Start up noises
 

I can hear a chain dragging sound is the best way I can describe it, but it's gone within 15-20 seconds after start. Stops abruptly. Minor ticks, rattle. Then the exhaust heats up. By the time the needle moves, it's the smoothest, most perfect motor I've ever experienced. Absolutely no noise or sounds all the way up and down the gears and RPMs. Rock solid idle.

Anyone else get cranky in the morning?

My 987 makes weird noises when cold, which may be due to engine computer AFR routines for cold starts. exhaust sounds hollow and rattly, but normalizes within 30s of driving.

My 986 made a scary sound on cold starts, that was attributed to the hydraulic cam chain tensioners taking a second to pressurize, but I was told by dealer and indy mechs that it was not a big deal (even when they could have fixed it for $$$$$). If it sounds like whacka-whacka-whacka, you probably have the same thing. You may be able to eliminate it by using 0W40 oil, which I switched to from 10W40, which will come to pressure faster when cold.

Now that we are seeing upper 30s low 40s in the am hearing a bit more noise on start. All is good after 10-20 seconds
I wish cars had a 5 second low rpm turn that could get a bit more oil around before starting and jumping to 1200 - 1500 rpms after a 1 second low rpm turn

I'll bet like most subjects there a lot of different start up procedures.
I know we have done the how long do you let car warm up be fore driving

My garage is mid 50's in winter. Insulated but not heated. Seems to be more of a no oil running around. I'll try the oil suggested above.

I get a rattle for about half a second on almost all starts, hot or cold. Many others have reported this and it seems that start up rattle for a second is normal and not a cause for concern. But rattle for 20 seconds does not sound good. I would replace all the chain tensioners and see what happens.

Easy thread out & in swap, right? Easily accessible I assume?

Nope..
Engine needs to be locked before the tensioners are removed....
Use the search function for details.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/16-ENGINE-Camshaft_Swap_and_Chain_Tensioner/Gp1800.pdf

Oil change early tomorrow to check filter. Sounds louder.

Would a Durametric diagnose these things?

Does the engine come out for tensioner adjust or guides?

Man, it runs absolutely perfect after 20 seconds or so.....I mean perfect.

I think Steve means locking the camshafts at TDC while replacing the tensioners. You can replace the chain tensioners without removing the engine from the car. See the article at the following link.

Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Camshaft Upgrade / Chain Tensioner Replacement - 986 / 987

You can also replace the variocams and their chain rails with the engine in the car. To replace the main chain rails, however, you must split the case which means the engine comes out.

PS: A Durametic will tell you if your camshaft deviations are out of spec. It will also tell you whether your variocams are functioning properly. It may tell you other things relative to your concerns.

So is it worth it to just swap out the three external tensioners? Might this be an issue at startup but go away after 20 seconds or so?