Toyota Sequoia 4.7 litre I Force

overall i am real pleased with the performance of 4.7 i force engine and now looking forward to really tweak the motor to see how much more hp i can get out of it!

I own a 2003 Toyota Sequoia.

After about 15000 miles, the motor began making a very loud tapping sound when cold.

The noise is so loud that people look to see what the noise is from.

It is very embarassing to have an expensive car make noise like it is about to throw a rod (which this engine does not have).

I have been through the dealership and Toyota corporate.

It took several very persistent discussions with these people to get any explanation.

Their conclusion: (BUT I CAN NOT GET IT IN WRITING!!!)

This LOUD tapping is normal. They all do it.

My research and it is first hand. They all do not do it.

If you are considering this vehicle or any other Toyota for that matter, do yourself a favour and call Toyota customer support. Ask them to put in writing that your vehicle will not have this symptom. If they will not do that then take a minute to reconsider, do some more research and make an informed decision.