[cyberhun]

-I don't know how to tell a wrist pin noise from a lifter noise --- sorry.

-Detonation, like in premature detonation? I don't think so, but again, I can't be certain.

-Lifters? Maybe.

-It sounds like a metallic, rattly noise --- very similar to the noise that a badly tuned diesel engine makes when it accelerates.

-If I drive like an old lady, I never hear the rattly noise at all. It only happens at highway speeds, or when accelerating at 78 to 83 percent gas pedal-depression --- if the noise starts and I punch it, the noise stops, and it also stops if I let up on the gas-pedal even slightly.

-I don't know if this is related, but when the engine has just started to warm up, shortly after being started, if I punch the gas-pedal hard --- it'll completely stall, but if I very carefully and slowly depress the gas-pedal it'll accelerate without stalling.

-It might take a couple/three days until I can get the time and tools all lined up to try Hotrod_Chevy's "Determination of Timing-chain Play" procedure, but I'll post the results here as soon as I can.

Happy New Year to all ...