thats def rod knock. Sorry buddy!

 

it was the lifters, problem solved with GSC zero tick lifters

 

i have the same noise coming and i figured it was also a lifter issue and im planning on buying the same lifters you had

question if u dont mind me asking how much did it cost to replace the lifters ?

 

I opened this thread a long time ago also. Outcome is i have owned 2 evo's already and both made this noise. Is it lifters? MAYBE But i took it to several mechanics and they listening with the screw driver trick and so did i and everyone said its loud fuel injectors. Idk why the evo's do this bu both of mine did this. But honestly your sounds louder then mine.

 

180, and well worth it. when its installed and u turn it over its gonna be really really loud but just let it run like that for like 20 min, then drive it around slowly and the noise will quiet down once everything is in working order