It does have a pretty good ticking noise once you get rolling. Sounds perfect at idle. I have been scratching my head. Probably going to do the manifold gaskets since thats the easiest to try first.
Let the engine go cold so the exhaust manifolds/headers contract. Get a 2 to 3 foot long piece of hose (think stethoscope) start it up and put one end of the hose to your ear and the other around the manifolds, moving around of course, that will help you hear a slight manifold leak better.