Bad noise at high revs: any thoughts?

[loudpedal]

The last two times I have been out in the Chim, the engine note at high revs (over 5,000 in this case) is quite nasty and seems to have changed. Obviously, progress is so rapid at this engine speed, I havent had a chance for a good long listen, and I dont want to annoy the neighbours by revving it to 5,500 rpm for a minute on the drive, but anyone got any ideas. It sounds like a REALLY loud, metallic screaming noise. It does sound quite cool, but cant help thinking something expensive may be wrong. (btw, I always let the oil warm up before revving hard)

[loudpedal]

Oh sugar. Tested it last night in neutral. Took it to 5500 rpm. Sounded like shit. Into the garage it goes. Only done 900 miles since i bought the damn thing. Shouldnt be the alternator as this has been replaced (albeit with a 2nd hand one).

[loudpedal]

cheers twit (nice choice of name btw). Hope it is sthg peripheral, but the car does smell a bit funny at high revs too(maybe burning oil?). Hope my wallet can withstand the bill...

[loudpedal]

cheers mate, will try that this weekend. You're right about the smell. Only smelled it when revving car hard while stationary. It's going in for the once over from David Batty on Monday. Fingers crossed....

Anyway, will forgive car almost anything.

>> Edited by loudpedal on Friday 26th April 12:44

[loudpedal]

simman, my chim's got no PAS, but point taken... will (try and) look at engine mounts...

[loudpedal]

Had it checked out by the Garage and I have bounce in my valve return springs. Apparently, this is not too deadly, but it will be worth changing the springs at a later date, say next service. I have been advised that they can be uprated at this stage. Does anyone know wht benefit this may bring? Also, the problem is apparently worsened by revving the car in neutral, and I have been advised not to do this. Now I like to give the car a few revs in neutral (only when the oil's hot tho') just to pierce the morning air with a bit of V8 growl. Is this just a juvenile thing that i should stop doing for the sake of my engine or should it be ok within reason?

[loudpedal]

Cheers Mr. Humphries, the aforementioned noise does indeed only happen at 5500rpm and over, and the neutral revving thing was explained to me in that the rise and fall in engine speed is a lot more rapid at standstill (no load on the engine), thus putting more strain on the moving parts.

Any ideas on the valve return spring upgrade thing?

Cheers

Jake

[loudpedal]

The car has done just over 48,000 miles and the bounce has only just started occurring. Took it to David Batty's and it was he who OK'd it. Apparently, it should be ok to drive for the time being, even into the valve bouncing rev range; I should just avoid revving it to 5500rpm in neutral. when the time comes for the next service, I should get the valve springs replaced, possibly with an upgrade. Anyone think otherwise (last thing I want is to wreck the engine)?

[loudpedal]

APMAUTO, As a non-mechanical sort of a bloke, I am bound to be a bit concerned when my pride and joy starts making funny noises. The owner's manual (98 4L) says 6250 is max revs, and 5500 is well below that. Do you think I Should go for the replacements now just for piece of mind? Does anyone know how much I can expect to pay for a new set of springs fitted?

Many thanks

Jake