marcello

I know I may be beating a dead horse here but I hear some tapping inline with rpm from under the hood

does this sound like normal ls7 noise to you ? or is there something else at play (maybe bad lifter?)

It sounds like a bomb ready to detonate when driving. Its loud and increase with Rpm. It gets louder/faster with higher rpm - can't find any exhaust leak (Smoke test)
Its amplified in cabin when driving , windows up. I can hear it more from passenger side in cabin.

2009 z06 with 6,000miles > Recently purchased was quiet when I bought it and has developed this tapping recently

Can hear it in this video <CLICK HERE >
Will be doing AHP heads this winter to correct any future valve guide issue but does this sound normal to you?

redbird555

I honestly really dont hear anything abnormal in that video but if you notice a sound change then yes I would be concerned. Have you addressed the valve issue in the heads yet? If not this would be a very prominent sign that you should take the heads off for inspection or at least do a wiggle test.

MTPZ06

Didn't even listen to the video based on your description. Umm...stop driving it and pull the heads immediately. Check your lifters and cam lobes. 2009 w/6K miles...could be a collapsed lifter.

LV Vette

I’m of the opinion that the LS7 valve issue Israel. I would stop driving the car NOW and get the head “fix” ASAP. You will get all sorts of opinions, but the possibility of dropping a valve and then needing to buy a new LS7 motor for $15-18,000 and then still needing the head fix wouldn’t sit well with me.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

TTZ06VETTE

Sounds normal to me...but then again I am used to a forged motor

psp6158

If you have to ask, you already know the answer. Would you trust us with over 15 grand on the line? Stop driving, have it checked, get it fixed and love your car.

JesC6Z

Apocolipse

Sounds like pistons slapping arpund because there is no load on the engine. Do the same thing driving down the street and hear the difference. .

2k Cobra

Sounds like valve train speed not crank.

More noise than I've ever heard from a stock C6 Z. When I had shot guides, mine didn't even make that much noise.

As mentioned by others, I would have it checked out.

Best of luck, 2k

BigVette427

If you get as far as the lifters, Johnson 2110 SLR drop-ins is the best/easiest way to go. The typical LS sewing machine noise is most prevalent around 1,500 to 2,000.

Must_Have_Z

Really hard to tell if it's a "tapping" noise or the normal "sewing machine" LS engine noise based on the video.

TriSum1

That sounds a little loud to me. Does it miss at all?

flyingmonkey1

I had a similar tapping noise. Ordered AHP heads for peace of mind, and as I was pulling my heads I found the culprit: The previous owner has forgotten to put one of the lash caps on one of the intake valves. Valve was beaten down and the rocker was hitting the valve retainer making the tapping. Definitely worth at least pulling the valve covers and inspecting for any damage

MTPZ06

Agreed...listened on my phone, and I heard some “clatter” mixed in with the typical sewing machine tick.