I finally have the LS/VTEC in the EG and after geting it running noticed what sounds like valve train tapping. It's not really loud, but certainly loud enough to hear. The engine has ITR pistons with the stage 2 cams, cam gears at zero. I adjusted the valve clearances to the factory specs, but am wondering if the Skunk2 cams require less clearance?

 

Stock valve lash clearance is correct. Check your ignition timing. Cam gears may not be aligned correctly, therefore you have might have skipped a tooth and thus the tapping noise.

 

I'm pretty sure it's all on there correctly per the service manual and it seems to run just fine, nice response and not down on power as I would expect from a slipped belt. I haven't really driven it much, just enough to sort out any MIL codes. I did just notice the exhaust gear is set at 2 degrees retarded, I wonder if that would throw off the exhaust valve clearances. I'll set that right in the morning and drive it around some more this week and see if it changes any. Oh yeah and I'll set the timing, as I just put the distributor in the middle to get it running. thanks

 

You need to use a timing gun to check the ignition timing. Putting the distributor in the middle does not tell you where you are at. You need to find out your ignition timing.

 

Yeah I need to put the timing light on it as soon as I can. Rechecked the valve clearances and they were bit loose on some so I redid them and it is noticeably quieter. Still a little louder than I thought it would be but I think the RC injectors are pretty loud so that may be contributing to the noise, as well as the exhaust leak after the header...thanks