Thread: noise after XP install

I just installed an XP cam and when I got everything back together and did a first start up I got a pretty loud ticking sound. Maybe a lifter or rocker?

VIDEO0008-1.mp4 video by modifiedspyderimagine04 - Photobucket

Either them injectors are stupid loud or you got some sort of valvetrain clatter.

Id suggest you do a once over on things and even make sure no rocker/lifter bolts are loose.

This is what it sounded like on the first start up. The first video was with the supercharger belt off. Those are the usuall 42injectors used for the XP cam.

VIDEO0006-1.mp4 video by modifiedspyderimagine04 - Photobucket

What all do I need to do to fix this problem? Take the valve covers off and redo the rockers?

Make sure you put the valve retainers on the right way, someone did that once and ****ed with things for like 3 weeks before they realised they put the valve retainers on upside down. At least I think thats what it was. Their car made all sorts of ticking sounds.

Originally Posted by slick2500

Make sure you put the valve retainers on the right way, someone did that once and ****ed with things for like 3 weeks before they realised they put the valve retainers on upside down. At least I think thats what it was. Their car made all sorts of ticking sounds.

I had a machine shop put my heads together so Im sure the retainers are on there correctly.

How long was it running and did you soak your lifters ahead of time?
Which lifters did you use, stock or Comp Cam? CC are known for noise, and fresh lifters may need to pump up.
How long had it run total when you took that vid?

Sounds like a normal startup to me. Some lifters may drain down or not be fully pumped up which leaves a little play in the rod to rocker to lifter and you get some noise. As the lifters pump up (sometimes takes a minute or so of 1500 rpms) they quiet down as they fill and absorb the extra space. Comp Cam lifters don't have the preload etc that stock lifters do and therefore w/o sizing rods to them, they are typically loud.

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

How long was it running and did you soak your lifters ahead of time?
Which lifters did you use, stock or Comp Cam? CC are known for noise, and fresh lifters may need to pump up.
How long had it run total when you took that vid?

Sounds like a normal startup to me. Some lifters may drain down or not be fully pumped up which leaves a little play in the rod to rocker to lifter and you get some noise. As the lifters pump up (sometimes takes a minute or so of 1500 rpms) they quiet down as they fill and absorb the extra space. Comp Cam lifters don't have the preload etc that stock lifters do and therefore w/o sizing rods to them, they are typically loud.

It only ran for a few minutes since I thought something serious was wrong with it. It idled at around 1000-1250RPMS cause my IAC is bad the engine idled up and down in that RPM range. The engine did sit for some time since the fall 2011. I didnt think I had to soak the lifters since these are stock ones but guess I was wrong.

I'd let it run a bit more, as long as the noise doesn't get worse. Maybe even bring the idle up to 1500 for a few moments (5-10 seconds) and then let off and see if it's quieting down on it's own. It should.

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

I'd let it run a bit more, as long as the noise doesn't get worse. Maybe even bring the idle up to 1500 for a few moments (5-10 seconds) and then let off and see if it's quieting down on it's own. It should.

Well I did that and it seems that I have 1or more lifters refusing to pump up. Im having trouble with the throttle getting let off my N* throttle body cable bracket wants to keep the throttle up around 1800-1900+RPMs. Im almost tempted to run my stock throttle body since Im not having any luck with this N* kit.

Switch back to your stock tb until you have everything else fixed then swap it so you aren't chasing a couple different things at a time.

Originally Posted by dsmuts

Switch back to your stock tb until you have everything else fixed then swap it so you aren't chasing a couple different things at a time.

OK I will do that Im only gonna run a 3.4pulley since thats the biggest pulley that i got. I have contacted ZZP and they are out of IACs and N* throttle bodys so stock is all I have for now as a backup. What are you guys using as a cable bracket for the N*? Cause this one from ZZP sucks ass!

Please post pics of the ZZP one.

I use the original N* one and mod it. I should have a few pics around here somewhere.

I drill 1/4" through where the N* throttle cable ball would sit and put our cylindrical cable end into it.


Cut between the throttle and cruise to let them move independently


And mod where it bolts to the side of the TB to allow the cables to get even closer. Got one to mod at my place right now, maybe I'll get it done this weekend and get pics for you.

Well I checked both front and rear rockers and they all are fine even the push rods are fine no bent ones.

Now its not making hardly any noise like it was before maybe like a lite tick from an exhaust leak from me bending the rear header gasket up. It does have trouble turning over I have to give it a little gas to get it to even turn over. Might be a vacuum leak or tune? I did have to put the stock throttle body back on just to get the car to idle right I was having all kinds of problems with that northstar throttle body.

Try tightening up the headers more. I had to retighten my bolts up after a few heat cycles.

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

Please post pics of the ZZP one.


And mod where it bolts to the side of the TB to allow the cables to get even closer. Got one to mod at my place right now, maybe I'll get it done this weekend and get pics for you.

Heres the one ZZP makes which holds the throttle open a little bit. I wouldnt mind using the ZZP one though but might have to make the screw holes wider just to get the throttle to close. Still need an IAC for this throttle body!

Well the sound is back but this time it sounds like a pig being butchered in the car and it squeals loud.

Did you change the oil? Did you use cam assembly lube when you put the cam in?