I purchased a 1996 camaro z28 LT1 AT, about a week and a half ago. The LT1 has 4,200 miles on the rebuild and 800 miles on the transmission (with receipts to prove it). Although the car drives great, has a lot of power, there is a "ticking" noise that comes from the engine compartment when accelerating, NOT on decell. The "ticking" gets louder and faster consistent with the accelerating. When the car is in park, and the engine is revved, you hear the same noise. With the hood up, it sounds like its coming from the driver side headers (maybe a gasket leak?) When behind the car, I can hear air coming from the driver side exhaust.

I bought the car with the check engine light on, had the codes ran.

Had a p0300 - random misfires

and also 2 (bank 1) O2 sensor codes

I've changed the oil and added fuel injector cleaner, before running the codes (maybe a mistake).

I have bought new rapid fire platinum tipped plugs and wires, and new O2 sensors, haven't installed yet. Hoping this might lead me to figure out the misfires. I know my current O2 sensors could be fine and misreading because of the misfires. Will do the plugs and wires first.

With that said, and correct me if im wrong, but plugs/wires/o2sensors - will not correct any potential exhaust leak.

I have addressed a few issues I am having, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Does this car have aftermarket roller rockers? Becuase if they need adjusted it would throw the random misfire code as everytime my ta roller rockers need re adjusted the code throws out at me and with that many miles on the rebuild either way the rockers prob. need re adjusted.

Was it a stock rebuild? if not whats the specs of the rebuild?

 

I'm betting that you'll find the rear exhaust manifold bolts loose, especially on the passenger side. Check them all out and replace the gaskets if you find any loose ones. Should probably replace the flange gaskets as well.

After you get the exhaust leaks fixed, pull the pcm bat fuse for a few seconds and go for a drive.

 

When I installed my headers, I had to go back and retighten all the bolts at the heads. You do this when the engine is hot to get them tight enough. Wear some good mechanics gloves, and you'll be allright. Exhaust leaks can really wear on your nerves.

 

very true headder leaks become a pain in the a$$ with me as I deal with this all the time constantly checking them because the bolts back out all the time slowly even with lock tight on the bolts.