fairly new ... 100 miles on it .. it is a 416 ( 340 stroker ) .. doesn't sound like a rod though ... ? only notice it at idle .. does sound like something is hitting something else .. it does have a windage tray ( Milodon ) and a gear drive ..
Maybe some of those pulleys are ever so slightly hitting bolt(s). I had some aftermarket pulleys do that, took a grinder to the face of the offending bolts.
As was said, the TC bolts might be hitting, as might a bad stone sheild down there. I had one that was cracked but not aparent until it was removed. As in removed to replace the engine with a junkyard motor I got because I had given up trying to find the noise...
First off ... THANKS for the replies !! I started checking flex plate to converter bolts .. they seemed ok .. then the bad news .. the flex plate to crankshaft bolts are LOOSE ! I am sure I used locktite on them ?? Next Question ,, will it be easier to remove bolts and slide trans back enough to get to the flex to crank bolts ..or pull motor to get to them ?
I had that happen on my 440 once, i think i removed the torque converter bolts, unbolted the tranny and slid it back. make sure the holes in the flex plate are'nt egg shaped.
change the bolts and the flex plate,it used now,and most likly worn,IMO
I would put another seal in just cause it was down,the converter moveing around might hurt the seal...might not...dont want to pull it a 2nd time thats for sure
how are the rest of external seals on the tranny? now would be the time to service it,IMO