The death rattle!!!!

Pretty sure this is a spun rod bearing. Someone tell me otherwise!!!! I called my local mustang shop and they gave me the option to rebuild (4K-6K), find a used and swap it, or obviously sell it. Are there any options that you guys have done with these motors? Any other swaps or options that would make more sense?

Sounds like you spun a bearing.

An easy way to tell would be remove the valve covers and visually inspect the timing chains on both sides. If they're flapping in the breeze, you've found your issue. I do agree that it doesn't sound good at all though. Aluminum motors are notorious for transmitting sound throughout the block and making it near impossible to pinpoint exact locations that noises are coming from.

I forgot to mention - we did pull the covers. Chains are very tight and little to no play at all. We did notice a few specks of metal (grain of sand size) puddling up in the wells under the cams. That is what made is think it was further down the motor.

The metal could be coming from anywhere. I've seen mod motors in the junkyard that a chain guide failed on, and there was metal circulation throughout the motor. It can get so bad that the timing chain will start wearing away at the timing cover and cylinder head. I actually got a cheap set of 9 thread C heads from an Aviator that lost a chain guide. I can only imagine the awful noises it made while running.

I would have suspected a timing chain issue but the passenger side was really tight and from what I have heard in the past, timing chain would be heard at idle. This is only about 1500-3000 RPM and then it stops which is pretty darn close to all the signs of a bearing.

My 96 cobra was having the same noise rod bearings was the solution


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Did you rebuild your motor?