Pinging noise in C6 LS3? Normal?
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Pinging noise in C6 LS3? Normal?
Hello, looking for some ideas. Wondering if the attached videos showcase a noise that shouldn’t exist. When I bought the car, it was already tuned. It also has long tube headers. Currently running 93 octane, which is what the previous owner said it was tuned for. Is this noise normal? Is it knock?
it also sounds like a sewing machine when driving, but that’s hard to pickup on video. Also curious if you’re supposed to hear that much valve train noise on these cars. I’m a newbie so any information is extremely valuable.
thanks
it also sounds like a sewing machine when driving, but that’s hard to pickup on video. Also curious if you’re supposed to hear that much valve train noise on these cars. I’m a newbie so any information is extremely valuable.
thanks
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 1,754
Likes: 659
It sounds like an LS3 with headers. The tinging noise sounds like typical header noise and some valve train noise. Nothing sounds out of the ordinary.
We know the engine had mods done to it (header, tune). Did it have a cam installed? If so, did they change the lifters, springs and rockers?
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Definitely NOT a knock.
It sounds like an LS3 with headers. The tinging noise sounds like typical header noise and some valve train noise. Nothing sounds out of the ordinary.
We know the engine had mods done to it (header, tune). Did it have a cam installed? If so, did they change the lifters, springs and rockers?
It sounds like an LS3 with headers. The tinging noise sounds like typical header noise and some valve train noise. Nothing sounds out of the ordinary.
We know the engine had mods done to it (header, tune). Did it have a cam installed? If so, did they change the lifters, springs and rockers?
no cams. Only bolt ons. Little bit of a relief to hear this is all normal noises. This is the largest displacement engine I’ve had, so perhaps the sheer size/noise of the valve train is unusual for me.
CF Community Team
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Pittsburgh
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The LS engines do sound like a sewing machine & if you are running 93 octane you should not have any knock issues
Last edited by 449er; May 21, 2026 at 06:10 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,283
Likes: 953
From: Carlsbad Ca
OP- welcome to the site.
Sometimes a "knock" can actually be an exhaust leak, so take a look there. Start at the heads and work your way back.
If all your gauges are reading normally, then I wouldn't worry about it.
Oil pressure "around" 35-45PSI when hot?
Coolant "around" 195-210ish? when hot?
Sometimes a "knock" can actually be an exhaust leak, so take a look there. Start at the heads and work your way back.
If all your gauges are reading normally, then I wouldn't worry about it.
Oil pressure "around" 35-45PSI when hot?
Coolant "around" 195-210ish? when hot?
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
OP- welcome to the site.
Sometimes a "knock" can actually be an exhaust leak, so take a look there. Start at the heads and work your way back.
If all your gauges are reading normally, then I wouldn't worry about it.
Oil pressure "around" 35-45PSI when hot?
Coolant "around" 195-210ish? when hot?
Sometimes a "knock" can actually be an exhaust leak, so take a look there. Start at the heads and work your way back.
If all your gauges are reading normally, then I wouldn't worry about it.
Oil pressure "around" 35-45PSI when hot?
Coolant "around" 195-210ish? when hot?
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,647
Likes: 1,832
From: Erlanger, Kentucky
Sounds perfectly normal and is a healthy engine.
LS is notorious for sounding like a sewing machine. And that noise gets magnified by the thin metal of long tube headers. The sound can be very noticeable at certain rpm’s when driving but again it is completely normal.
LS is notorious for sounding like a sewing machine. And that noise gets magnified by the thin metal of long tube headers. The sound can be very noticeable at certain rpm’s when driving but again it is completely normal.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,933
Likes: 1,125
From: Peoria, AZ
2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Stainless headers have a tendency to crack. Check them out to see if there is a crack which will create not only a ticking sound sounding even more like the "sewing machine" noise you described..
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