Noisy lifters in my 2002 LS1

[2002ssslp]

Does anyone else have this problem. I have a 2002 SS with 30k on the clock. I use it only as a warm weather weekend car and it sits in the garage most of the time. When I do run the car I hear a lifter " ticking " noise for the first few minutes until it gets some heat in the motor. I run Mobil 1 5wx30 and change it every 3k or once a year. Can I do damage to the cam or worse or is this just an LS1 thing. Thanks for your help.

[cammed goat]

I believe this is normal. It might be piston slap since you stated the noise goes away once warmed up.

[35th-ANV-SS]

Sounds like the very common piston slap to me. Hard to determine without really hearing it though.

[2002ssslp]

Why do LS1 engines have piston slap. Is this an Aussie thing ? or do they loose fit the pistons for less friction and more power. Can the engine live with this condition ? I do not see a cure other then new pistons and rings.

[tatertot91]

It's fairly common with LS engines in general from what i've seen. Almost every LS1 i've heard does it high or low mileage.

[2002ssslp]

Well, I can live with that. I think a cam is in my near future. I am going to check spec's first. I do not like a really rumpty rumpty cam so duration is a factor and I will need vacuum for the brakes. Please send me some examples and I will put one on my Christmas list.

[tatertot91]

is your car an A4 or M6?

[35th-ANV-SS]

A lot of people like the TSP 228r on a 112LSA. Proven cam that provides good power for a daily driver.

[2002ssslp]

I have a 6 speed car with LT headers, ported TB, 3" center exit exhaust, aftermarket MAF, airbox and smooth bellows, Frost PCM programmed to these mods, k&n filter, 3.42 gears and iridium plugs. The specs on the TSP 228r look good. Mid and upper range is where a small block should be.

[024mula]

Are you running the car with the correct grade of gasoline?

[transamtom]

Why do LS1 engines have piston slap. Is this an Aussie thing ? or do they loose fit the pistons for less friction and more power. Can the engine live with this condition ? I do not see a cure other then new pistons and rings.

The LS1 engines were made in the USA(Tonawanda NY) and Canada(St Catharines),they were built and shipped to Australia for Holden to install in their platforms.

Piston slap and lifter noise are common and usually don't effect longevity if you let the car warm up properly before romping on it.

[tatertot91]

Yeah jon suggested the 228r and for good reason. I would maybe go that route if I were you.

[2002ssslp]

Yes, I run only 93 octane fuel and I am going to order the 228r cam. I do not want to run faster then 12.0 for fear of being banned from the track. I will let you know how it works out.

[transamtom]

Yes, I run only 93 octane fuel and I am going to order the 228r cam. I do not want to run faster then 12.0 for fear of being banned from the track. I will let you know how it works out.

The kicked off point for no cage is 11.49 now.

Our track Toronto Motorsport Park(Cayuga) is NHRA and lots of guys are running 11.50's with no cage.

They will talk to you about keeping it over 11.50 though.

[35th-ANV-SS]

I mentioned the 11.49 time in another thread and was told at his particular track it is 11.99

[transamtom]

I mentioned the 11.49 time in another thread and was told at his particular track it is 11.99

I guess I need to re-read the rule book.

I could have sworn they changed it to 11.49 because too many new cars are capable of that,ZR1's Z06's ect and they want them out at the track not on the streets.

They know most people won't hack up their new $100,000. ride to make it legal.

They actually lowered it to 10.99 at my NHRA sanctioned track.

http://www.torontomotorsportspark.co.../tech_101.html

[35th-ANV-SS]

11.49 is the rule per NHRA. He stated his track rule is 11.99, so it does not abide by NHRA rules apparently.

[2002ssslp]

I found out from a friend who races at E-Town all the time that the NHRA rule is 11.50 and under for a roll bar but since New Jersey is the highest priced insurance state in the country tracks have raised the limit to 11.99 to get lower cost insurance. Only in New Jersey. Highest cost of living, highest property taxes, highest medical and car insurance and highest real estate prices. Somebody remind me why I still live here ?

[35th-ANV-SS]

Maybe you like being affiliated with Jersey Shore? :P

[2002ssslp]

The show or the actual beach ?