Sinister_Z28

Ok so a couple days ago i started my 98 Camaro and i noticed a very loud ticking on the drivers side. So i let it warm up and it quieted down but u could still hear it. So i drove it to work which is 4 miles from my house. I got off work and started it and it did the same thing. So when i got home i put my head under the car and it was louder down there than it was if u were standing by the car. It is noticable when driving if u gently accelerate. It sounds like a slow sprinkler. So is this a exhaust leak or a sticky lifter. Just some background the engine is a brand new 408 with all new everything even down to the bolts. So id like to know your opinions. And this is the stock exhaust so i guess it is most likely a exhaust leak. Oh i also did the old screwdriver to the valve cover trick and the ticking definitely isnt coming from there.

Sinister_Z28

Seriously anybody?

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

Stock exhaust as in factory manifolds, cats and y-pipe?

Sinister_Z28

Yep stock exhaust manifold and cated y pipe with a borla cat back.

LilJayV10

iTrader: (39)

You could have a cracked exhaust manifold/pipe or loose bolt. When it gets warmer everything expands and closes up the leak some.

Sinister_Z28

Oh ok so i guess its time for new exhaust. Thanks for your help

LilJayV10

iTrader: (39)

Maybe yes maybe no. Some quick diag should show what it is. It sounds like you are wanting an excuse to upgrade.

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

Check the gasket between the manifold and Y-pipe.
So how's your fuel mileage, big drop..?

Sinister_Z28

Yeah like 12 the miles to the gallon.

omarrakeen

iTrader: (2)

you're the only one who can check actually. it isnt so hard to detect. take a closer look at any joints and see. just out of curiosity why do you still have a stock exhaust with a brand new 408 ?

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

I'd have to guess for emissions, that's the only logical reason I could see.

Blownbayou

iTrader: (7)

would not hurt to check your plugs for thightness too.... This is coming from a Lightning owner (heads only have 4 threads instead on 8) who has had to heli coil a couple of 5.4s in his day . Fortunately not my heads....I ALWAYS give em a check once a year

Just a thought

Sinister_Z28

Alright well i have since found several small exhaust leaks since i made this thread. And basically everything is leaking except for my cat back. To answer the question of why i have stock exhaust on a new 408 is because i didn't really have the money to do exhaust when i did the engine swap. So basically i have been replacing everything i tried to reuse because one old stuff on a new engine looks bad and usually doesnt mount right. So i have since replaced everything i reused and i just got my TSP 1 7/8" long tubes today. Any advice for installing them and since im using new O2 sensors do i need to calibrate them at all or are they just plug and play? Now as some one said earlier i tried to reuse the stock exhaust because of emissions but i have since found a loop hole so im good. Im just trying to make my small budget go as far as possible but that takes time. But im happy to say that i am one of the few 19 years old who has a car like mine that i paid for myself by working my *** off. Also how tight do spark plugs need to be because i have always been under the impression that u put them in finger tight then tighten them with a socket. Is that correct? Im also gonna run TSP True Duals with my headers

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

You'll need to have the rear 02 sensors tuned out, or a set of O2 sims..

11 lb.ft. for the spark plugs.

Sinister_Z28

Thanks for the heads up i new about the rear O2's and im gonna take it in to get my tune tightied up a bit after everything i have changed. So ive heard when installing headers u want to start torquing the bolts from the inside out is that true? Also who makes the best header gaskets i was thinking of felpro's

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

Yeah, start in the center and work from left to right and repeat it several times.
I'd go with stock(GM) MLS gaskets.

Sinister_Z28

Thanks for evryones opinions and advice. Ill keep u updated when i do the actual install.

blindcyde

why the question about mileage? are your referring to the 408 swap or could an exhaust leak cause a drop?

i have a leak on my exhaust i believe where the header and y-pipe meet on the driver side, and i also see about 12 mpg's.

ive always just credited my mileage to the mods i have done, but if i can improve it even a little i'm all for it

(and yes, i know i need to get the leak fixed regardless of any mpg gains, its getting done soon anyway)

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

If you have an exhaust leak before or close to the O2 sensor it'll see as a lean air/fuel ratio, which will have the injectors spraying more fuel to correct it. The result a mpg drop.