is Lifter sludge normal?

[kxmotox247]

Originally posted by 67_SS396
I have my doubts that what you or others have heard is a lifter tick. GM's newer engines have "piston slap" which is very anoying, but they say does no harm.

I have a 97 Chevy Z71 with a Vortec 350. I have a rattle when I first start it up. A guy I work who builds drag race motors said that it is a common thing with these later GM motors. He said that they use a short skirt piston which causes the piston slap. Not much you can do about it.
He also hates dexcool. I do too. I've replaced my intake manifold gaskets already and I think it's due to the coolant. I just recently read an article called "Buyer Beware - Dex Uncool." It in the December 2003 issue of popular hot rodding. Not a good report for dexcool.