treatment, reduces the level of noise reaching the operator and the surrounding building.
Acoustic Foam Options for Dyno Cells
All of the tiles below measure a consistent 300mm x 300mm. Choose colour and pack size based on your budget and how much wall and ceiling coverage you need.
| Product | Colours | NRC Rating | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acoustic Foam Tiles & Wall Panels (Wedge) | Grey, blue, red | 0.85 | £40.49 (grey), £63.49 (blue/red) |
| Acoustic Treatment Kit (Tiles + Bass Traps) | Grey, blue, red | 0.85 | £57.49 (grey), £86.49 (blue/red) |
| Acoustic Foam Bass Traps | Grey, blue, red | 0.85 | £34.49 (grey), £45.99 (blue/red) |
| Class 0 Self-Adhesive Acoustic Tiles | Black | – | £99.00 |
The standard grey, blue and red range shares the same 0.85 NRC rating and wedge profile, so the choice between them is mostly about the look you want on the wall. The treatment kits combine tiles and bass traps in one order and are also available in all three colours. The Class 0 tiles use the same wedge profile to absorb sound, and are chosen primarily where a Class 0 fire rating is needed, with a self-adhesive backing for quicker fitting.
An NRC rating of 0.85 is well above the industry-typical figure of around 0.6, meaning our standard tiles, panels, kits and bass traps absorb roughly 20% more sound wave energy than the average acoustic foam sold in the UK. Our tiles also arrive boxed and uncompressed rather than vacuum-packed, so they are at full thickness from the moment they are fitted.
Planning Your Dyno Cell Acoustic Treatment
Measure your walls and ceiling. Get the width and height of every surface you plan to cover. For the best result, treat the ceiling as well as the walls rather than the walls alone.
Choose your product and colour. Standard grey, blue or red wedge tiles suit most dyno cells. If a Class 0 fire rating is required for your site, choose the self-adhesive black tiles instead.
Work out your quantity. Use the acoustic foam calculator to convert your measurements into a tile count. For standard red, blue and grey tiles, you can order the exact quantity, with a minimum order of 24.
Fit your foam. Standard tiles are fitted with a spray adhesive, sold separately, choose a contact adhesive for brick and masonry or a carpet adhesive for wood, and always spray in a well-ventilated area while wearing a suitable face covering. The Class 0 range is self-adhesive, so you simply peel back the backing paper and press each tile into place.
Fire Safety: Do You Need Class 0 Rated Foam?
Whether you need a Class 0 fire rating depends on your building, your insurer’s requirements and any local regulations that apply to your site, not on the fact that it is a dyno cell specifically. If fire rating is a requirement where you operate, our Class 0 self-adhesive acoustic tiles carry the same fire performance as the foam we supply for shop fitting and construction projects, and are recommended by GB Foam for dyno and tuning centres. You can see the full fire performance data on our Class 0 acoustic foam for shop fitting and construction page.
If you are not sure whether your cell needs a Class 0 rating, it is worth checking with your local building control or insurer before you order, or simply give our team a call and we can talk through the options.
How Much Foam Do You Need?
For the best acoustic result, cover both the walls and ceiling of your dyno cell rather than just the walls. Measure the width and height of each surface and use our acoustic foam calculator on the main acoustic foam page to work out how many 300mm tiles you will need. For our standard red, blue and grey tiles, the calculator lets you order the exact quantity you need, with a minimum order of 24 tiles.
Speak to Our Team
We have been converting foam in the UK for over 40 years, working to ISO 9001 standards at our High Wycombe factory. If you would like advice on acoustic treatment for your dyno cell, whether that is choosing a colour, working out coverage or deciding if you need a Class 0 fire rating, call us on 01494 44 11 77, email sales@gbfoam.com or use our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What acoustic foam is best for a dyno cell?
Our standard grey, blue or red wedge tiles are the most popular choice for dyno cells. They have an NRC rating of 0.85 and are available as individual tiles, wall panels, bass traps or as part of an acoustic treatment kit. Cover the walls and ceiling for the best result.
Will acoustic foam fully soundproof my dyno cell?
No. Acoustic foam absorbs and softens sound reflections, which reduces reverberation and takes the edge off the noise inside the room, but it is not a soundproofing product on its own. Full soundproofing to stop sound leaving the room entirely generally requires construction work such as isolated walls and sealed doors, not foam alone.
Do I need Class 0 fire-rated foam for a dyno cell?
That depends on your building, your insurer and any local regulations that apply to your site rather than on the fact that it is a dyno cell. If a Class 0 rating is required, our self-adhesive Class 0 acoustic tiles are built to that specification. Check with your local authority or insurer if you are unsure.
How much acoustic foam do I need for my dyno cell?
Measure the width and height of your walls and ceiling and use the acoustic foam calculator on our acoustic foam page. For our standard red, blue and grey tiles, you can order the exact quantity the calculator recommends, with a minimum order of 24 tiles.
What colours are available?
The standard wedge range comes in grey, blue and red. Our Class 0 fire-rated, self-adhesive tiles are available in black.
How is the foam fitted?
The standard grey, blue and red tiles are fitted using a suitable spray adhesive, sold separately. Use a contact adhesive for brick and masonry, or a carpet adhesive for wood, and always spray in a well-ventilated area while wearing a suitable face covering. The Class 0 range is self-adhesive, so you simply peel back the backing paper and press each tile into place.
Is GB Foam’s acoustic foam better than standard acoustic foam?
Our standard range has an NRC rating of 0.85, compared with an industry-typical figure of around 0.6, so it absorbs roughly 20% more sound wave energy than the average acoustic foam sold in the UK. Our tiles also arrive boxed and uncompressed rather than vacuum-packed, so they are ready to fit at full thickness.
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