Louder noise than usual? VVEL, valves, injectors, etc.?
 

Lately I've been noticing valve or VVEL noise that's louder than usual. I can hear it inside the car while the engine is idling (warm). I'm not sure if it's VVEL, valves, or just the larger injectors. The noise is very mechanical, and it's louder on the passenger side.

Other than that, the car seems fine. Every once in awhile startup is a bit rough, but doesn't make any valve slapping noise.

sounds like valve movement &/or fuel injection. Doesn't sound like pistons moving without oil

What is your oil pressure at idle?

Do you have a oil cooler with thermostat?

Does the sound go away at a higher RPM?

It may be a simple as raising your idle speed.

Did you switch your oil brand/type? I noticed a difference when I switched from Nissan Ester to Pennzoil Ultra Synthetic.

It's a bit cold, so I haven't done much driving. IIRC, oil pressure gauge indicates 50-60 PSI idle. It's about 90 on a cold start. I don't think I have a thermostat for the oil cooler, so it's slow to warm up the oil. The noise recorded from the video was after driving home from work, so the engine is warm. The loudness of the noise appears to be the same with a cold or warm engine.

The oil I'm using is Mobile 1 synthetic, and that's what I'm using now after getting the turbos installed last year.

Edit, possibly injector ticking. I just started noticing it recently, and the ticking sometimes numbs my brain. It's a weird feeling haha.

What did you notice after you changed oil brands. Im considering using the Pennzoil Ultra for my next oil change.