Almost exactly what the title says, my car sounds pretty crappy when I first start it up with alot of clatter, but then once it warms up, it sounds normal. This problem started after my cams, springs, and retainers were installed. The valves were adjusted already, what else could it be?

 

Sounds like they are not adjusted correctly. Or you could have slight piston slap which could also go away when the car it warmed up.

 

I thought about a piston slap, but wouldn't it go against, "things expand when they get warmer"? I just couldn't think of a logical explanation for why it'd be there when cold, but not when warm. Also, I just did a compression test @ WOT and came up with the following results:

1: 235
2: 235
3: 230
4: 235

Seem like good numbers?

 

good compression,assuming your block is built, if the rings are gapped looser, when its cold it'll make alot of noise.. if its just stock, then its something within the head, maybe that valvetrain you selected is just loud, maybe that could be what you are experiencing.

 

Thanks, that did cross my mind, as the block is NOT built, and it only started after I upgraded my valvetrain. Any other ideas?

 

I have the same problem after upgraded my valve train. It probably normal.