I just filled up my LQ9 crate motor with oil for the first time. I did a valve train swap on the engine and it has LS3 heads on it. I’ve turned over the engine plenty of times by hand prior to filling it with oil and didn’t notice this noise but maybe I’m wrong. The noise is almost a creaking/ slight tiny popping noise that randomly happens not at a specific spot. I can’t really diagnose where it’s coming from but maybe somewhere around the cam/ timing/ lifter area. The slower I go the more it creaks, and the faster I turn it the less it creaks. Again, I didn’t think I noticed this before filling it up with 6 quarts of 5w-30 conventional oil. Let me know if anyone has any ideas on what it could be.

 

I now found out that it is coming from behind the timing cover. The only thing that is different from stock is a chain that is identical but stronger and i installed a tensioner as well. The tensioner had the chain very tight when it was installed like rigid tight. I’m wondering if the noise is the chain skipping on the tensioner at low speeds. I wouldn’t like to dig into everything since I already have all my front drive accessories installed

 

Take the timing cover off and recheck

 

Also might want to verify that the rocker arm stands are installed correctly. You'll notice the GM logo is upside down when installed correctly.

 

What tensioner?
Take the cover off and see what it is.