Hi, I was wondering if anyone could help me with a engine problem with a 1997 trans am with a LT1 350 engine. Im sorry, I know its not a camaro but it is the same engine. The problem is when the car sits for more than two days, when you try to start it, it will make a clanking noise like when you have bad timing on a 1960's V8. This clanking noise has already destroyed the original engine. Now the new jaspers engine does the same thing, and no mechanics know what it is. I have had numerous leak down tests conducted on the fuel injectors, but they have tested fine. There are new plugs and wires as well as many other parts. The problem sounds like detenation, and if it sits without being started for more than 2 days and if it makes the clanking noise it will then start and smell a little rich. The problem is not the starter either, because it is brand new. The engine is also totally stock, there are no modifications at all. If anyone has any info on this subject I would really appreciate it.
Thanks,
Vin

Vin,
Sounds like you need to find a shop with a modern scan tool that can "record" what is happening for the first few minutes after the engine is started. If something is causing the timing to go way advanced, it should show up. Try this site to find a shop:
www.iatn.net (http://www.iatn.net)

Any chance you have a drippling injector that is putting fuel in the cylinder and causing a partial hyrdro-lock condition? When you changed motors, did the injectors go with it?

Yes these are the original injecotrs on the car, the car has 78,000 miles and about 15,000 miles on the new engine. Two different mechanics performed a leak down test on the injectors and said that they are fine. The car runs like a dream, only occasionally I get a light sounding spark knock when used normally throughout the day, but if it sits without being started for a number of days the harsh clanking will occur. I was wondering if the computer can be causing this problem. Thanks for the replys
Thanks,
Vin

try asking over here camaross.com/forums/index.php?s=5f5d216340a053c24f204387288d17d1

let it sit for a few days and pull all the plugs and see if one or more holes kick out a bunch of fuel then have friend crank it over after all are pulled and see if one is real wet,
That would rule out the leaky injectores for sure.