ticking sound - cracked exhaust manifold

[HW72]

hey-

just last night, I started hearing a ticking sound coming from the passenger side of the engine that increases in frequency the higher RPMs you go. engine otherwise felt completely normal. I had to get some wiring fixed for the rear license plate light earlier today, so I brought it over to a buddy's shop where he said that the exhaust manifold was cracked but that it wasn't an "emergency fix" but just an annoyance. I had noticed the ticking a few days ago during acceleration in overdrive at 40 mph or so, but it mustve blended in with the exhaust noise when the car is louder coming through the gears. it was previously inaudible at idle, but now it's extremely audible... lol.

is this fixable or am I gonna have to do some replacing? i'm thinking of setting up an appointment with a trustworthy shop nearby and getting their advice, but I reaaaally hope it's not a costly fix.

anybody have any experience with this? feedback is appreciated.

[LTb1ow]

Check you spark plugs on that side, they can back out.

Check that all the spark plug boots are nice and snug, and not burnt.

Check to make sure the header bolts are tight.

[sweetbmxrider]

save up for headers. look for black streaks to be certain.

[LTb1ow]

He has headers.

Could be a bad header gasket as well, or loose rocker.

[Pampered-Z]

Take a small strip of paper and move it around the header to see where the leak starts blowing the paper, then once it cools you'll be able to better examine the spot. Check for loose bolts, plugs, blown gasket, loose fittings ect. What type of headers do you have? Do they have thick flanges?

[NastyEllEssWon]

Originally Posted by Pampered-Z

Take a small strip of paper and move it around the header to see where the leak starts blowing the paper, then once it cools you'll be able to better examine the spot. Check for loose bolts, plugs, blown gasket, loose fittings ect. What type of headers do you have? Do they have thick flanges?

especially with the cam that his cars running. one of the first things id check

[HW72]

I appreciate the advice... looks like I need headers . Guess I won't be driving the Camaro much for a bit. At least if I fail inspection that buys me some time to take care of it when I'm a little better financially.

[JL8Jeff]

So you actually have a cracked header? You should be able to find used headers on LS1Tech for a decent price. I got a set of stainless emission's longtubes for $160.