Rep Power: 0

I'm new to this car about 2 weeks in, and I love it. Completely stock for now.

It just had a head gasket done before I assumed ownership and it runs great and strong.

However:

It idles rather loudly. No knock or anything, but just alot louder than I would think. Not as loud as my diesel truck, (thank god) but alot louder than my old Hyundai 4 banger would idle.

Its engine noise, not accessory driven noise.

I assume this is normal?? I'd like some others inputs.

I'm about to switch it up to 0w20 mobil-1 synthetic oil for the cold New England winter.

Thanks guys!

 
Rep Power: 285

Idles loudly is a bit subjective, but it shouldn't be excessive. A video would help us gauge whether the sound at idle is normal, a leak in the intake or exhaust would increase the volume.

 
Rep Power: 294

Idle loud > Idle rough. You mentioned that the head gasket was replaced recently. Could be a few things. Going along with Mindbomber, the intake and exhaust manifolds had to be pulled. Could be a leak caused by a bad/cracked/reused manifold gasket or mis-alignment of the resonator or doughnut at the cat, etc. Was a valve job performed? Sometimes the noise from valve lash is louder initially, then quiets down after miles are put on. Or you may need a valve adjustment now. Pop the hood and try to pinpoint where the sound is coming from. Is the loudness only in the morning / upon initial start up? Or is it constantly loud, like at a stoplight?