New LS1 Owners - Newbie Tech - Slight Ticking Noise....

I have a slight ticking noise coming from somewhere in the engine bay. I'm thinking either an exhaust leak or maybe a collapsed lifter from the cam swap, but the ticking was going on before the swap which makes me think its the exhaust.

If it is a collapsed lifter, what causes this and what are the possible reprocussions? Thanks for the info!

Did you measure for length, and if so what length/type of pushrod were you going with.

Exhaust leaks happen, but tend to be rare on LS1's due to exhaust port spacing. You dont run into the issues SBC and LT1's that have an issue with 3/5 and 2/6 cylinders.

Unfortunately you pull heads to inspect lifters so you really want to make sure its a lifter before doing the job.

well the cam kit i ordered came from TSP so i would assume they gave me the correct size pushrods for the cam package that i ordered....

Does it go away after a short time? It is just piston slap if it is which is very common.

Does it go away after a short time? It is just piston slap if it is which is very common.

This would be my guess. It sounds like the same thing mine does. When i had a bad lifter I was afraid to drive it. It sounded horrible. And it was pretty loud.

I have a slight ticking noise coming from somewhere in the engine bay. I'm thinking either an exhaust leak or maybe a collapsed lifter from the cam swap, but the ticking was going on before the swap which makes me think its the exhaust.

If it is a collapsed lifter, what causes this and what are the possible reprocussions? Thanks for the info!

When U did the swap did u replace the lifters?

I wouldnt think its piston slap as i dont have a very big cam and i did not replace the lifters. And the noise isnt very loud so i dont think its a lifter. I will try and get a video later today for a better idea of what it is

Most f bodies have piston slap from the factory, sounds bad when it's cold, then goes away as it warms up

how many miles on the motor ?check all you push rods for straightness.and check your rocker arms for any missing bearings.

I wouldnt think its piston slap as i dont have a very big cam and i did not replace the lifters. And the noise isnt very loud so i dont think its a lifter. I will try and get a video later today for a better idea of what it is

No, piston slap is when the pistons are small when cold, so they slap the cylinder walls when you cold start it. Once it gets up to operating temp it goes away.

Just to mention this is that when most people throw in a cam, springs, and some different pushrods, the valve train noise can change. Nothing is certain but before this guy decides to tear the heads off to check all the lifters. It maybe something to think about.

I decided to chase a noise my cars had forever... even changed the lifters... no luck. Only thing I did discover was the lifter trays slapping around making some noise. Replaced them as well but it still has an odd tick to it. Been making the noise for over 100K now...I just gave up.

If the lifters show no visable signs of damage, or something you can catch with your fingernail, I would just make sure the pushrods are straight and roll with it.