noisy engine on start up

[viper]

went to Clarks in Bromsgrove for a test drive of a 02 4.5 with my brother in law, and was quite shocked of the disturbing lumpy bangs and rattles when it fired up, is that normal ??, engine was cold. The sales guy had it idling for a minute or so, then it cut out... after about a 20 minute run the 'noise's' had gone

was impressed by the exhaust note for a standard system

[alans]

Yes, mines the same. I beleive it's something to do with the flat plane crank and the angle of the "V". I could discribe mine as sounding like a "clapped out diesel transit" untill it's warm. It does take some getting used to.
Alan

[kojak69]

They are all the same. Sounds like a tractor until warm.

[Noodles 4.2]

Yes an 'agricultural' feel whilst warming up is usual.

Tony

[dannylt]

Nothing to do with the flat plane crank or V angle. It's just wider clearances with cold components that go away as it heats up. Just treat it nicely until warm.

The flat plane makes it sound like twin four cylinder engines rather than a traditional V8, and the narrow angle just increases vibration.