It appears I have the famous exhaust manifold leak as I hear a ticking noise (always slightly had it, but appears to have gotten it a bit worse) not from the passenger side but Drivers. And although I don't really hear any big hissing sounds, definitely notice a bit more powerloss (esp at WOT) and reduced fuel mileage well relative to before.

I checked for loose bolts but couldn't really locate any. Seems to have gotten worse right after getting my tranny rebuilt earlier this year. I'm thinking the mechanic revved it hard a few times further causing the exhaust issue.

My first question is I plan on going camping this weekend (about a 3hr drive each way). Will this cause any undue and unnecessary wear, tear or O2/fuel mix issues to the engine?

The engine is currently in top shape, doesn't burn any oil, keeps the oil clear after 3000 miles. I'm wondering if it shouldn't be a problem to take it or better to not take it for a long ride like that.

2nd Question. What are the longer term effects? I don't drive too often, but would still be good to know (I tried searching but wasn't able to come up with any specifics)

3rd Question. Depending on how bad its 'broken', is it a good time to upgrade with freeer flowing headers? Since its being taken out and put back in, I'm thinking this might be a good time?

Thanks all in advance of any responses!

The biggest issue is that of noxious gasses such as CO, and then next would be the noise but the engine should not suffer from it, save for a possible burnt ignition wire (if it's blowing against one).

It appears I have the famous exhaust manifold leak as I hear a ticking noise (always slightly had it, but appears to have gotten it a bit worse) not from the passenger side but Drivers. And although I don't really hear any big hissing sounds, definitely notice a bit more powerloss (esp at WOT) and reduced fuel mileage well relative to before.

I checked for loose bolts but couldn't really locate any. Seems to have gotten worse right after getting my tranny rebuilt earlier this year. I'm thinking the mechanic revved it hard a few times further causing the exhaust issue.

My first question is I plan on going camping this weekend (about a 3hr drive each way). Will this cause any undue and unnecessary wear, tear or O2/fuel mix issues to the engine?

The engine is currently in top shape, doesn't burn any oil, keeps the oil clear after 3000 miles. I'm wondering if it shouldn't be a problem to take it or better to not take it for a long ride like that.

2nd Question. What are the longer term effects? I don't drive too often, but would still be good to know (I tried searching but wasn't able to come up with any specifics)

3rd Question. Depending on how bad its 'broken', is it a good time to upgrade with freeer flowing headers? Since its being taken out and put back in, I'm thinking this might be a good time?

Thanks all in advance of any responses!

the exhaust problems I've seen are crossover pipes,,and exhaust flange gasket/springs/rusted out flanges...on cold start crawl under and using a rubber hose probe for leak ,,,, put the other end of hose to your ear...

CO is a dangerous gas...this inhaled will cause you to loose control and effect your brain functions...
In a lab I used to handle this gas,,,,if it gets too high it will floor you so fast you won't remember anything..

the exhaust problems I've seen are crossover pipes,,and exhaust flange gasket/springs/rusted out flanges...on cold start crawl under and using a rubber hose probe for leak ,,,, put the other end of hose to your ear...

CO is a dangerous gas...this inhaled will cause you to loose control and effect your brain functions...
In a lab I used to handle this gas,,,,if it gets too high it will floor you so fast you won't remember anything..

That last line there is the ABSOLUTE truth. I had suffered CO poisoning due to a water heater malfunction in my house about 13 years ago, didn't know anything was wrong aside from just simply getting sleepy ... I was saved because my mom walked into the place after her work and saw me falling asleep, and the cat near death ... wow, reality check.

It's nothing to smile at - I wound up with the world's worst headache which lasted two days (I have a propensity to migraine), and was so sick I couldn't hold anything down that night - and I was lucky. I survived.

It sneaks up on you. You never see it coming.