I then removed the engine and disassembled it down to the shortblock. I replaced every seal that I could get to short of splitting the block. It was my first engine removal and rebuild so it took me a few months to do it. I replaced the timing components too, of course.
So I was finally able to start it up today. Sounds like there is a little rod knock and I am pretty bummed out if that is the case since I spent so much money and time rebuilding the engine. $2300 for the car, and over $1.5k on HGs, seals, timing, etc. Not to mention the $600 or more I spent getting it delivered to SLC.
![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_sad.gif)
It seems to run fine and I took it on a few short test drives. It overheated and I burped the system a few times. I don't know if that fixed the problem yet. CEL comes on and off but I wasn't able to get the codes pulled today. I installed a new knock sensor.
Here is a short video of the initial start up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VckpQACh ... wiY9VoDt4=
So, does it sound like a rod knock? And if so will I have to split the block and replace the pistons? On Monday I will pull plugs out and see it the sound goes away to determine what cylinder may be causing the problem. I'm ready to scrap the SS soon if I can't figure this out. I have to move on with my life at some point.