I drive a 1991 5.0L TBI Camaro RS.

I replaced the spark plug wires and set the timing today. I should have done it a long time ago; it runs much better now. It no longer wants to die at traffic lights, and it accelerates much more smoothly.

I also replaced the distributor and spark plugs recently. I used a Cardone distributor, but kept the original. I may rebuild it sometime.

The only problem is this new ticking noise. It's not too loud. The frequency tracks with RPM. It is audible when I'm in park.

I parked it and opened the hood. It seemed to come from the general area of the alternator.

I've never removed the valve covers.

What are some likely causes for a new ticking noise from this area?

 

I'm still clueless on what's making the engine tick.

I hooked up the vacuum gage today. It read right at 19 inches at idle, didn't move much. The noise is audible in the video.


I think I'm going to try putting in the old distributor and see if that helps.

 

might be an exhaust leak