I know Ls1's are notorious for the engine tick. My tick starts when its cold and even when its fully warmed up and its considerably loud. Is this a bad sign? lol

 

is it like a sewing machine noise or like more of a clanking? sewing machine is normal, clanking or knocking is not. a video/soundclip may be helpful.

 

i have a similiar problem... except mine goes away when its warm and its only coming from the passenger side head.. i havent figured out what it is yet

 

It's just really loud ticks, idk ill have to get a video of it for you to check it out

 

it's hard to say with out hearing the car because a lot of things can cause a tick.

check you rockers to be sure they are tight, check for a bent pushrod, injectors can make a tick sound, improper valvetrain geometry can cause excessive noise as well as a lifter not pumping up which is a bit of a pain as you have to pull the heads off.

Also a cam and stiffer aftermarket springs will increase the valvetrain noise which is normal.

 

that sounds like a lifter is not pumping up properly.