I've got the LS1 tick
 

Hey guys.. new to the site. I've got an E30 BMW with an LS1 swap and it recently started making the common LS ticking sound. I was wondering if anyone would be able to point me in the right direction on finding the source.

It just started doing it one day out of the blue. The sound is only evident under power. When decelerating, I can't really hear anything. It's consistent with the RPM of the motor, as in it has the same frequency through the gears. I really don't think it's an exhaust leak. I'm thinking more along the lines of the lifters or something in that area. Here's a brief (crappy) video where you can hear the sound:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58fSb...ature=youtu.be

Any thoughts are appreciated! Thanks in advance, I'm glad to be a part of the site. :cool:

Just tore down my LS1 and found 1 bad lifter and two worn lobes on the cam. The ticking sounded similar.

Pull the valve covers off first, check the valve train out, and work your way down.