well I just went to go start it up after tightening the bolts on the headers and it worked fine. no ticking noise. Im not sure if it was a header leak, but it didn't make noise that time. Weird
Here's how to check for leaks and noises. Get a length of hose, fuel hose works fine, long enough to reach the suspect area and to your ear. I will GUARANTEE you that you will find any exhaust leak with that.