[Z06] Does your Z have this noise
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 284
Likes: 29
From: Oxford PA
Does your Z have this noise
This may be in my head but I swear I hear a slight knock noise in the engine. It is random. It does seem to follow engine motion but it is intermit. I can hear it in the car also. Maybe in the clutch flywheel area. The trans is in the back so I don't think it is that. Does not change with clutch in or out. The car has loud B&B exhaust so it can be hard to hear.
It sounds like poss. a lifter. It does not seem to be bottom end. I know the engine is aluminum and they can be louder than iron.
How do other guys Z's sound. Absolutly quiet? Or are there noises that come and go.
It seems these engines are pretty strong and can take some abuse. Before I bought it I read about them and it seemed like all the bugs were worked out by the '03 model year. As far as piston slap and things like that.
I just got it a week ago and will be changing all the fluids soon. Oil, clutch, brake, trans and diff.
She is a 2003 Z with 41k miles. No leaks under car and clean oil and coolant.
What do you guys think?
Thanks in advance for any help
It sounds like poss. a lifter. It does not seem to be bottom end. I know the engine is aluminum and they can be louder than iron.
How do other guys Z's sound. Absolutly quiet? Or are there noises that come and go.
It seems these engines are pretty strong and can take some abuse. Before I bought it I read about them and it seemed like all the bugs were worked out by the '03 model year. As far as piston slap and things like that.
I just got it a week ago and will be changing all the fluids soon. Oil, clutch, brake, trans and diff.
She is a 2003 Z with 41k miles. No leaks under car and clean oil and coolant.
What do you guys think?
Thanks in advance for any help
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 154
Likes: 1
From: Rochester NY
It could be a lifter, or cam. When you change the oil, take the oil filter and cut it open with a chisel and snips. Cut out the paper and look for metal from something like your cam flaking away.....I always do this every oil change to see what's going on.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 284
Likes: 29
From: Oxford PA
Is this a common issue? Cams and lifter failure?
Are there some common engine failures on Z's?
I guess as long as it doesn't get louder or mess with performance I should just drive the car and have fun. Provided I do not find metal in the filter.
Thanks again. Anyone else feel free to chime in. I am new to c5's and am learning as much as I can. Been reading as many posts as I can to learn more.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,937
Likes: 1,925
From: NC
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Noise
Its hard to say without hearing it in person. But both of the LS6 engines I have had would tick in the manner you are describing. I think it is normal for the engine. Both my cars have been low mileage and not abused . Good Luck.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 17,103
Likes: 39
From: stop the fun suckers
these motors were supposedly to be designed to be quiter than the Gen II engines... but I think in the case of the Z06 the sacrificed some noise issues for the performance.. heck 405hp out of 346cid is dam good!!! they also omitted some sound insulation from the car for weight reasons.. so you hear more in these cars than normal corvettes... 
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 434
Likes: 1
From: Clermont FL
If it's a ticking noise, it's the fuel injectors. Mine has been making this noise since new, almost 8 years ago. No issue
Other noises are alternator whine, torque tube whine and a ringing noise out of the exhaust
Other noises are alternator whine, torque tube whine and a ringing noise out of the exhaust
