thanx harry. also, im pretty sure the ticking is coming from the passenger side towards the rear of the car. its loudest when i put my ear right over the furhtest back passenger side tube of the intake manifold.. if my balance tube o rings are shot, shouldnt there be some fluid or sonething around the flanges? im just thinkin that if thers no leak, then theres no problem.. or maybe thats totally wrong.. thanx alot for all the help, and by the way, my engine is totally spotless!! looks great!! youve inspired me!! :-)