Engine noise from my 2002 5.7L vette
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 11
From: Newport, RI
Yeah man, 'piston slap' is the likely culprit. Very common with Chevy engines. I've had lots of Chevy's over the past 40 years, and I betcha most of them had some piston slap. The 'slap' simply means that the alum piston is a tad loose in the bore, then as the engine warms, the piston expands and the noise goes away.
Nothing to worry about, so long as the slap goes away after warm-up......
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Nothing to worry about, so long as the slap goes away after warm-up......
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
It should clear up as the coolant temp hits about 160°F.
Totally normal.
If it's a stick shift the drive line will make enough more bizarre noises. The even pointed it out in the owner's videos to tell you it's normal.
Totally normal.
If it's a stick shift the drive line will make enough more bizarre noises. The even pointed it out in the owner's videos to tell you it's normal.
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Joined: Mar 2001
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Likes: 24,661
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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I agree - if it is the piston slap noise, it is common with the C5.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 568
Likes: 2
From: Dayton, Oregon
Oldtimer
I noticed it the first time I started it cold. Said to myself "self, that sounds like piston slap" and did a little research. I suspect it's more noticeable with an aluminum block and maybe the pistons have a short skirt. Not a problem at any rate, a friend had a '96 Neon that sounded like marbles in a soup can in the morning, the LS1 ain't nothin' 
It's just a good reason to be gentle for the first few miles
It's just a good reason to be gentle for the first few miles
