After I replaced the VTCs on my first VE, I found a noise that I hadn't heard before- The VTCs were too loud to hear it before. To describe it as best I can, it occurs under light throttle between 2-4000 RPM. Either the eingine is too loud higher than that, or it doesn't "have time" to occur at higher speeds. It happens when revving in neutral from idle to that RPM range and especially if revving up and down in between 2- 4K. It's a 5-speed- so it's most noticable between shifts when lifting the throttle- but not while accelerating and not during closed throttle deceleration. If- say- I run 2nd up to 30 MPH and then hold it at that speed at light throttle, it makes the noise. I can also just hear it over road noise on level highway cruising at ~3000 RPM- again: light throttle.

After I did the VTCs on my second VE (auto), I hear the same thing (maybe a little less but still significant)- it's also most noticeable during shifts- so both engines make this noise. I have hooked up to the computer and deactivated one cylinder at a time and revved to make the noise: seems (IIRC) I can hear significantly less noise when #5 is cut, and a bit less when #2 is cut on both engines- I guess that's a clue. BTW- doesn't matter if the engines are hot or cold.

Yes- I supect it's a rod issue (upper? lower?), but the same noise with the same cylinders on both engines?? Otherwise, both engines run great, are clean, and use like almost no oil. Does this ring a bell with anyone?

Hah! I like your sig. lol Mine did something like this after I screwed with my VTCs (still wish I hadn't). Its a slight timing issue.

What do you mean "timing issue"?

With mine the exhaust cam was off a tooth.