New Caprice - Discussion forums

Just posted up an into here viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1289" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

So I picked up my 2011 a couple days ago and am trying to diagnose the engine noise.
Here's a video if you all could take a look (listen) and tell me what you think, I'd really appreciate it.
Cold engine sounds perfect, just injectors ticking. After its warmed up theres a steady light knock sound at idle. Just a little bit of throttle and it quiets down and doesn't change with load like a rod bearing does with light on and off throttle in neutral.
I tried grounding out the coils one by one and the sound does not change so I'm thinking maybe a lifter but its heavier than just a "tick" sound.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3V2sjYQg4YA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Do you still have powertrain warranty on the car by chance? Methinks one of the AFM lifters is not a happy camper...

140k miles- No warranty.
I'm probably going to pull the engine and take it apart to have a look. I 'm going to get a few more people to listen to it and do a compression test first- get as much info as possible before disassembly.
been reading the posts about DOD delete and cam upgrades. hopefully the lifter bosses in the block are OK. Maybe new cam and lifters, chain set, oil pump and crank bearings? Ill have to track all these parts down.. I've been out of the business for almost 10 years (good to be back!). I'll be posting the progress along the way with plenty of questions.
The goal is to have a car that's a badass daily driver.
Thanks

I'm willing to bet if you do the DOD delete and get some lifters in there, you'll be fine.

Since the cam turns at half speed of the crank, and I counted roughly 300 clicks per minute (which is 600 RPM crank speed), my guess is that's definitely a cam/lifter noise. I agree with everyone else, tear it apart, new non-AFM lifters, check or replace the cam, good to go. As long as the cam itself doesn't go flat and spread metal bits through the engine. I know it sounds like it's quite a bit of work, but the AFM lifters are problematic on these cars with high miles.

Got a vacation coming up- looks like I'll be spending it in the garage!
I think I'll go ahead and pull the engine and take it apart to see what it's made of.
Been reading up on the DOD delete threads- seems like the thing to do
Only thing is.. what to do for a cam, so many choices.
Looking at the Lunati 60516, 219/223, 112 LSA -OR- Comp Cams XR 269HR 216/220 114 LSA, any input is welcome. I'd rather someone tell my I'm a dumbass than end up with a dorked up engine! A "kit" with all the parts that will work together would be perfect.
I need to be able to drive this car daily and plan to keep the stock converter and exhaust- maybe delete the mufflers.
I Don't know any tuners, the Black Bear Performance tuning looks interesting.
Thanks for the replies.

Black Bear said they could do it. They tuned our Tahoe, and it's great.

I'd call the vendors for those DOD delete kits. Most are knowledgeable of their cams and LS engines, and can make a decent recommendation based on your intended use.

Got started pulling the engine out today, not as much progress as I hoped- spent a lot of time getting the shop organized. Should have it out and apart tomorrow. I haven't ordered parts yet, Hopefully I can do DOD delete, cam, lifters, springs, rings, bearings.
I Think I'm going with the "Little Lunati" cam. I been told there's 2 versions one for LS3 intake valves, the other for standard valves. 219/223 .625/.625 112+0 -or- 219/223 .612/.615 112+1.
I'm still trying to learn about these engines- The L77 has the rectangle port heads, so I'm thinking these are the LS3 heads and valves?

Yeah, when cam shopping pretend it's an LS3. I think you're on the right track.

Wow, you're a man of rapid action! Most people just start thinking about pulling an engine over 5 days, you've got parts on the bench. Not bad! Keep us posted on how things are going and which cam you end up using. My powertrain warranty is up in < 30 days, after that... hmmm....

Eric