[Scottb]

I did not know where to post. In addtion to my 2017 HC Charger, I also have a 2006 Magnum SRT-8 6.1 which I bought new. (100k miles). This motor now needs work. It's the dreaded ticking valve that can lead to cam damage if not addressed. Can anyone give a recommendation for a good engine shop in SoCal. I am in Long Beach, but I could explore LA, Orange, and possibly further south.
Thanks.

 

[NoScat]

Best wishes!!!

 

[16GoManGoHC]

With 100,000 miles on the engine your best bet is going to be a new long block. The money in labor you’ll spend to refresh and replace what needs work in your engine would be better spent on new parts, as you may already have cam damage. Where to get it done at out there??? You handy enough to change a engine? It’s not that difficult.

 

[16GoManGoHC]

Like this, year won’t matter much, motor mount locations the same, You just want the block and heads and swap over your other parts onto it

 

[SickToo]

Guessing if he could swap engines he would not have asked for a shop referral. Unfortunately a lot of the shops got so backed up during covid that they are no longer doing engine swaps, but turning them away and doing a bunch of the smaller jobs instead. Your gonna have to call around til you find someone willing and affordable. Keep in mind the heads will need to be rebuilt too and sometimes unseen issues do arise. Try Harv’s Performance in Whittier (562) 762-6397

 

[6lbSsFt]

Just a question? Do you know if it’s definitely the valves ticking? I have a 2012 Hemi Durango and had “the tick” it wound up being a leaking exhaust manifold.

 

[16GoManGoHC]

Just a question? Do you know if it’s definitely the valves ticking? I have a 2012 Hemi Durango and had “the tick” it wound up being a leaking exhaust manifold.

Agee here, I installed a set of JBA shorty headers that had a leak and it made a tick tick tick sound just like a lifter tick, JBA sent me a replacement header, replaced the header and tick was gone. Maybe you just have a gasket leak? That would be a MUCH cheaper fix!!!

 

[Scottb]

Thanks everyone. I know my 2006 Magnum SRT 8 is not a "rare" car, but isn't it best to have a "numbers matching" engine? I really would like to have someone who knows their way around the 6.1 at least make a diagnosis.

 

[hmk123]

My 2010 Challenger R/T has a ticking sound at startup but it goes away after a few minutes. I was told it is the lifters and this is common and ok? How do you distinguish between the “ticking“ sounds?

I am in Northern CA and we have Dodge dealership with a pretty big service department. So I would take mine there. But otherwise might want to try a shop that does LX engine work like installing super chargers and such?

 

[BigDaddyEureka]

If you can live without the numbers matching side of things, @16GoManGoHC has a good point that buying a long block and swapping is probably the best way to go.

2nd choice would be swap the long block and pay the core charge to keep your numbers matching engine. You can always rebuild it later if that turns out to be something you want to do.

Finally, can you live with the car down for a while? If so there are great national shops where you could get in the queue and get a high quality rebuild on your core if the SoCal shops are all backed up.

Unfortunately I can't help with the SoCal scene but have had to think through some similar options on our 5.7L R/T AWD Charger. If I had to, I'd rebuild it myself since I don't need it as a daily driver. That said, we're at 125k miles and going strong!

 

[2ndAmend]

Another alternative: Just drive it.

First, GMG is right, an exhaust leak can sound just like a lifter, make sure.

A simple tick on an old engine I would ignore as much as possible. If it turns into a loud clacking at high speed, you should have it done. My 79 Camaro had one of the cams that was quenched in a tank full of sludge and the back 2 lobes were soft and wore out quickly. (After the 12k warranty!!! ). No choice but to do the replacement.

My Wrangler on the other hand has been ticking for maybe 10 years, mostly at start-up when cold. Research indicated the rear lifters get gunked up. Many years of Rislone and diesel oil have pretty much solved the issue.

Summary: If it’s a minor tick on an old car, live with it, you might get another 50k mi. If it goes from tick to loud clack at speed, change the cam and lifters.

Let us know how it turns out. I hate threads that end with us never knowing!

 

[Scottb]

Another alternative: Just drive it.

First, GMG is right, an exhaust leak can sound just like a lifter, make sure.

A simple tick on an old engine I would ignore as much as possible. If it turns into a loud clacking at high speed, you should have it done. My 79 Camaro had one of the cams that was quenched in a tank full of sludge and the back 2 lobes were soft and wore out quickly. (After the 12k warranty!!! ). No choice but to do the replacement.

My Wrangler on the other hand has been ticking for maybe 10 years, mostly at start-up when cold. Research indicated the rear lifters get gunked up. Many years of Rislone and diesel oil have pretty much solved the issue.

Summary: If it’s a minor tick on an old car, live with it, you might get another 50k mi. If it goes from tick to loud clack at speed, change the cam and lifters.

Let us know how it turns out. I hate threads that end with us never knowing!

Hey thanks for the post. I'm going to take your advice and continue to use it. The SRT-8 Magnum has been called a fast grocery getter. I usually hate using the Hellcat for that sort of thing.
The poor old girl - I always called the Magnum "Maggie" - she has taken care of me and my family for so many years; and, usually without much complaint. I think that will be the end of story - but I will be on the lookout for a 6.1 hemi diagnostician. If there is more to say, I will add to the thread. Best to all for all those who responded.

 

[GNBRETT]

It could just be ur lifters bro. I would get it examined and properly diagnosed before I made any drastic decisions like a new motor. Put some thicker 10w-40 oil in it and see if the tick goes away.