i dropped my gsr in my ef and got it running today.. timing is tdc, it starts up fine.. and then a few seconds later sounds like its knocking but its coming from the head, could it just be it needs a valve adjustment??.. its a brand new motor zero miles etc. first time it started was today so, its very well that valves do need a adjustment but i never really had a problem before.. and it sounds more like a knock then a ticking noise.. there are crower retainers, springs etc. inside with stage 3 cams if thats any needed info.

also my two middle cylinder's are firing alot more then the outter too.. the #1 cylinder looks as if its not burning any fuel off (plug looks new still).....

 

Yes, adjusting the valves is a good place to start.