Ticking noise

94 Caprice Wagon, LT1, 96000 miles, almost showroom.
When I drive away from a cold start there is a noticeable ticking noise from the driver side of the engine that is rpm related. After maybe 1-2 minutes of driving the ticking noise is completely gone. The power does not seem to be affected. It happened from one day to the next without warning. I checked the spark plugs and they are good. The car was superbly maintained by the previous owner.
Any thoughts?
Thanks

Broken exhaust manifold bolt(s).

added later:

It could be something much worse as well, a broken rocker arm stud.

But the LT1s are know for broken exhaust manifold bolts....

Does it get better once the car warms up???

My alternater belt ticks all the time. It gets better as the engine heats up.

Broken exhaust manifold bolt(s).

added later:
It could be something much worse as well, a broken rocker arm stud.
But the LT1s are know for broken exhaust manifold bolts....
Does it get better once the car warms up???


Yes it gets better once the car is warm. I checked in the garage where the car is parked and on the floor there was half of a bolt!! Good call!! Does it hurt the car to drive it like this for a few days??

For jst a few days... no. But get it fixed before it warps the manifold.

If you look at some of the ImpalaSS websites there are instructions for fixing this.

For jst a few days... no. But get it fixed before it warps the manifold.

If you look at some of the ImpalaSS websites there are instructions for fixing this.
Tried to find any websites with that kind of info, without success. Do you know a good one? Thanks!

http://www.theherd.com/

Thanks for the link! I read it and we fixed it accordingly!

Could also be a cracked exhaust manifold, and you'll more than likely break the bolts getting it off.