Have a 01 WG that has developed a lifter knock when started; the knock stops after a few seconds of running. The engine only has 19000 on it. Is this unusual, normal, hit and miss with this year engine?

 

I had an Evo motor that had the lifters go out at 15,000. It can happen. Just replace them if your worried they are bad.

 

Bet your motor is still stock. The lifter may have weaken over time, when you you do your cam chain shoes replacement , replace the lifters with the newer "C" part number lifters.