Project Marauder Regeneration II

[dohc324ci]

Most of you know I purchased a MMR BOSS50 Stroker 900S shortblock last year after the spark plug blow out on cylinder #4. I also sent off my heads to MMR to have their Stage III P&P done and a steel insert installed along with assembling onto my short block with the GT40 cams and ss valves etc...when I received motor back from MMR they failed to install the steel insert so the installer TPS did the heli coil.

She made 315rwhp/357rwtq. Actually disappointed in the numbers considering others have yielded 340-360rwhp with a similar combo on the Marauder. I have been talking to Billy (Vendicated) since about having him write a new tune but never got around to it. It was just too darn fun to drivehttp://www.ca-mustangs.com/forums/images/smilies/burnout.gif

Back in April after 5k miles on the motor my right side head developed a tick so I brought it in to Vendicated to take a look since they are only 25 minutes from my house. After a couple weeks of back and forth conversations with Mark Lutton over at MMR, TPS and Billy, I decided to have this remedied locally and finally be Vendicated! Mark actually offered to pay for shipping to and from "if" it was MMR's fault in assembly. Knowing they are my heads with 115k I chose to forgo the warranty and handle on my own.

Vendicated findings:

Spark plug on on cylinder #4 never protruded into the cylinder - heli coil

MMR Stainless Steel Valves were scored on a few and needing to be replaced according to the MS

Original followers loose/too much play - causing the noisy valvetrain on right side and possibly the reason for scoring on the valves...dunno

Found a collapsed lash adjuster - source of the tick/tapping (115k)

So......Project Marauder Regeneration II begins!

[ImpalaSlayer]

id be absolutely furious after dropping that much cash with mmr.

[Zack]

another common story after dealing with MMR.

Whaen you mass produce built engines, quality control goes right out the door.

[RacerX]

It'll be nice to see the new dyno #'s on that puppy! :D Keep us up to date Brian! :burnout:
I picked up Sean Hyland's book this weekend. Very good read! Pretty/shiny pics too!

[dohc324ci]

I can honestly say every time I speak with Billy the sinking feeling I have slowly subsides. The debacle with my MMR ported 4V heads really made my head hurt....lol Paranoid of not wanting to have to deal with unknowns (MMR ShortBlock) and speaking with Billy we felt it best to have him look at the MMR Short Block as well. While I have it out might as well (trust but verify)!!! Actually Billy says the MMR port work (Intake/Heads) is top notch! To bad the rest of their work on the valve train is questionable.....

Everything will be gone through and and inspected. As the project gets closer to being complete I will post up details. So far everything looking good no surprises machining looks good and components/parts are as ordered.

Some pics of the MMR short block as of right now:

MMR Oil Pump & FRPP water pump

http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad43/dohc324ci/29d6a513.jpg

MMR Stroker Assembly

http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad43/dohc324ci/a13fb28b.jpg

FRPP BOSS50 Block

http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad43/dohc324ci/cf6174ed.jpg

Manley 3.70 Bore Pistons

http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad43/dohc324ci/ad0c66f2.jpg?t=1276112208

[Zack]

Didnt FordNut warn you?
The porting cant get screwed up because its CNC'ed.

Best of luck on the rebuild, god knows ive been down this road many more times than you have :bigcry:

[RR|Suki]

I dunno why I thought your motor was sleeved :o

Good luck man, hopefully it comes out ok

[dohc324ci]

You are correct Zack sometimes Ive got to listen even though its not what I wanna hear. I did speak to plenty of MMR owners and vendors that sell their shortblocks.

The biggest problem with MMR is Mark's main objective is to pump out as many motors as he can a month. Ive been through 3 sales/shop manager's since the purchase and as many builders in the same period. This equals hit and miss.

But you live and learn and I have learned quite a bit through this exercise. Actually, its the little things that these high volume engine assemblers miss that end up costing you $$$. The lash adjuster (source of the noise) probably was probably depressed instead of letting it collapse on its own. Or it would have been nice to have them let me know that a few of the followers were loose and needed to be swapped....or the steel insert oversight. The short block is looking good. I am very fortunate to have found a shop/owner that is "helping" out. Otherwise I would be SOL. Billy at Vendicated is awesome.

My advice to people who buy from any high volume assembler (and there will be) is set aside a budget to have it gone through from a local reputable machine shop. I wouldnt buy a fully built long block accept from the hard core "engine builders" like MP/al papitto etc.. they've got rep

"TRUST BUT VERIFY"

[Zack]

03-04 Cobra Longblocks FTW

[Motorhead350]

03-04 Cobra Longblocks FTW

I want one really bad!

:banana2:

[dohc324ci]

Spoke to the machine shop today. Steel insert done. Valve guides and seats look good and all of the old MMR valves are out. Ready to re-surface the heads today or Monday. Then the FR500 Ferrea stainless steel valves go in. Should have it ready buy early next week to get the rest of the head assembled (followers and OE lash adjusters) then install and degree the FR500 cams by Vendicated.

Oh....courtesy of John (jdennings002-:D) these beauties will be topping off the heads!

FRPP 4V Blue Valve Covers - all cleaned up and ready to install

http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad43/dohc324ci/IMG_0131.jpg?t=1276328501

[J-MAN]

Been following this along for some time. Hope you're back on the road soon and the problems are a distant memory!

[babbage]

Been following this along for some time. Hope you're back on the road soon and the problems are a distant memory!

+1 - sorry about the ordeal with MMR. Looks like you are on the right track.

[musclemerc]

Hey Brian, you sould look into either running a Cobra PCV valve or go ahead and drill and tap the PS cam cover to accept the MM pvc valve grommet.


Spoke to the machine shop today. Steel insert done. Valve guides and seats look good and all of the old MMR valves are out. Ready to re-surface the heads today or Monday. Then the FR500 Ferrea stainless steel valves go in. Should have it ready buy early next week to get the rest of the head assembled (followers and OE lash adjusters) then install and degree the FR500 cams by Vendicated.

Oh....courtesy of John (jdennings002-:D) these beauties will be topping off the heads!

FRPP 4V Blue Valve Covers - all cleaned up and ready to install

http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad43/dohc324ci/IMG_0131.jpg?t=1276328501

[dohc324ci]

Thanks for the heads up musclemerc....I will have to find a Cobra PVC valve.

Update:

Machine shop done with the heads!

MS Findings:

MMR SS Valve keeper grooves are set lower than our stock valves this combined with the aftermarket cams caused excessive pressure/valve train noise and ware on the SS valves 240lbs w/height and comp cam springs vs. 60lbs stock spring pressure.
The FRPP SS valves from the FR500 kit has the keeper grooves in the correct height/location and now has around 80lbs pressure from aftermarket springs.
Hopefully the project will get moving again....probably wont be ready for the Santa Cruz run. I want it done right so wont be rushing this one.

Cheers!

[musclemerc]

Good job B. The Cobra PCV is actualy better than the one in the MM. It closes better creating a better seal. Good Luck with Her!

[dohc324ci]

Some pics I snapped this past Saturday.

Cleaned up MMR Stage III heads with the new FRPP FR500 Stainless Steel Valves.

http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad43/dohc324ci/f7487893.jpg?t=1278988513

http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad43/dohc324ci/695e02c9.jpg?t=1278988553

http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad43/dohc324ci/186fa9e8.jpg?t=1278988582

Rasputin Imperial Stout - Cheers!

http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad43/dohc324ci/b778d348.jpg?t=1278988634

[LeoVampire]

looking good :beer:

[RacerX]

That's great! Looks like mine! :D Are those exhaust valves tulip like the intake??? I wonder if that adds a few cc's to the chamber... No biggie!

[ImpalaSlayer]

whats that drink? it looks good

[RacerX]

whats that drink? it looks good
Using your glass eye again? :D Rasputin Imperial Stout - Cheers!

[ImpalaSlayer]

Using your glass eye again? :D Rasputin Imperial Stout - Cheers!

they may as well be glass, thanks:o

[RacerX]

J/K! :( Humor is my drug of choice! :D Of course good beer is my achilles heel!!!

Oh yeah, KEEP THE CAR BRIAN!!! I can't wait to see the numbers she puts down when she's tip top! :burnout:

[dohc324ci]

That's great! Looks like mine! :D Are those exhaust valves tulip like the intake??? I wonder if that adds a few cc's to the chamber... No biggie!

Valves are all part of the FR500 Camshaft kit I dont think they do.

[ntd]

Looks good can't wait to see the new numbers. a little off topic but have you ever tried to contact MMR about there work on your engine?

[FordNut]

:laugh:

have you ever tried to contact MMR about there work on your engine?

good one

[ntd]

they are that bad:shake:. Wow

[RacerX]

Valves are all part of the FR500 Camshaft kit I dont think they do.
I know the stocker exhaust valves are flat faced and those are concave (tulip). It would be interesting to use some plexi, kerosene and a big ole syringe and actually measure the volume. Those were decked too I'm sure so it probably comes out even to what it was in the begining. SWEET! I just picked up 32 new valves cheap on svtperformance.

[dohc324ci]

Shortblock there now. PTW a little too loose I dunno I couldn't in good conscience live with the piston slap when cold (too excessive IMO) and since I already have the motor out what's another 3-4 weeks downtime...lol shipping only $130 to SoCal vs replacing pistons and have a MS overbore .10 over ($800-1k) I shipped the SB back for them to go over the clearances and warranty work. MMR's policy does not allow any dis-assembly. Well I had my shop go through it and they found measurements .002-.043 PTW should be .003. Now of course this is all debated by MMR and on the proper procedure to get an accurate measurement. All I know is this project should be called project make me broke or project over budget or project homeless. Of course the down time in any project is the hardest and this took longer because of the back and forth warranty or not to warranty. I took it on the chin with the heads since all I had them do is the port and polish and springs and cams. Other than the PTW issue everything else on the SB checked out.

With that said Mark will still honor the warranty. Even will cover shipping and the mmr ss valve hmmm maybe. I am not holding my breath. The shop that did the heli-coil did refund me the cost of the insert repair and labor for pulling the head so...MMR's turn to make it right.

[FordNut]

Shortblock there now. PTW a little too loose I dunno I couldn't in good conscience live with the piston slap when cold (too excessive IMO) and since I already have the motor out what's another 3-4 weeks downtime...lol shipping only $130 to SoCal vs replacing pistons and have a MS overbore .10 over ($800-1k) I shipped the SB back for them to go over the clearances and warranty work. MMR's policy does not allow any dis-assembly. Well I had my shop go through it and they found measurements .002-.043 PTW should be .003. Now of course this is all debated by MMR and on the proper procedure to get an accurate measurement. All I know is this project should be called project make me broke or project over budget or project homeless. Of course the down time in any project is the hardest and this took longer because of the back and forth warranty or not to warranty. I took it on the chin with the heads since all I had them do is the port and polish and springs and cams. Other than the PTW issue everything else on the SB checked out.

With that said Mark will still honor the warranty. Even will cover shipping and the mmr ss valve hmmm maybe. I am not holding my breath. The shop that did the heli-coil did refund me the cost of the insert repair and labor for pulling the head so...MMR's turn to make it right.

So let me get this right... MMR put it together with piston clearances all over the place, some too tight and some way too loose. In effect they honed the cylinders out too much and screwed up the cylinders so the only way to fix it is new oversize pistons & rings and an overbore on a brand new block. I suppose since it has to come apart it will get new bearings, seals, and gaskets when it goes back together?

They won't reimburse you for having another shop disassemble the block to find their crappy work. And you're supposed to trust that they do it right this time.

Good luck on the MMR valves. They hosed me on a set of valves when I was working on my buildup.

[RacerX]

Wow... Good luck brotha! :(

[dohc324ci]

So let me get this right... MMR put it together with piston clearances all over the place, some too tight and some way too loose. In effect they honed the cylinders out too much and screwed up the cylinders so the only way to fix it is new oversize pistons & rings and an overbore on a brand new block. I suppose since it has to come apart it will get new bearings, seals, and gaskets when it goes back together?

They won't reimburse you for having another shop disassemble the block to find their crappy work. And you're supposed to trust that they do it right this time.

Good luck on the MMR valves. They hosed me on a set of valves when I was working on my buildup.

Brian that is what I am saying. They arent going to cover the gaskets and seals etc...or the valves for that matter. I know I will. I sent MMR valves back with the short block they said they would take a look dunno Mark seemed open to it....

At this point I am hosed with the sunk cost of what I already paid in parts and labor from the original build and outlays from this re-do. My primary angle is to have them cover the pistons, and machine work or? As far as trust, yeah trust but verify. What ever comes back will still be gone through. I am just waiting to hear what they say and go from there. They received the short block last Thursday. Stay tuned....

[FordNut]

Just get them to send it back with new pistons (uninstalled) so you can have it built by somebody who will do it right.

[RacerX]

Just get them to send it back with new pistons (uninstalled) so you can have it built by somebody who will do it right.
Hehe! At this point, new BLOCK, pistons, rings, bearings, crank... Have them send a new block with a new full balanced rotating assembly OUT of the block... :D

[ImpalaSlayer]

wow what a joke.

[dohc324ci]

As most of you know I had the MMR Shortblock shipped back to MMR for discrepancies on PTW clearances (piston slap when cold) might as well since she is down.

I spent the better have of an hour with Mark going over the reasoning behind why they setup the PTW where they set it and more information than my little pea brain can handle...lol There is a science to this and formula based on bore size/application calls that out. We also discussed the my concern for the PTW clearance discrepancies...well its a debate between my guy and MMR with proper tools (torque plate)/procedure to measure PTW coming into question.

MMR sets up there PTW to .0040 according to Mark on a 3.70 bore and with blower applications they allow more a little more PTW. So trying to have him either set the PTW tighter on the existing SB or build me another one set to .0035 but he says that PTW isnt recommended on a 3.70 bore piston (.003-.0035 for 3.552 bore).....so more to come. Next week when I speak with him to confirm what I wanna do.

[RacerX]

They just changed their warranty policy too.
Check it out: http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/engine-tuning-214/710428-mmrs-new-engine-warranty-customer-commitment.html

MMR's New Engine Warranty and Customer Commitment >>
MMR is making big changes to the way our warranty and customer service works on all shortblocks and longblocks. Over the years we have seen everything from holes in the pistons to engines run out of oil to brand new engines sucking up debris from the previous engine failures. There are always two sides to a failure, the one you hear on the internet and the real cause! In this business we see the install shops blame the tuners and the tuners blame the engine
builders! At MMR we understand things happen in racing and installations can go bad and accidents happen. We are taking our warranty to a whole new level. Starting immediately all MMR engines purchased after July 14, 2010 will have a "No questions asked warranty" ! This means even if the the buyer runs the engine out of oil or burns a hole in the top of a piston we will cover the labor for NO CHARGE - the customer will simply be responsible for the parts he/she damaged. Our standard 1 year parts and labor warranty will still be in affect for the engine so you are completely covered regardless of the fault. No more good guy/bad guy and he said she said! Just quality and service!

Other great changes/info:

Unlike Ford Racing, MMR engines do not require installation by a Ford Dealer to retain the warranty. Install it yourself in your garage - just be carefull and take your time! Ask questions if you are unsure

Our new Optional Extended Warranty covers the engine for an additional 6 months and includes shipping
to and from MMR if warranty service were ever required.

Dedicated customer service dept. to handle install questions and warranty questions/concerns

Best rated Engine Builder in the country by the BBB with a A+ Rating - none of our competitors can claim this (even Ford Racing!) (most of our big competitors have a failing grade or are not even registered with the BBB) The BBB is a goverment agency for the consumer.

MMR wants you to join the 10,000+ engine customers we have worldwide, we are commited to customer service and providing a high quality product. We have seen the other guys come and go
yet MMR has remainded the largest volume hand built Mustang engine retailer in the world.

Simply put we want your business guys and we hope our new changes will earn it, after all, unhappy customers do us no good! We would like to give a big thank you to all of our past and current customers and extend a warm welcome to our new customers

Sincerely,

The MMR Customer Service and Warranty Team

Modular Mustang Racing
A division of Modular Motorsports Inc.

[dohc324ci]

Yeah, Marks been posting that everywhere...lol

[dohc324ci]

Finally got her home last night 10:30PM....

What was done:



MMR BOSS50 Stroker MOD 850 disassembled and rebuilt, hot tanked with - new rings and bearings.
Head work - New lash adjusters, FR500 cam shaft kit, re-surfaced, steel insert installed and FRPP Blue Valve Covers (Thanks Jdennings!)
Exhaust - FRPP Shorty Headers, Mach I mid-pipe, 2.5" piping to Corsa db Black mufflers
Ford Re-man (25K) 4R75W transmission and torque converter

Waiting for my original tune to upload tonight. Once this is done the break-in miles will commence:beer:

Decent picks to follow.

http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad43/dohc324ci/IMG_0686.jpg?t=1287515878

http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad43/dohc324ci/IMG_0683.jpg?t=1287515878

[Zack]

How bout decent details to follow ya tease!

[RR|Suki]

Congrats man


PS There is no such thing as break in miles :P

[Zack]

You will do more harm going easy on the new engine than good.

[dohc324ci]

^^your right about that bro...cant lie...lol

The last time around I ripped a nice 12-15ft black stripes (Caltrans modification) coming out of the parking lot!

[Egon Spengler]

You will do more harm going easy on the new engine than good.
My motorcycle says "500 mile break-in" and I did not follow! haha Bike runs fantastic! I think beating on it helped break it in!

[RacerX]

SWEET!!! Bout freekin time! :D Keep us posted! :beer:

[gdsqdcr]

It's about time!! Congrats! So when is it going on the Dyno?

[babbage]

Did MMR end up making good on anything?

[dohc324ci]

^^yeah man.

Mark rebuilt my shortblock - resolved the PTW issues and no more piston slap on cold starts. Motor is quiet. That used to bug the heck out of me.

Completely dis-assembled shortblock, Hot-tanked, new rings and bearings, corrected PTW and re-assembled. In the end MMR took care of it. I had Vendicated Tuning double check everything and it came back NICE and tight.

This is how it looked when it came back:

http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad43/dohc324ci/IMG_0491.jpg?t=1287598101

http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad43/dohc324ci/IMG_0492.jpg?t=1287598101

http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad43/dohc324ci/IMG_0493.jpg?t=1287598101

http://i920.photobucket.com/albums/ad43/dohc324ci/IMG_0507.jpg?t=1287598101

Its running smooth and loves to rev! I may put it on the dyno this weekend..maybe if I got enough miles...lol

[RacerX]

Mmmmmm... carporn....:beer: Remember what I told you! It takes ten minutes, less than $15 and is an unwritten rule!

[Zack]

The biggest problem with MMR is they use Manley Pistons.
If you take a box of Manley pistons off the shelf you will find their diameters are all different. This makes honing each cylinder much more complicated.

[babbage]

Sweet, I'm glad they took care of you and made good on it. Nice that you had Vindicated check it out too. In the exhaust vid you posted it sounded really good.

[dohc324ci]

Back for the dead! Being Vendicated (shop) was a bad choice: http://www.svtperformance.com/forums/sn-95-new-edge-mustangs-62/783290-beware-vendicated-tuning-modesto-ca.html

All I have to say is luckily for me:

1. I worked out the heli-coil issue with Mike at TPS. Props to him and his co. (he didn't have to) when I initially sent to Billy while at his shop.

2. I never let Billy open up my Shortblock

3. I put my ego aside when dealing with Mark over at MMR

4. I pulled the car out and shipped to MMR

5. Listen to my "gut" and Mark.

Billy only installed my headers, mufflers, install cams, assembled heads to SB and R&R motor & trans. Head work and repair was done by Valley Machine Directly.

Mark over at MMR did everything under-warranty even when he didnt have to. Major props to him and his company. He even took care of the shipping cost of my SB to him the first time I had it at Billy's; I was paranoid and had him look at it while it was out last year. He also arranged for my transmission repair while in SoCal (cracked tailshaft) shipping to and from transmission shop. Fixed all the broken bolts, mismatch bolts, and tensioner. He pulled motor tore down and re-inspected again free of charge.

It turns out it was the hydrolic tensioners where installed incorrectly (loose) and causing the chain to slap. Funny thing was I bought a brand new timing chain kit in 09 and MMR installed. Billy said they were bad (what was causing the noise) and been replaced but apparently he installed some cheap Kragen specials and not Ford OE tensioners. Billy replaced them and said it was still making the noise and wanted to open up the motor and replace all pistons!

Only paid for tensioner, Motor/transmission fluid, and gaskets and towing fee to him from NorCal (shipping company policy - destination pays balance) which he took care of while we figured out the problem.

Moral of the story...dont listen "completely" to internet reviews and work with one company for a project. Follow their policy to the "T" and put your "EGO" aside. Too many hands in the cookie jar and it becomes he said she said; he did it no he did it......houston.....

Anyways the good news is the Marauder is finally HOME! Mark over at MMR washed her up for me and had her ready when I got to the shop. I only stayed for 20-30m snap some photos and got back on the road. The drive was killing me semis were coming over so the majority of the time I was cruising along at 60-65. Anyhow as I got to Tracy I said what the heck got to try out... Right? Bad idea...lol I flash the converter boom two long black strips 20ft or so. Satisfied with this accomplishment I proceed to home a few blocks away. 5 hours on the road my arse is hurting. Anyway as I turn on to my street two of Tracy's finest are waiting for me waving their flashlight motioning me to pull over. Long story short (pulled over for "exhibition of speed")I think they like the marauderhttp://www.ca-mustangs.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif but told me to be-careful and not to hot dog it! My wife was awaiting my arrival and got the whole incident on video! What a jackass (me). I pointed over to my house; the officer got a good chuckle over that....lol wife at the bottom of the driveway tapping her feet camera in hand. Time to break out the wallet for Juicy Couture or some Coach hand bag...

Marauder - Video: http://youtu.be/vQu-z0HAiy0

Cheers!

[dohc324ci]

Pulling Plugs (installing a set of NGK TR6), draining oil, replacing fuel filter then heading over to AEDHP.COM in Sacramento for a final tune then I AM DONE with this for a while...lol Time to enjoy and save my pennies!

[jus4kix03MM]

Nice. Cant wait to see the beast. Congrats on finally getting it back.

[dohc324ci]

Thanks Chris gonna have to plan a quick Tracy sonics or Pleasanton in-out gtg soon!

[RacerX]

That's great news and funny about the occifers. :D
:beer:

[2,4shofast]

Damn that sounds good!

[88LTDCV351]

Brian, glad things are looking up again and the Marauder will be back on the road again.

[dohc324ci]

That's great news and funny about the occifers. :D
:beer:

Yup very lucky, that would have been money I'd rather spend on mods...lol


Damn that sounds good!

I agree; I fire her up every morning just to start off the day with a smile!


Brian, glad things are looking up again and the Marauder will be back on the road again.

Thanks Bud! Soon, this thing really needs a tune bad. Its unbearable at tip in so I only take her out around town for now. I am heading to AED end of this month cant wait to see what she puts down!

[jus4kix03MM]

i overlooked tghe video the first time. it sounds really healthy.:)

[dohc324ci]

i overlooked tghe video the first time. it sounds really healthy.:)

Thanks Chris...would be nice to hear your new exhaust setup as well.

I forgot to mention Zack 2.0+Built 4R75W+Valve body+2600rpm stall=WIN! The beast is a lot more fun; chirping 2nd and 3rd just PULLS..muhahahaha

[gdsqdcr]

Sounds healthy! Congrats on finally getting her back.

[dohc324ci]

Thanks Anthony! It's been a long haul for indeed. The hardest part of this hobby I will never get use to is the "waiting and downtime".

[Blackened300a]

As most of you know I had the MMR Shortblock shipped back to MMR for discrepancies on PTW clearances (piston slap when cold) might as well since she is down.

I spent the better have of an hour with Mark going over the reasoning behind why they setup the PTW where they set it and more information than my little pea brain can handle...lol There is a science to this and formula based on bore size/application calls that out. We also discussed the my concern for the PTW clearance discrepancies...well its a debate between my guy and MMR with proper tools (torque plate)/procedure to measure PTW coming into question.

MMR sets up there PTW to .0040 according to Mark on a 3.70 bore and with blower applications they allow more a little more PTW. So trying to have him either set the PTW tighter on the existing SB or build me another one set to .0035 but he says that PTW isnt recommended on a 3.70 bore piston (.003-.0035 for 3.552 bore).....so more to come. Next week when I speak with him to confirm what I wanna do.

I have this noise as well and its annoying. In simple terms, I was told that forged pistons expand more then regular pistons so they set them a little loose in the cylinder for expansion. I wasn't aware of this when I had my engine built so when I first started it up, I quickly brought it back. Even after running it for a while, the slap didn't seem to go away. They pulled it back out, tore it down and went over everything to make sure no damage and within spec. They determined that nothing was wrong internally with the engine and put it back together and reinstalled. Its runs very strong and the noise goes away after a few minutes of driving so I learned to live with it. Recently after the LT header install the noise became amplified so Im trying to re-adjust to the noise once again.

[dohc324ci]

Actually after MMR tore into it the first time that "piston slap" on cold start up went away. When I spoke to Mark before shipping to him he said there were things he could do to quiet it down (IIRC tighter PTW). As it is now its OEM like but the cams actually rock the car just a tad on idle (you know it aint OE flap flap flap). Other than that its completely quite cold/warm no difference. It really bugged me when I first had the motor installed but depending on application SC they set it looser (PTW) for expansion from heat as you described.