UPDATE: Ticking noice from supercharged / cammed LS3.

[Oxtar41]

Update! I had to do some running around tonight and when I got home I put the car up in the air and drained a quart out like ted said. It was sitting directly on the low level line and I took it out for a test drive. I'm pretty amazed at the difference! It quieted down probably 90% you can still hear a slight ticking when your next to a curb but crusing the sound is completely gone.

I stepped on it a few times and it seems like climbs through the rpm range a little quicker? Maybe its just in my head but it could have something to do with less oil windage freeing up a little bit of HP? Who knows?

[A_VAS]

Originally Posted by pouncer72

.

Get out a TQ wrench and a 6MM hex and put 18 ft/lbs on all the studs, sometimes one can be slightly loose. Its also possible you have a lifter on its way out, which will make some extra noise.

22 lb-ft on the rocker bolts would be a better number...just sayin


Does anyone have an explanation for the "oil fill level" affecting the noise? Seems it would be unrelated but I am interested

[Oxtar41]

Originally Posted by A_VAS

22 lb-ft on the rocker bolts would be a better number...just sayin


Does anyone have an explanation for the "oil fill level" affecting the noise? Seems it would be unrelated but I am interested

They were 22ft/lbs that's GM's spec too.

From what I understand when the oil is full to the top the bottom of the crank hits the oil and causes airation (sp?) in the oil and that is supposed to contribute to the noise. I'm not 100% sure how it does but in my case yesterday after draining a quart the noise was 90% less no joke.

[PQ]

Originally Posted by JANNETTYRACING

These Heavy duty valvetrains are noisy, we are working with High lift cams and heavy valve springs.

The side to side clearence is normal (engine Off) but does not move when the engine is running.

Most valvetrain noise can be attributed to too much oil in the crankcase, there have been many discussions about it.

Everyone is so anal about filling the oil to the tippy top line on the stick.

Personally I like them on or just above the lower line on the stick.

7 Quarts with Filter on an oil change.

Ted.

What makes the higher oil level cause the noise?

[SSDan]

Let me throw a log on this fire. Listen to mine running. You can hear the valve train over the top of the exhaust from the rear of the car and the oil level is at the bottom dot like Ted suggests.

I think mine is too loud but others say its normal. I dunno

[PQ]

Originally Posted by SSDan

Let me throw a log on this fire. Listen to mine running. You can hear the valve train over the top of the exhaust from the rear of the car and the oil level is at the bottom dot like Ted suggests.

I think mine is too loud but others say its normal. I dunno

Ya that would drive me nuts.

Lets get it clear though, Ted isn't saying that the noise is no big deal in all cases. Just with this particular set-up. Lifter tick can be a prelude to serious damage.

I'd go ask Ron if it's normal for YOUR build.

[94guy]

Originally Posted by SSDan

Let me throw a log on this fire. Listen to mine running. You can hear the valve train over the top of the exhaust from the rear of the car and the oil level is at the bottom dot like Ted suggests.

I think mine is too loud but others say its normal. I dunno

what valve springs are you running. i do know a very good spring will make less noise.

[SSDan]

Originally Posted by 94guy

what valve springs are you running. i do know a very good spring will make less noise.

Comp - .675 lift

[Oxtar41]

Originally Posted by PQ

What makes the higher oil level cause the noise?

It has to do with the crank spinning through the oil when its up to the full mark. And that causes the airation of the oil. I'm not exactly sure WHY it causes it to make noise as this is the first time I have heard a higher level can cause engine noise.

I would assume that of the oil has bubbles formed in it due to the crank spinning through the oil and they go through parts of the engine that means less oil due to air pockets and can cause excess noise? I'm taking a guess here this is all new to me.

When I used to road race motorcycles I always ran them about 1 quart low, but that was for the increased hp gain due to the crank not having to spin through oil at 15,000 rpm. You can actually pick up a few hp (very minimal) by doing that.

[94guy]

Originally Posted by SSDan

Comp - .675 lift

Yea that's a good spring

[JANNETTYRACING]

Camshaft lobe profile has a lot to do with noise as well, the more aggressive the lobe profile the more likley they will be noisy.

Air in the oil causes noisy lifters.

[A_VAS]

I just setup one with a LPE gt9 cam, and PAC duals. It has a slight amount of noise, nothing worrying me. But rather it be dead quiet like stock. I'll try the oil level change and see.

thanks