I've noticed lately when I start my car and its real cold I get a ticking noise. It sounds like a rr but after about 5 minutes it seems to go away. Is it just oil starvation or piston slap? I have GTX startup in their 10w-30 which is suppose to prevent that oil starvation noise.

 

This should be what is called a piston slap sound and is probably the stock pistons. They will rock slightly in the
cylinder bores and once warmed up will expand enough
to stop the noise. They are designed this way and is not
detrimental to the engine. Of course it is best to let the
engine warm up thoroughly before beating on it.

HTH

andy schuck

 

Is piston slap found on later LTx engines (96-97) or is it only earlier LTx engines?

 

It doesn't ever do it when its not really cold out though, I always though piston slap was more of an ls1 thing.

 

I had an exhaust leak and it ticked when cold but went away after the car warmed up. It sounded like it was from under the valve cover but the sound was gone after i went to aftermarket headers. Check to see if you have all the bolts on the exhaust manifold.

 

Could be an exhaust leak, loose plug or even a lazy lifter.
How does the tick sound? Is it a metallic sound or a deeper "knock" type sound?