freda155

Well, I finally came to the point of first startup during the swap. Started on the first try after finished wiring - awesome! But, the typical clatter from the lifters didn't end after the usual few seconds that I have experienced with other hydraulic lifter cars. Haven't had it running for more than a minute yet (major fuel leak from the tank), but it is clearly audible with the open headers.

I don't know for how long it sat before I put it in my car, but maybe two years or more.

Running 5W/30 as specified on the filler cap.

Maybe it goes away when it heats up properly?

1964SS

iTrader: (1)

Oil pressure come up on it ok?

freda155

Yes, it rose immideately to about 3.5 bar on idle. 50 psi.

1964SS

iTrader: (1)

As long as the oil pressure was good I would go ahead and run it longer after you fix your fuel leak. It may just be some piston slap which should go away after a few minutes.

freda155

The noise is definately not piston slap-ish. Have had a few of those cases before. In just a few days I will take the car for a test drive. Maybe it goes away or I'll try Wynns Valve lifter cleaner. Have had success with it on the old Buick 350.

It sounds bad ***, tho. Just like my brother in laws Pontiac SD455 with solid lifters, lol.

freda155

The noise is almost gone now. I moved – drove (awesome) – the car to a different location in the garage. That seems to have been enough to exercise the lifters.

A big thanks to 1964SS for the rapid inputs!

Q8y_drifter

When I swapped my motor in I had new LS7 lifters in there. They definitely needed a few minutes before they loaded up and the noise went away.

freda155

That's great, Q8y! Let this thread be a soothing example for all those noisy first startups out there.