What should an engine sound like?

rumblefish360 said
Bad cam sounds are back firing or not fully firing, rhythmic clunk or bang that is 10+ db louder than the rest of the engine sounds.

Do note that the bigger than stock cam that I'm sure your running will make a louder sound than the stocker which has a lame lobe and lift rate vs. the new cam. The aggressive lift rate on the lifters at low engine speeds can be heard. And as said above, different valve covers, etc.....

You broke the engine in and looked at the oil and oil filter to find nothing of note?
Your probably good. Enjoy the car and take note to what goes on until it performs with trust.

You did match valve springs to the cam right?
Used assembly lube, primes the engine before start up etc....
All the right things .....

Then you should be good. While nothing is perfect the basics should be done for best results and best chances of happiness for the engine, you and your bank account. ;)

Nope its definitely not louder than the exhaust, up front its pretty quiet and I standing beside the car you really have to listen to hear anything, once you get up close to the valve covers you can hear a noise. The carb sucking in air is louder...And my hardcore belt squeal that really annoying me...lol The car sounds really strong and healthy as well, so thats always a good sign.

After the break in the oil looked odd to me, but I made another thread about it and came to the conclusion that is was moly paste, break in lube and wear from breaking in rings, and everything else, everything was new in the motor. I found no chunks or anything in the oil, and it wasn't gritty at all. Just kinda darker than I would have thought. The oil filter looked pretty good, no chunks or slivers either.

Yes I had the right springs for the cam, and I primed the engine prior to starting, and LOTSS of assembly lube was used, as you can see I am a tad paranoid when I am unsure about things :D

I hope all is well, because as a student I cant afford to built it again!