New Cam concerns - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

KingRW3 · 03-11-2025, 07:32 AM

So I recently I got my l99 camaro cammed and afm deleted. A btr s2 v2 cam kit with bbk long tube headers and hf cats. But after after driving home I heard a noise like flutter or tap sound from the passenger side and is even more amplified from the wheel well. Honestly idk what the sound could be ranging from faulty GM Performance lifters which I've heard can happen, looks Rocker, bad double valve spring, wrong pushrod length (I have 7.400), or just the new headers are leaking due to expanding from heat. The car ran perfect my coolant sat around 180 190 and oil pressure was stout like 50psi. Literally no issues but that concerning sound I don't know but regardless I am taking it to my mechanic who put it together to give his input. So any thoughts and opinions would be helpful

1JEWLDSSRS · 03-11-2025, 12:01 PM

First thing that comes to my mind is that maybe you have an exhaust leak at the header gasket being that pronounced. Another thing is like what my builder/tuner told me when we installed my LT's, you will hear some noise from the header tubes around where they bolt to the heads because the tubing is thin and will allow you to hear clicking of the valve events as they seat in the head each time, being the stock manifolds are so much thicker, you can't hear them. In that case, you would hear it on both sides. Good luck, hope it is nothing.. Enjoy your new found performance.

KingRW3 · 03-11-2025, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1JEWLDSSRS

First thing that comes to my mind is that maybe you have an exhaust leak at the header gasket being that pronounced. Another thing is like what my builder/tuner told me when we installed my LT's, you will hear some noise from the header tubes around where they bolt to the heads because the tubing is thin and will allow you to hear clicking of the valve events as they seat in the head each time, being the stock manifolds are so much thicker, you can't hear them. In that case, you would hear it on both sides. Good luck, hope it is nothing.. Enjoy your new found performance.

I'm leaning towards a leak for sure cause it's the simplest issue. My mechanic did warn me to re torque the header bolts after break in of the new cam but this is day two of the cam but maybe the bolts backed out or heat expansion or somehting occured. So im gonna check that out first likely. But thats interesting I never thought about the thickness of the new and old headers kind of an eye opener.

KingRW3 · 03-11-2025, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingRW3

I'm leaning towards a leak for sure cause it's the simplest issue. My mechanic did warn me to re torque the header bolts after break in of the new cam but this is day two of the cam but maybe the bolts backed out or heat expansion or somehting occured. So im gonna check that out first likely. But thats interesting I never thought about the thickness of the new and old headers kind of an eye opener.

But yeah the sound is within the headers and valve train so I'm shooting for the headers first

1JEWLDSSRS · 03-11-2025, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingRW3

I'm leaning towards a leak for sure cause it's the simplest issue. My mechanic did warn me to re torque the header bolts after break in of the new cam but this is day two of the cam but maybe the bolts backed out or heat expansion or somehting occured. So im gonna check that out first likely. But thats interesting I never thought about the thickness of the new and old headers kind of an eye opener.

Yes, I had to do this a couple of times as things got "settled in" so to speak. Yeah, the stock manifolds are thick cast steal and mask all the sounds, and the LT's are very thin steel tubing, so everything is amplified out. Kinda like not having any sound deadening material in your car, you hear everything.

MSgt O · 03-11-2025, 01:47 PM

Im going to guess what Wayne said is what youre hearing...with the Kooks on my car, sounds like I can hear valve tapping as well...but its just the headers. Took a bit for me to get used to it especially in a vert!

ZED SLED · 03-11-2025, 01:50 PM

If a header is loose you would also likely have a lean bank code. At least that happened to me when I installed headers on my 2010 LS3. Re-torqued and it went away.

CamaroCracka · 03-12-2025, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingRW3

My mechanic did warn me to re torque the header bolts after break in of the new cam but this is day two of the cam but maybe the bolts backed out or heat expansion or something occurred.

I check header bolts after a couple heat cycles and then again after a couple more.

InFiD3ViL · 03-12-2025, 01:50 PM

Ever since my cam install I can tell you my drivetrain is louder. I can especially here it when I'm cruising through a parking lot or an area where there is a wall next to the car. Anything faster than that and my exhaust drowns it out. There are certain noises and behaviors that some people do not expect after a cam install, so hopefully that's all you are dealing with.

I bought Gatorman link bar lifters so I can ditch the lifter trays and will be going to a shaft rocker system, like COMP's BSR Max Lift shaft rocker setup. But it will be months before I have time to start my various installs. Hoping it quiets things down, but it's unlikely with link bars as they tend to be a bit noisier based on what I'm reading everywhere.

Hope you get this sorted and that its nothing but typical valvetrain noise.

Badbubba · 03-13-2025, 12:18 AM

Use the GM multi layer steel gaskets for the headers. Can re-use originals.

morepowerjoe · 03-13-2025, 05:22 PM

If you think your hearing the valve train then I would be concerned because that can cost you your engine. I would maybe recommend learning how to measure pushrod length by watching some you tube videos or something. Or find a reputable or a capable shop that can do it for you. I measured mine and added .070 preload with gm performance racing lifters and have no noise at all. Good luck sir.

Theo1834 · 03-14-2025, 05:35 AM

It seems like you’ve got a great setup going on, but that noise definitely deserves some attention. Besides the potential exhaust leak problems, especially with those new long pipes, it might be a good idea to take a closer look at the pushrod length and lifters. After all, it’s not uncommon to run into issues with GM Performance lifters.

03-11-2025, 07:32 AM	#1
KingRW3 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: Gloucester, VA Posts: 22	New Cam concerns So I recently I got my l99 camaro cammed and afm deleted. A btr s2 v2 cam kit with bbk long tube headers and hf cats. But after after driving home I heard a noise like flutter or tap sound from the passenger side and is even more amplified from the wheel well. Honestly idk what the sound could be ranging from faulty GM Performance lifters which I've heard can happen, looks Rocker, bad double valve spring, wrong pushrod length (I have 7.400), or just the new headers are leaking due to expanding from heat. The car ran perfect my coolant sat around 180 190 and oil pressure was stout like 50psi. Literally no issues but that concerning sound I don't know but regardless I am taking it to my mechanic who put it together to give his input. So any thoughts and opinions would be helpful

03-11-2025, 12:01 PM	#2
1JEWLDSSRS Drives: 2011 SS-RS Join Date: May 2011 Location: FLORIDA Posts: 13,340	First thing that comes to my mind is that maybe you have an exhaust leak at the header gasket being that pronounced. Another thing is like what my builder/tuner told me when we installed my LT's, you will hear some noise from the header tubes around where they bolt to the heads because the tubing is thin and will allow you to hear clicking of the valve events as they seat in the head each time, being the stock manifolds are so much thicker, you can't hear them. In that case, you would hear it on both sides. Good luck, hope it is nothing.. Enjoy your new found performance. __________________ TSP STAGE 3 CAM,231/246 @112 LSA 614/641 LIFT, CIRCLE D 5C-4200-4500 CONVERTER,LOD INTAKE.CORSA EXHAUST. DSS 1 PC DS. PEGASUS SOLID CRADLE MOUNTS. 486RWHP/475RWTQ.LOTS MORE.

03-11-2025, 01:50 PM	#7
ZED SLED Drives: 2017 Mosaic Bk ZL1 M6 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South of Raleigh, NC Posts: 9,614 View My Garage	If a header is loose you would also likely have a lean bank code. At least that happened to me when I installed headers on my 2010 LS3. Re-torqued and it went away. __________________

03-12-2025, 01:50 PM	#9
InFiD3ViL Drives: 2010 CGM 2SS/RS LS3 Swapped A6 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Spring Hill, FL Posts: 4,707	Ever since my cam install I can tell you my drivetrain is louder. I can especially here it when I'm cruising through a parking lot or an area where there is a wall next to the car. Anything faster than that and my exhaust drowns it out. There are certain noises and behaviors that some people do not expect after a cam install, so hopefully that's all you are dealing with. I bought Gatorman link bar lifters so I can ditch the lifter trays and will be going to a shaft rocker system, like COMP's BSR Max Lift shaft rocker setup. But it will be months before I have time to start my various installs. Hoping it quiets things down, but it's unlikely with link bars as they tend to be a bit noisier based on what I'm reading everywhere. Hope you get this sorted and that its nothing but typical valvetrain noise. __________________ 2010 CGM Camaro 2SS LS3 Swapped A6 - GPI LS3 SS1 .647/.638, (224/237, 112 +4, 7º overlap) on CamMotion 8620 core, BTR Platinum .660" Dual Spring kit w/titanium retainers, CHE bronze trunnion upgrade, stock heads milled @ .015, Melling HV 10296 oil pump, TSP 1-7/8" long tube headers (W/Catless Off-road Pipes), Corsa Xtreme 3" Catback, GPI Ported/Rod Mod Intake, Stage 2 Ported Throttle Body, Vararam OTR CAI, Mike Norris Gen 2 catch can + GM 1LE clean side separator, 160º thermostat - Megan Racing adjustable coilovers (lowered 1.75"), MRR M017 10/11" wheels-Tuned by Ryan @ GPI

03-13-2025, 12:18 AM	#10
Badbubba GrINned & JUICEd Drives: 15STI, 10Expy, 10 2SS/RS M6, 47KB1 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,251	Use the GM multi layer steel gaskets for the headers. Can re-use originals. __________________ GPI SS3 Cam & stuff,N.O. Plate(dedicated fuel tank,progressive,fuel hose upgrade,remote opener,heater,console switches),LNC2000,CTAP,ARH 1 7/8" LTs/gutted cats/X pipe/mufflers,Jet Hot coated LTs,GPI HPT Tune,CAI, Scoop,Rx Catch Can,Gates heater hose relocation, Remote clutch & auto brake res,Metco loop,Momentum Tunnel Brace,TSW Nurb 18",555 & 05,Pfadt trailing arms & toe rods,Autometer WB,Fesler Pillar Pod,LED strips (int),Lloyds floor & trunk mats,LED DRL/front turn & license plate,DRL harness,VLEDs tail lights,Plasticoat Bowties. Ord: Oct 5, 2009 Rec: Nov 19, 2009 13.17@112.6 stock

03-11-2025, 01:47 PM	#6
MSgt O Drives: 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS Vert LS3/M6 Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Cheboygan, Michigan Posts: 899	Im going to guess what Wayne said is what youre hearing...with the Kooks on my car, sounds like I can hear valve tapping as well...but its just the headers. Took a bit for me to get used to it especially in a vert!

03-13-2025, 05:22 PM	#11
morepowerjoe Drives: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro l99 Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,220	If you think your hearing the valve train then I would be concerned because that can cost you your engine. I would maybe recommend learning how to measure pushrod length by watching some you tube videos or something. Or find a reputable or a capable shop that can do it for you. I measured mine and added .070 preload with gm performance racing lifters and have no noise at all. Good luck sir. __________________ DSS Pistons, Eagle ESP L19 Rods, ARP Head and Main Studs, TSP PRC CNC Ported Heads milled .030, Cometic .040 Head Gaskets, GPI SS3 VVT Camshaft, GM Racing Lifters, CHE Trunnions, Melling 10355HV Oil Pump, Cold Air Inductions CAI, Fast LSXR Intake Manifold, Nick Williams 103 TB, TSP Longtubes, ZL1 Fuel Pump, Mishimoto Radiator and Oil Cooler, 3600 Circle D Converter, Tru Cool 40k Tranny Cooler, Fluid Dynamics Balancer, EBC 3GD Rotors with EBC Bluestuff NDX Pads, Bilstein B6 Shocks / Struts with Eibach ZL1 Drop Springs Build Thread https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=609817

03-14-2025, 05:35 AM	#12
Theo1834 Camaro Enthusiast Drives: 2023 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 2018 Chev Join Date: Mar 2025 Location: USA Posts: 2	It seems like you’ve got a great setup going on, but that noise definitely deserves some attention. Besides the potential exhaust leak problems, especially with those new long pipes, it might be a good idea to take a closer look at the pushrod length and lifters. After all, it’s not uncommon to run into issues with GM Performance lifters.