Strange noise from the front in First gear

[Wurf]

So shortly after I've installed my RX8 rims and 235 section width tires, I've noticed an odd noise coming from the front of the car.

1. Only notice it in first gear and it's not very loud.
2. Only notice it when I first take off in first, after the clutch is let out.
3. Have listened carefully and don't hear it when the car is totally cold. Once warmed up, the noise is fairly consistent.
4. Sounds like a metallic fluttering rubbing sound like metal on metal as if a half shaft is rubbing on something or something in the clutch or trans is lacking lube or bent.
5. I cannot hear it, or it's not happening in any other gears
6. Does not seem to change when turning left or right while taking off like when taking a right or left when stopped at an intersection

While this disturbs me, I'm thinking whatever it is will be hard to nail down until it's really noisy and totally trashing parts unfortunately. I don't beat on the car regularly but have had my share of missed 2-3 shifts. This noise only presents itself in first gear though.

This is an 09 with about 20K on it. I never noticed this noise with the stock rims and snow tires which were on the car about two weeks ago.

Anybody else have experience with this noise and figure out what it was?

TIA

 

[Wurf]

Update:
1. Noticing it in second gear a little bit as well.
2. No longer seems to matter of the car is cold or not - does it either way.

I'm starting to think it's the clutch. It could be the TO bearing, or the pilot bearing, or even first gear I suppose. Hope it's not in the trans itself though.
It's like a mild, cyclical, squeak or squeal that only occurs at low speed and at low RPM.

I think I'll check on the other forum.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Is it a "GUNK!" noise when you push the lever into 1st/2nd?

 

[Wurf]

Nope its not present until I let out the clutch but I am noticing it a bit at idle in neutral.

 

[Domino81]

I hear that sound, a slight metal on metal fluttering. Mine is the race pipe rubbing on the downpipe. Or at least I think.

 

[spdjnke]

Oh I think I know what it is now, its the release bearing rattling?? cuz you said you notice it in neutral...if it is that noise it's common especially when the car is on a incline...atleast mine does it, but when you depress the clutch it goes away.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

Do you guys mean the throwout bearing? It sounds like loose marble in a bag... You'll hear it when the car is in neutral.

If so, don't worry about it.

 

[Wurf]

I'm pretty certain it's a bearing and if you guys are saying it's common for this car to have a noisy TO bearing then that's what it probably is. I actually noticed the trans on this car, and the clutch in particular making some new noises and changing a bit at about 12K miles. It would seem the drive train on this car doesn't care for the abuse from the 280ft lbs much

 

[Wurf]

Turns out it was a cracked RMM. I think either the exhaust was contacting the chassis or the mount itself could have been making this noise.
Either way, a SURE RMM has eliminated the noise.