Hey everyone. I want to first say that I really enjoy these message boards. I've spent many a night and day reading them. I'm glad that people take their time to help or give advice to others here.

I'll get right to my problem. I had a new engine put in my 85 camaro by a reputable shop. It previously was an lg4. I bought the new GM Goodwrench 350 that was rated at 290 hp from Jegs. I babied the car around trying to get everything broken in.
After driving it a little (maybe 50 miles) I changed the oil. I noticed quite a bit of mettalic shavings in the oil but thought nothing of it since it was a new engine. Put 10w30 and a new filter.

I Babied around for a few weeks and changed the oil again. Noticed a few metal shavings again in the oil, thought that maybe its still getting broken in. Anyways I drove the car to the beach and back and put a few miles. After I got back one morning when it was cooler I cranked the car and to my utter dismay I noticed what I would describe as a 'knock'. It only knocks when cold (like after the car has sat over night). Some mornings when its warmer it doesn't knock at all that I can tell. It's a wierd knock, it dosent knock when it sits at idle 600-800ish but it knocks when you give it gas and gets louder and faster untill you reach 2500ish then it seems like it goes away. It completely goes away once warmed up. I changed the oil again that night and noticed that there were still a few metallic shavings in the oil. Not having any other means of transportation I decided to keep driving the car. After driving for a month (about 2000miles) with no major problems besides the occasonal cold knock. I decided to change the oil. I was very happy as I didn't see any metal shavings this time. I'm really worried about my new engine as it has pretty much sucked my wallet dry. The knock is only audiable from inside the car also. I've tried standing over the engine and can't really hear anything. The knock is kind of like a dull thumping.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

-Jon

 

Welcome aboard.

I'd suggest having an oil analysis performed. Just because you can't see metal doesn't mean there isn't enough there to be evidence of a problem.

Don't wait too long. The engine warranty doesn't last forever. Hopefully the labor will be covered as well.

 

Metallic shavings that got past the filter is not a good sign. I can't say that there was ever VISIBLE metal in the oil even on new motors I've built.