ls1 tick on cylinder 5 or 7

[loud2000z28]

To start, the car is a 2000 z28 m6, hooker lts, ory, LM1, slp lid and smooth bellows. 89k miles.

Since the middle of the summer i have been getting a tick on either cylinder 5 or 7, im pretty sure it's 7 though. Its faint when i start the car, if i keep the rpms under 3k for a trip it isnt all that noticible unless theres something to echo off of next to me. If i bring the rpms up higher on the trip, it becomes much more apparent. If i beat on her a little(rarely), its loud as hell.

One shop told me its most likely a loose rocker or worn pushrod, which i see as a strong possibility. Another shop told me its nothing to worry about, which i dont believe for one second.

Any suggestions as to what to look for? Im going to be pulling the valvecover soon, just waiting for a nice day when i dont have work or class.

[WildBillyT]

Not an exhaust leak? Is there any carbon around the tubes?

[Blackbirdws6]

Any chance you can take a video and post it? Sounds like it could be something valvetrain related but ignition and exhaust leak are possibilities also.

Is it there all the time from cold start to normal operating temp?

[loud2000z28]

Highly doubt exhaust leak, can't see any carbon buildup. Yes it is there from cold start to warm up, though i don't think it was initially, has been getting slightly worse over time.

Ill try to get a video soon, need to uncover her and hook the battery back up.

Keep throwing ideas out and ill work on getting that video.

[S.J.SLEEPER]

common possibilties:
exhaust leak
needle bearings coming apart in rocker
bent pushrod/s

[sweetbmxrider]

How long have the long tubes been on it? What gaskets did you use? The way you describe it, it sounds like an exhaust leak.

[KirkEvil]

as mentioned, check exhaust gaskets, and pushrods. It could also be a spark plug backed out a bit or a lifter going bad.

[loud2000z28]

Im working on getting a video to post up, but of course my starter decided to take a **** on me . So once that comes in and i get it installed, ill get something to post up. In the mean time, im hoping ill be able to pull the valve cover on friday and check rocker/pushrod condition.

Once i have any new info/videos i will post up.

Also, if anyone is in the Pompton Lakes area and would be able to listen to it i could meet up somewhere once i get her moving.

thanks for the help thus far.