whitefox

I just finished relieving the flexplate tension and sealing up the X-pipe, I started the car and there is a odd taping noise coming from the engine? I can hear it more clearly when listening under the car. Any ideas?

It moved about an 1/8"

Bill Ball

You should check the snugness of all the exhaust joints. A "tick-tick" is classic for an exhaust leak.

Mrmerlin

What Bill said ! Especially with an X pipe to make the SS clamps tight it is best to use a air gun to tighten them , use some anti seize on the bolts and tighten till you can see the clamps deforming also make sure the fiberglass is pushed up to the outer pipe and it is smooth as possible under the clamp before you try to tighten it

Bill Ball

Oh, I should add the "tick tick" leaks are usually at the forward joint with the headers. Were the gaskets OK?