so, I took the car for its bi-monthly spin today to make sure the battery stays charged up, and everything is holding up.

I decided to roll with no sound and the windows down today, and noticed a rattling sound coming from the car.

I tried to isolate the sound and find the variable and location as best as possible.

It sounds exactly like a heat shield rattling. As I got back home I checked it out, revving it as it sat parked, and the noise happened during the deceleration of the motor during the revs. As I listened, it almost sounded like it was coming from around the turbo.

Some info on the car:

j-spec 13B-RE
Microtech LT-8
550/1680 injectors
tuned by steve kan

Im not sure if something inside the motor could be rattling, as it revs up its pretty smooth, but im definately worried about it.

As soon as I can get my hands on a compression tester im going to check it out further, not sure though if it will yield any info.

 

Look in the "post your local shop" thread. Theres a place in St Charles, MO...

 

There is a person at the mazda dealer out there in St Charles. He has a polish last name, but I cant remember his name. If he is still there, he was one of the best I found. If it sounds like a heat shield though, it probably is.

 

The Bommarito Mazda?

I thought about taking it there to see if the guy can listen to it. Not sure if going to the dealer would be more than a PITA than its worth though.

 

Tony, you can't figure out if its internal or not? I wouldn't think you have any factory heat shields, check the clip on your wastegate arm . Make sure everyhting is clearing your dp.