Rod knock or something else??

[1gcrazy]

So I'm baffled.
Heres how it goes. I put a motor together with a freshly polished crank from a reputable shop and spun a bearing. I pulled the head off pulled all the rods and pistons, installed a 'machine shop verified' GOOD set of rods/pistons and new bearings and buttoned her back up. I put her back together and it STILL sounds like I have a rod knock. So I get a good shortblock and transfer everything over. After its all transfered over and the old motor is sitting on the stand I pull the rods and main caps and everything is great!
No the crank wasn't scored from the first spun bearing, yes the crank checks out, no its not turned. These are standard bearings. Everything was plastigauged and good.
I DID pull off the main seal and found this:

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The metal piece was just sitting there and it looked like it was touching the crank.
The other side was cracked like that but it was still in its spot and hadn't moved.
Could this be my knocking noise?? Is it my transmission? My valves look good... WTF?!

 

[DSMReviver]

Now, don't be confused with lifter tick. often times, many people get it confused with a rod knock. if you don't see any metal shavings or rod is not loose on the crank, its probably a lifter tick.

 

[hereitcomes]

I don't think he would tear down and re-assemble twice for a misdiagnosed lifter tick.

Was it revolutional? Increase in speed at all?

 

[1gcrazy]

It was rpm specific at 2-3k rpm. I have 3g lifters.

 

[DSMReviver]

I don't think he would tear down and re-assemble twice for a misdiagnosed lifter tick.

Was it revolutional? Increase in speed at all?

Yeah, you right. but, you could take it into a consideration(it woulnd't hurt).

If all the clearences been check between the rod, main, and crankshaft end play are all in spec. And they also spin freely. i would start checking outside of the engine(timing side) to see if its hitting anything.

Could you post a video of it,... if you can.

 

[1gcrazy]

Dude, it's already torn down. Timing is fine. I'm thinking it might be in the transmission... I dunno, we'll see how this new engine sounds.
I'm gonna put this motor BACK into another project car so we'll see how it holds up. i'm gonna double check everything.