I've had a ticking getting a little louder it seems near the passenger side front area of the valve cover (it would seem). I haven't taken the valve cover off yet to inspect them b/c honestly, I've never been in an engine's internals before and don;t know how. Do you have to take the engine out to do that? Also, would it be easier and cheaper to fix the ticking by rebuilding the valves and lifter area, or should I just go ahead and replace both heads? The reason I ask that is because I was wondering if a Z06 set of heads would fit my LS1 and ,if so, would the whole engine have to be taken out to do that job. Would I see any gains? Basically whats the best bang for my buck if it turns out I need to do something about that ticking. Thanks in advance for everyone's help!

 

It's definitely coming from either the valve cover area or from an exhaust leak. any ideas on how to test this theory, or how to check the valves to see it it's them or the lifters tapping?

 

Yes the 243(Z06 heads) will work and no you don't have to pull the motor to put them on. Does the car have headers?

 

Check for loose exhaust bolts first. Next pull the valve covers and check for loose rockers, broken springs and bent pushrods. Look for loose needle bearings laying on the head that may have come from a failed rocker. If that is not it my guess is lifters so the head needs to come off.

 

No headers yet.. just a borla catback. I'll check the exhaust bolts and tighten them as much as I can. Also, my oil dipstick is a little bit low (maybe about a 1/4 inch). Would low oil cause louder tapping?

If I have to replace the heads, whats the best ones to put on there with the least amount of hassle and cost? If I go with a Z06 head, will I have to change out any of the components (valves, pushrods, lifters, etc...) to make it work directly with a LS1 engine on a 99 T/A?

 

See the first thing I thought of when you said "tapping" was good ol' piston slap. Are you sure you're hearing what you think you are? I have piston slap and I'm thinking of seeing if my third party warranty will cover the repair of such an annoying and value- reducing noise.

 

243's will bolt right up and are the best factory casting for your car.

Do a cam whille your at it

 

The rockers losing their needles is a common known
problem, I would start there (pull the covers and
check for looseness at the pushrod, at a couple of
different crank angles. People also bend stock
pushrods by over-revving. I wouldn't go looking for
new hardware until you understand the problem at
hand.