My car last summerdeveloped a ticking noise that was coming from passenger side. Not a lifter tick sounded more like what people describe as an exhaust leak. Matter of fact thought it was an exhaust leak but with new header and pipes same noise.

In any case took a scope to it today. When I put the scope on header manifold near the3 and 4 cylinder can hear it pretty good and that is where it seems to originate (passenger side back 2 cylinders). Put scope on valve covers and very slight more pronounced at exhaust manifold. Kind a metallic tick. Does not quiet down when car is warm - if anything get worst (why I thought it may be exhaust).

Engine was suppose to been rebuilt the summer before I bought itbut if it was anything like the rest of the car work was probably done half ***.Oil pressure is good and car runspretty stong. 302 with performer manifold, hooker headers, and magnaflow exhaust.

What do you guys think?

 

If its not the lifters, could they have left the rocker arms a little loose?

 

some lifters just tic
if its not exhaust, then it could be a valve issue or rod guides...if they are the old brass ones they sometimes wear unevenly and make some noise because of it.