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Should I replace my lifters?

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Old Jul 2, 2013 | 08:52 PM
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Default Should I replace my lifters?


That is not my car however it has started making a similar noise. I just switched to 10-40 oil so I plan to switch back this weekend and see if the noise goes away. Provided it doesn't, most on here say its normal or its lifters.

I was curious if at this point it would be a good idea to do say LS7 lifters and a cam (since I will already be there)? No one really gave a definite answer on if lifters will fix the problem and the OP's in those threads never really replied either with updates.
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Old Jul 2, 2013 | 08:53 PM
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You have to pull the heads to get to the lifters. Might as well do ported heads too.
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Old Jul 2, 2013 | 08:55 PM
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The cam and related bits was really not something I planned to do at this point so about the best I would do is some 243 heads. I don't want to go real extreme on price or on mods to this engine as I have other ideas in mind after I repair where the previous owners have neglected the car.
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Old Jul 2, 2013 | 10:40 PM
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sounds like every ls1 ive heard. probably just piston slap. even if it doesnt go away at full operating temp i would still say piston slap. slapping wont always go away at full operating temp although it should get quieter. i wouldnt worry about it as long as the oil's clean
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Old Jul 3, 2013 | 09:33 AM
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I wondered about piston slap but this just started. I have owned the car since April and did my first oil change over the weekend. I went to 10w-40 so I am wondering if the different weight oil might have caused it to get noisy. I plan to to back to 10w-30 this weekend though to see.

I don't really want to tear the motor apart but if lifters could fix this problem I will do a cam at the same time.
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Old Jul 3, 2013 | 09:39 AM
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Try German Castrol 5W-30. You can get it at AutoZone... just make sure it says European Blend.

The noise will go away with that if it's oil related.
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Old Jul 3, 2013 | 09:58 AM
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Originally Posted by redbird555
sounds like every ls1 ive heard. probably just piston slap. even if it doesnt go away at full operating temp i would still say piston slap. slapping wont always go away at full operating temp although it should get quieter. i wouldnt worry about it as long as the oil's clean
Was going to say the same thing myself.

However... It'd be cheap insurance to do an oil change and inspect the old oil. One could also argue that it'd be in your best interest to pull the heads, have them inspected, replace lifter trays, lifters, gaskets, valley cover (if this hasn't been addressed - this would be the time.

LS2 Trays + BTR or LS7 lifters are dirt cheap engine insurance imho.
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