non-chevelle... diagnosing possible bent pushrods

This is the LS1 in my camaro. I missed a shift, and I'm paranoid about bending pushrods. Supposedly they will make a 'ticking' noise when they're bent. However the LS1 typically is a noisy engine and is known to have knocking type noises from the pistons even when everything's ok.

My car makes a kind of knocking noise that's very noticable when it's not fully at operating temp. It seems to go away when the engine's hot. I'm trying to decide if this is the 'normal' LS1 'cold knock' or if it's a bent pushrod.If it was a pushrod, it would tick regardless of the temperature right? Or could it come and go?

Obviously the only sure-fire thing to do is pull the valve covers and check them, but that's a big PITA with a new camaro, not like the old chevelle. Can anyone suggest a good way to diagnose the sounds without pulling the valve covers, or tell me what I should listen for? I'm sure there are some trained ears here that could recognize the various knocks and ticks from a small block chevy

thanks,
Brian

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Brian
Durham, NC
My Toys:
69 Chevelle Malibu
2001 Camaro SS