Strokinit383

iTrader: (22)

Finally started the Camaro for the first time tonight. Its a 5.3 longblock, 224/228@114 cam, precision 76.

It ran for about 30-45 seconds before I shut it down. Oil pressure was 50+ psi, but it seemed to have an unusual amount of valvetrain noise. I replaced the valvesprings with PRC dual springs, hardened pushrods and new valve stem seals along with the cam. The longblock was purchased from a local salvage yard. The heads have never been off, so the lifters are original.

Whats the best way to begin chasing down a noisy valve train or oiling issue? Any other thoughts or experiences that relate?

Thanks all

Johnv

Just run it till its hot,and the lifters should pump up, as long as you have good oil pressure.

Did you check lifter preload after fitting the cam to determine the correct length pushrods ?

Strokinit383

iTrader: (22)

JohnV, yes and I ended up going with a 7.425" rod. So the engine will need to reach operating temp or close for the lifters to pump up the first time?

JaYZeig

iTrader: (11)

he is correct, since the engines been sitting for more than likley a good amount of time, the lifters drained themselves down, and just need to pump back up with oil.

skinnies

iTrader: (33)

We have had a few really noisy ones first time starting them also but are fine after warming up

PRAY HRD

iTrader: (119)

^^^ this guy knows 5.3's! lol

Wicked69

Mine sat for about 3 months. Not too long. It was a little noisy for the first couple minutes. Never any noise since.

Strokinit383

iTrader: (22)

Thanks all for the input. Once I purchase hp tuners, I plan on modifying the injector tables for the 60lb siemens that are in there and letting it warm up to operating temp.

Any other initial modifications suggested? Im new to tuning. I purchased Greg Banish tuning dvd and injector table dvd last week. Ive been poking around the hptuners board for some time, but definitely need to spend a lot more time on there.

got-a-ls1

iTrader: (12)

mine had a squeak to it when i started it, but i only used the shortblock, the top end was from my ls1. went away after a few minutes...

ddnspider

iTrader: (26)

Are you saying you have 60# injectors in there but the tune is for stockers?if so that is a terrible idea and you need to retune immediately or you'll wash down the cylinders

The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

EXACTLY! Do not start your car again till you get the correct data in for the injectors you have.

Strokinit383

iTrader: (22)

Yes, hence why I only ran the car for 30 seconds. Thanks for the heads up though.

westtexasbuff

iTrader: (40)

What's lifter preload like? Should be between .060 and .080.

Strokinit383

iTrader: (22)

Lifter preload should remain as it was stock. The base circle on the cam was .050 smaller in diameter, so .025 shorter radius. I went with 7.425 pushrods to compensate. The rockers are stock, not adjustable. Whats the best method to measuring lifter preload?