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Old Nov 13, 2007 | 01:09 PM
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Default strange noise

so i am trying to figure out what is wrong with my friends 2001 trans am. The car has a quiet tick in the top end of the motor(sounds like that's where it is coming from), but the noise goes away or at least you can't hear it when the car warms up. any help would be greatly appreciated, car is stock down to the paper filter by the way.


thanks matt
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Old Nov 13, 2007 | 02:42 PM
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sounds like the valvetrain ticking before the oil gets warmed up. Im pretty sure the LS1 engines have rather loud valvetrains to begin with, based on my car and some friends of mine with the LS1.

I know sometimes when your oil level is really low, the oil takes a while to circulate through the engine, so it sounds dumb, but check the oil level to make sure it is at the appropriate level. Other than that, I would see if you can find some one in your area with a LS1 and have them listen to it and see what they say.
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Old Nov 13, 2007 | 08:30 PM
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Does it sound like all sixteen are doing it or just one?
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Old Nov 13, 2007 | 10:21 PM
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we changed the oil and that did not help, the oil level was fine to begin with too. it sounds like just one. do you think if we put heads and cam on it do you guys think that will take care of our little noise? thanks for the help
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Old Nov 14, 2007 | 04:45 PM
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Valvetrain noise is common with pushrod motors. You can try some BG MOA oil additive. It might help with the tick. Could be a stubborn lifter.
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Old Nov 15, 2007 | 08:56 AM
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it sounds like just one or two? are you planning on doing a cam/heads soon? you may find out if you do ...plus when you do you'll most likely experience some added valvetrain noise with a bigger cam and supporting valvetrain. but its ok though it all comes with the territory. how long have u noticed the noise?
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Old Nov 15, 2007 | 08:57 AM
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my F13 with all that **** has quite a loud sewing machine noise til warmed up then it is not really recognizeable (not sure if thats spelled right)
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Old Nov 15, 2007 | 03:24 PM
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it has been doing that since he bought it, if a heads and cam kit will fix it then that is what we will do, but if the problem may get worse then i don't want to do it. thanks for the help
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Old Nov 15, 2007 | 04:45 PM
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What you need to determine is if wether or not is truely is a PROBLEM. If it is the normal valvetrain noise that we are led to believe it is. You need to realize that there is nothing wrong and that there is NO WAY TO STOP IT.
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Old Nov 15, 2007 | 07:23 PM
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it really is not that loud but i have never herd this from an ls1 before i'll check with some other owners but i seriously doubt it is suposed to make that noise
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Old Nov 15, 2007 | 09:48 PM
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The noise is common on a lot of LS1s,doing heads,cam,headers usually makes the noise more noticable.The noise usually does not mean there is anything wrong with the motor.My SS has 18,000 and the same noise 15 seconds after start up and goes away after the motor revs a little while driving.I only use Mobil One and change the oil before 3k miles,there is no loss in performance or drivability.
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Old Nov 15, 2007 | 11:36 PM
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I would say its just a ticking lifter... If you do decide to do heads and cam replace the lifters while you are in there. Also when you do heads and cam the noise will most likely increase, i have dual valve springs and i guess they are prone to making more noise. They make a little noise when cold and thats it.
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