[Z06] How loud is your modified valve train?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 35
How loud is your modified valve train?
Hello everyone, I recently purchased a new to me z06 and it has pretty much ALL the bells and whistles. It's got AFR heads, FAST intake, custom spec cam, full ARH goodness, the works. The only issue that I can point at though is a really loud valve train. As in, it's plenty audible inside the car at any rpm. I pulled the valve covers for my own sake and everything seems on the up and up. I don't believe it's an exhaust leak either, but that was my initial thought. The car is obviously not quiet by any means, but I don't remember my last z06 being so obnoxious inside the cabin.
So, should I be overly concerned about it? It seems like it's normal "sewing machine" LS sounds only louder. I don't want to remove the intake to check the lifters if I can avoid it. Oil was recently changed and it's not low. I have plenty of oil pressure.
So, should I be overly concerned about it? It seems like it's normal "sewing machine" LS sounds only louder. I don't want to remove the intake to check the lifters if I can avoid it. Oil was recently changed and it's not low. I have plenty of oil pressure.
Instructor
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 111
Likes: 6
From: Kennesaw GA
I have TFS heads, Dynatech Headers, Fast, solid pushrods, hydraulic roller rockers, Vindicator cam, and all needed accessories. I have no resonators and Billy Boat Bullets..... I can still hear my valve train.
Sounds like our cars are very similar, so I wouldn't worry.
Sounds like our cars are very similar, so I wouldn't worry.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 51
Likes: 2
I'm stock with the exception of XS Power LT headers and an A&A Supercharger kit. I have the "sewing machine" noise too at low RPM while cruising. Just the price you have to pay with headers I guess. However, I did switch to the straub bushing style trunnions. That seemed to reduce the noise a little, but I can still hear it. It is kind of annoying, but then I just mash the throttle and forget about the noise. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,475
Likes: 332
From: Port Arthur, Texas 77642
To be safe, I'd make sure the push rod lengths are correct. I had the sewing machine noise before and later when changing cam saw wear on a couple lobes...likely caused by incorrect pushrod length. I asked a couple shops for their opinions as well like you, both said no worries, they were wrong. If it's enough to bother you I'd check rather than have a chance at a repair bill later. I was lucky I didn't spin a lifter in it's bore at high rpm.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 35
To be safe, I'd make sure the push rod lengths are correct. I had the sewing machine noise before and later when changing cam saw wear on a couple lobes...likely caused by incorrect pushrod length. I asked a couple shops for their opinions as well like you, both said no worries, they were wrong. If it's enough to bother you I'd check rather than have a chance at a repair bill later. I was lucky I didn't spin a lifter in it's bore at high rpm.
Already had the covers off to check the rockers and such. Nothing was "off".
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 497
Likes: 156
I upgraded the springs on my stock heads and added headers and suddenly found myself driving a sewing machine too. Apparently some headers are thinner wall than OEM and they let more sound through. Since the car was also super loud with cam/headers/high flow cats, I pulled the interior out and added sound deadening throughout. That helped a lot, but I could only reach so high on the firewall. I can still hear it a bit but it's a lot better. I'll be switching out the headers for a turbo setup this winter and am hoping things will quiet down then.
