I have a ticking noise on the drivers side of the engine. It speeds up as rpm increases, but goes away after about 4k rpm. is this header/exhaust leak or a bad lifter.

 

well the exhuast, pushrods, loose bolts are all easier to check then pulling the heads. do those first. do look a few threads down or on page 2 or 3 as there was a thread about how to check a colapsed lifter without pulling the heads. it'll give you an idea or not.

 

Put your ear in the wheel well. If it is extremly loud from that area, it is probably a lifter. Like jrp said, check the easy **** first so you dont get mad after you take your heads off and find it is a loose header bolt.

 

I had the EXACT same problem 3 weeks ago, mine was a spun rod bearing......just a thought, but hopefully its something simple! Goodluck

 

hey 770boy you got any pics of that 350 z or z06

 

I see you dont have an LS1, what heads you got on your 400, if you've got press in rocker studs that could be it also, check the pushrods for straightness or any damaged ends and re adjust the valves first, see if that fixes it, if it was an exhaust leak you would be able to feel it

 

Thanks, ill see if that works. Yes, i do have an Ls1. 2001 trans am

 

If you just did the headers, I'd look there first. My car now "ticks" after the LT's went in. It's a common noise after headers and not a major issue at all. It will sound louder under the car where the collectors are. Check it out. Good luck!

 

Also...LS1's injectors are VERY noisey due to the high fuel pressure run in these cars...I checked everything and finally gave up that it was injector tickin...couldn't hear it from the wheel well outside the car, the exhaust was nice and tight, i check all my hardened pushrods again....finally just came down to A. Lil bit of piston slap when I would 1st crank her...and B. inside the car w/the stereo off I could hear the injectors firing...

 

I got pictures of the zo6 somewhere, the 350z i havent taken any pictures of yet, its my sisters, Ill see what I can do, for it to be a ricer car I love it, Carbon fiber hood, 19inch rims, borla headers and catback.

Ill see if I can post up some pictures.