Quote: I have NOT ruled out exhaust issues...in fact...I found a hole in the weld at the headpipe to flange...I tossed some JB weld in there to give me 5 minutes to see if it would shut the noise up, but it didn't....At first, I was convinced the main noise was coming from the manifold....I am still not sure, but my gut is telling me it sounds more metallic than exhaust leak...
I wouldn't rule out the exh leak yet , a leak at the head sounds very much like a sticky lifter . did you check the manifolds before installing them on a surface plate or a known FLAT surface ?
Don't rule out a lobe going flat , it will keep moving the rocker till it grinds it completely flat , check to see if any pushrods have loosened up .
Also do you have an old valvecover ? cut the top off to help keep the oil in the head area , you'll still make a mess but not as big a mess ...
