do all ls1 engined have a piston slap when cold?

Question

i here it until it gets warm,and you can still get on it with no problems

Answer 1

Piston slap is a common issue with GenIII GM motors, my old 4.8L did the smae thing. It's more annoying than anything, have not heard of it causing any major problems, like I said my 4.8 did it and never burnt a drop of oil.

What you are hearing is the piston actually rattling in the cylinder, once the engine is warm this goes away due to the expansion of the heated piston. In fact, most cars, even everyone's perfect Toyota, have some piston slap.

Edit- It more than likely is not rocker arm related on the LS1, they're rockers are not adjustable. Could have a lifter that is sticking, though.

Answer 2

Chevy put short skirts on the LS1 pistons so they do slap til warmed up and even then if you listen it still does it on accell.Not much you can do able it but rebuild the engine with aftermarket pistons.
20 years GM tech tried everything to get rid of the noise new pistons finally did it

Answer 3

It is the pistons short skirt that make many of todays engines noisey cold. It is harmless. I have a 318 dodge that slaps a little cold and has done it since i got it w/100 k, and now has 235k. No oil burning issues whatsoever.

Answer 4

piston slap is not caused by a cold motor it is bad wrist pen uneven cylinder walls you are probable hearing valve train nose like a lifter or a rocker arm that is out of adjustment but if it is piston slap you are ready for a rebuild

Answer 5

Hearing that sound in a used car tells me 2 things. 1) It's gonna need a rebuild 2) Whomever owned it before me probably abused the car. Either way, run, don't walk away from this potential headache of a car

Answer 6

shirt-less pistons are to blame ,they have less friction than older design but the trade off is their noisy