I've had a leak since putting on my new sd headers and I can't seem to figure out where it is. I put band clamps on all my joints, used felpro gaskets, and have gone back through inspecting, making sure everythings tight, tried some rtv on the vband when I thought that might be the culprit, replaced the catback flange (which was leaking as well but wasnt the source of the problem) but still the damn ticking noise persists..

I'm pretty much out of ideas at this point, I've tried basically everything I could think of, the only spots I haven't really checked are manifolds and flex. I don't really see any evidence of leaking anywhere, though its hard to see the rear manifold and back of the crossover without rocking the engine forward. Being brand new headers id assume my flex would be fine. I was also told by a friend manifold leaks are really obvious, and I can't hear the leak at idle or low rpm, only when I get on the gas a bit, so I kind of ruled that out too, but who knows.

so are there any tricks that could help me with trying to figure this out? any input that might help me find the problem is appreciated