ModdedNerd

Ok I just noticed this yesterday but when it's really cold out it sounds like the engine is mocking but when I put it in gear it goes away. Now I smell a little oil and when I crank it over it has a little had clunk kind of what it sounds like when a motor is gonna die on its own.

I don't know but there shouldn't be anything wrong. Its a new crate 350 with 40k miles on it

Injuneer

Do you mean "knocking"? Also unclear on "had clunk"?

Would also be helpful if you added a "signature" so we know the details of the vehicle you are asking about - year, trans type, engine modifications, if any, etc.

What viscosity oil are you using? What temperature are you calling "really cold"?

ModdedNerd

yes and sorry phone and the auto correct.

and cold i mean 30 degree or lower, and the start up i had fought with my wife for hours to let me take it to a mechanic and so she agreed to go out to the car and listen and sure enough it didnt do it so i got the "seriously" look

maybe its my inner gear head talkting to me to get so i can say its broken to get a performance version LMAO

Injuneer

Oil viscosity plays a large part in preventing cold start knock. Again, what oil are you using, and what oil did the crate engine builder recommend?

ModdedNerd

Not sure I have been having a hard time getting a hold of him due to him being buisy in his garage cause I have few other questions for him as well about the coolant and the cooling fan switch he has running to the fuse box

Injuneer

You've been driving the car for 40K miles, but you aren't sure what oil is in it? Or did you just install a used (not "new") crate engine with 40K miles, and have not yet changed the oil?

ModdedNerd

No not 40k I only drove it couple 100 miles I just barely got it

ModdedNerd

Well to be safe I'm going to put Pennzoil 10w-30 tomorrow

Injuneer

You might want to consider 5W-30. The "5W" indicates that it flows better at low temperatures than "10W". Gives you the best cold start protection.

The factory recommendation for the LT1 is 5W-30. The Owner's Manual does indicate that 10W-30 is acceptable if the ambient temperature will not go below 0*F. The "30" tells you that both oils have the same viscosity at normal hot engine operating temperature.

ModdedNerd

Ok thanks didn't know cause I always put 10w in my other camaro I used to have

ModdedNerd

Well I opted out for 5w-30 pennzoil synthetic blend. And man was a good thing I did cause it was nasty and when it was draining it kinda looked clumpy when it was draining. Hope no internal damage was done

Injuneer

Hopefully someone didn't load it up with heavy oil to cover up a problem.

ModdedNerd

thats what im hoping for that it's not a band-aid but i have been riding around and so far so good. But you never know