This ticking is driving me nuts!

no, its not the plugs. all were tight and all the threads were pefect. however, they were the stock plugs so we replaced them with new stockers.

the ticking can be heard coming from under the car, almost seems more so on the drivers side. up on a lift, i swear it sounds like it is coming from the bellhousing. seems to be the hotter the car gets, the louder it is. my TOB is chirping and im pretty sure the car has the stock clutch still in it (88,000 miles). also, we have installed a pypes o/r x pipe. it may just be me but the ticking seemed to be noticeable after that. it was a nightmare to install. per pypes, we had to re-stud the drivers side manifold flange. one broke and we had to drill it out and its its place, use bolts and nuts. we can not find a exhaust leak anywhere but im not so sure this is what i have. ticks in gear, out of gear, clutch in, clutch out.

give me some ideas guys. some possibilities.

i have been told the springs on the stock clutch can rattle or tick?
maybe its leaking where that flange is? pypes design seems not the best.
lift the hood and can not hear it, no real chance of it being a lifter is there?

hope you guys are right and you probably are. i worry alot. i guess im looking for some reassurance but at the same time, a honest opinion.

KT- we have three exhaust shops here. one of which, i would just not take my car to. the other will actually slam the door in your face if you ask for exhaust work on a car with no cats. the 3rd shop does nice work however they are pricey and its like pulling teeth to get an appointment. its seriously that hard.

bboylobo- same mid pipe, same year car?

buddy of mine just put a set of stainless headers on his SS trailblazer. it has no exhaust leaks but ticks like it does. could this possibly be the ticking noise i am hearing with my o/r x ? i have -heard- that stainless mid pipes can cause a noise like this