Had the enfamous active fuel management lifter go bad on the 5.3 LC9. Replaced all lifters in the left side only, new gaskets, replaced all parts, new plugs, new wires..... Now the engine is sluggish to start (like a low battery) about every other start. Runs just a little rough in gear at a stop but smooth in neutral or park and runs great driving down the road. Any ideas??

 

What did the cam look like

 

Spotless. No scored marks. After I heard the rod knocking, I shut it down pretty quick and towed it home.