SR20 rattling noise

[Ramonesfreak2010]

So I just finished my SR swap. Everything was smooth. Perfect idle, etc. About a week ago, I noticed a rattle, not a knock. It sounded like it came from the manifold/turbo area. The day before the rattle began, I had installed the nuts on the bolts that hold the downpipe to the turbo elbow. I thought it was the nut tapping on the turbo elbow but I think I'm wrong. Over the past couple days I noticed a few things:

1) It only rattles at idle.2) If there is not rattle when I turn on the car and I shift at 3000rpm, there will be no rattle at all. Even at idle.3) If I shift above 3000rpm, the rattle will start.4) If I don't drive the car for a couple hours, the rattle doesn't sound when I start the car again.

I know its not a lot of info. I will have a sound clip soon, but hopefully this is enough for someone to figure out. Its a S13 Red top. Thanks.

[zach-Ka]

Do you have any of the heat shielding on the turbo? Move that around with your hands and see if it's loose.

[Ramonesfreak2010]

Will do. Heres the sound clip. Now that I hear it more, it sounds like a knock.... I could be wrong.

[zach-Ka]

In the video it sounds nothing like rod knock. I don't think its internal, the rattle doesn't get faster with revs just a little louder.I have heard exhaust leaks sound like that too. If you sea foam it and smoke comes out of your bay, then you have a leak.

[USMCgetsome]

check your rocker arms in the head. recheck timing

[Ramonesfreak2010]

I was also thinking rocker arms. I'll check tomorrow. Thanks guys

Anyone else?

[homeslicej2]

I'm thinking rocker arms or maybe worn shims (not as likely). My main question though is, where the hEll is your stock O2 sensor!!! You have a plug in your turbo oulet instead of the O2 sensor. Get a fat to skinny O2 adapter pronto and put it back in there.