I just bought a 2000 camaro Ls1 with 138000 miles. My oil pressure fluctuates a little and the lifters tick some. Now before i bought this i was old school 350, Gen I, and those dont make much noise as far a valvetrain goes. Now are the LS1's just noisy or do i have something to worry about? because fluctuating oil pressure in a Gen 1 would mean Spun rod bearings. someone please help

 

what kind of oil do you use? I had some issues with mine when I first got it. I went thru the whole pressure relief valve thing and started using synthetic and the noise has gone away. I also started using MMO in my oil as well, now all I hear is the cool exhaust

 

I'm using Valvaline 10W-30 but thinking of switching to full synthetic. It just bothers me because of how loud the valvetrain is lol

 

try using some MMO in your oil... its really good stuff.

 

i have 154,000 miles on my 02 LS1 runs like a champ but valve train is loud on warm up but stops when fully warm its just worn valve springs and i also used royal purple 10-30 and lucas oil stabilizer runs great

 

What's MMO stand for?

BTW: some of that piston slap sound is a known issue with some GM engines, see:
http://pistonslap.com/

 

Mystery Motor Oil = Elixir [just another oil base crude that is distilled - You cannot create or destroy crude oil].

 

Out of curiosity a few of you guys said you use 10w-30. My owners manual calls for 5w-30 and i use 5w-30 Mobil 1 full synthetic... am i doing something wrong?

 

Just depends on temperature. If you see high temperatures often, 10w-30 would be better because it wouldn't thin out as bad. However in the winter if you see very cold temps, 10w-30 could be too thick and you'll have to run 5w-30.

Btw are you sure your lifters are ticking and it isn't an exhaust leak? The LS1 is a VERY robust engine and if taken care of, will last a very long time. Probably one of the better built GM engines.

 

Yeah i'm sure its the lifters. Idk how well it was taken care of i purchased the car with 136000 miles on it. But the kid was an idiot so im assuming he beat the hell out of it