Engine knock or valves?? Need help

[Tim McCreary]

Just put a 2zz in my 2000 GT. Installed complete motor and transmission with 67k original miles (setting for at least a year).

Motor started right up and seemed to run smooth. I noticed a little valvetrain noise. Shortly afterwards, it seems like there is a knocking when I start pulling out. Once I pass about 2000rpm, the noise is completely gone. When I pull out at an intersection, the knock appears again. Not sure if it is valves or rod knock. It seems louder when it is warmed up.

Changed oil and added Lucas oil treatment and still have no difference.

It never makes any noise above 2000rpm.

Motor runs smooth and consistent all the way to redline with plenty of power.

Can anyone help determine what the issue is? Tried gas and gas additives. It does not appear to be a "pinging" knock, but more like a metal knock.

I can record the noise with my phone, but not sure how to post it to listen.

Thanks,
Tim

[Smaay]

i would just have to hear it and most times a video isnt enough. this is the problem with junkyard engines. you never know what you are going to get.

[Tim McCreary]

This was not a "junkyard" engine. I bought the whole car (light wreck on front end only). Odometer was 67k miles. Car supposedly ran fine when it was last run. Dealership that I bought it off of drove it around after having the frame straightened and said it was fine. When I first started it up and drove it in the original car, it seemed fine to me also. After installing it in my car and driving it a little, it seemed to start "knocking" slightly. More valve chatter than knocking to start. It's louder now and is not getting any worse.

If it was a rod or main crank bearing, wouldn't it knock all the time or worse as the rpm's go up. Could it be something with the VVTi, where the valves are slapping the cam?

Any further input would help.