I seem to have a bit of a clattering noise coming from my new engine and cam. Is this normal for an engine that is breaking in or could it possibly be due to the higher lift from my new cam?
After market RR's tend to be a bit louder, mine was louder possibly due to aluminum heads and metal sound insulation of some kind but my RR's are little talkers but should be ok. With hood closed you should not really be able to hear them but hood up you might hear clatter especially by the firewall where sound tends to be compounded.
The 1.7's will be a little noisier, but it is a healthy noise. Make sure nothing is rubbing inside the engine bay and make sure the RR's are not hitting the valve covers.
What is your timing set at? It could be detonation as well.
It's definitely not detonation, I know what that sounds like (more of a crackling sound, never nice to hear). The sound is there at idle, but very subtle. I only hear it as the rpm's go higher. Since it's a new engine with new springs and cam, could they just be breaking in or could it just be the 1.7's?
Those 1.7's are going to be a littly noisier, unfortunately, but it is ok. I would at least have someone check it out, just to on the safe side. I know mine are a little bit noisly, but like I said, it's normal for those RR's.
Also make sure they are no rubbing on the valve covers.