After I intstalled headers, a new y pipe, a new cat, and a hooker catback this weekend, I noticed louder valve noise coming from under the valve covers.

I know this is kinda stupid to post w/o before and after sound clips (don't have em) or something, but could someone give me advice on what is a normal increase in valve sound post-headers and what could indicate some sort of a problem?

(Oil level is normal, I only removed the driver's valve cover during install). Thanks.

 

you probbally have an exhuast leak that sounds like a valve tick. I would get a peice of vacuum hose and stick it in your ear and move it over the header pipes to try and locate which one it is.

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69 Chevelle 2dr hardtop blue, bench seats, 12 bolt w/3.73's muncie 4 speed. TBI w/custom harness and prom best 14.5@90

 

Agree with Chevelle. Be sure to check the underside of the ports too.

 

What do you mean check under the ports? Do you mean to make sure the header/gasket is sealed on bottom?

 

Ya thats what he means.

 

just starting to have a ticking noise to and it better be a leak because i am going to be pissd if it is not after i just got this new engine

 

It just may be normal noise do to the thin walls of the headers.

 

After I installed my Edelbrock Headers I heard the same thing. It is either the header gasket leaking of just the noise we are going to have to put up with like someone suggested. First I would double check all the other connections of the new exhaust components you installed to make sure there isn't another leak. It would be a shame to yank those headers out to change gaskets and it wasn't really them! I was extremely careful when I torqued down the header so I wouldn't have exhaust leak and I still hear the same noise you do so trust me when I say you are not alone in your frustration! If you do find what it is please let me know because after a while it really starts to get annoying!
Thanks!

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1991 Chevy Camaro RS TBI w/auto
Mods:
Edelbrock TES Headers, REALLY high flow cat, 2 1/2 in catback flowmaster, 160 stat, hypertech chip, MSD ignition (rotor, cap, superconduct. wires), Bosch quad4 plugs, Edelbrock TBI Intake, Ram Air Box's twin snorkel, all TBI mods, no smog stuff, no EGR, lots of suspention and alignment upgrades.

Fastest e.t.:
15.28 @ 89.42mph
Fastest 60 foot:
2.113