This can still happen with a SOHC or DOHC engine when the oil passages get blocked and/or sludged up. Thus my recommendation earlier to run 0W to help clean the passages out. Obviously this isn't the case with the thread starter since it's a rebuild. Would it be possible that the head gasket is blocking or partially blocking an oil passage? I don't think so, but it doesn't hurt to ask. How is your oil pressure by the way?

Oh yeah, my original quote reply was that I think most all 3.0's have loud-a$$ injectors...except for mine *knock on wood* My best friend claims that using 91 octane gas along with- you guessed it- injector cleaner helps with this, but his injectors are still louder than mine. Then again, I use BG 44k (the good fuel system cleaner) and MotorOilAdditive as much as possible which I do think helps as well. Now that I'm plugging BG products I should also mention how great the intake/combustion chamber works. But unless you have a pressurized container or the right tool it needs to be done at a shop.

OK, now I'm just completely off-topic. But I do agree with EB (as always) and others that you could have timing chain slack or need a better quality oil filter. I personally prefer Pure One filters and IMHO they're even better than OEM.

~R