Yes, I'm referring to the infamous HEMI tick. One of the theories floated on Dodge Talk involves inadequate oiling of the left rear lifters. Since the tick on mine has gotten really loud lately, despite a fill of AMSOIL 0W-30 last week, I've been under my truck quite a bit and have narrowed the source down to the lower rear end, emphasis on the left/driver's side (at least that's where it's loudest). All I know is that it is a single event per crankshaft revolution, so if it is a lifter issue, it's a single lifter that's jacked up. This is no exhaust leak, it's metal-to-metal contact, and it sounds like the dull, hollow "tack" of aluminum. My engine is running great, thanks to a set of new Champion Iridiums (no more idle surging, CEL's, or misfire codes), but it sounds like sh*t. The "tack-tack-tack" sounds like a sprinkler on the rapid return arc. It's so loud it overpowers the exhaust rumble. It's f*cking embarrassing, and I'm not happy.

So, I gotta ask: any 5.7 or 6.1 stroker motors having this problem? Cam/springs/head swaps don't seem to diminish the sound, only increase it. Since its frequency is directly related to RPM (1:1 ratio), I'm trying to eliminate all the other parts/variables/possibilities. Crankshaft position sensor? Toner ring? I'm going f*cking batsh*t here!

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'03 Black SLT QC SWB 4x4 Off-Road -- 35 x 12.50 DC FCII's on 17 x 9 Centerline Dorsals -- AirAid Intake System w/ AMSOIL synthetic filter -- Comp 260 cam -- Manley springs, retainers, & pushrods -- JBA Cat-4ward mids -- Borla cat-back exhaust --Superchips -- Mark VIII e-fan -- Red 8.2mm Taylor Thundervolts -- Torsion bar lift (re-keyed) -- Bilstein 5125 shocks (BE5-6140-T5 front / BE5-6248-H5 rear) -- Bushwacker Pocket Flares -- Luverne stainless running boards -- Peragon Tonneau Cover -- Sylvania Silverstar headlights & foglights -- Hella Black Magic Driving Lights -- SMT6 (awaiting install)

Well, it would appear that Gadier (AKA PlatinumHemi/383Hemi) and 392Stu (Inertia Motorsports) have figured out the source of the infernal HEMI tick: the pushrods. Apparently, Dodge made the exhaust-side 5.7 rods just a hair too short. This is why folks with the 6.1 rods in 5.7 engines don't have any ticking. Stu now has .025 longer custom pushrods available. I just ordered a set of them and hope to have this damn tick taken care of for good.:d/

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'03 Black SLT QC SWB 4x4 Off-Road -- 35 x 12.50 DC FCII's on 17 x 9 Centerline Dorsals -- AirAid Intake System w/ AMSOIL synthetic filter -- Comp 260 cam -- Manley springs, retainers, & pushrods -- JBA Cat-4ward mids -- Borla cat-back exhaust --Superchips -- Mark VIII e-fan -- Red 8.2mm Taylor Thundervolts -- Torsion bar lift (re-keyed) -- Bilstein 5125 shocks (BE5-6140-T5 front / BE5-6248-H5 rear) -- Bushwacker Pocket Flares -- Luverne stainless running boards -- Peragon Tonneau Cover -- Sylvania Silverstar headlights & foglights -- Hella Black Magic Driving Lights -- SMT6 (awaiting install)