1FastBrick

iTrader: (17)

If they say stock and it was tuned with stock then do that.

Compression readings are fine. Should be within 20% which you are.

You should look into the tick more and see if it's an exhaust leak.

chris092183

iTrader: (1)

Joseph- I did torque the headers to spec but I did read somewhere that the stock gaskets are better than aftermarket so I might throw the originals back on an see what that does. I heard you can reuse them but I don't know how true that is. WHat do you think. If that doesn't remedy the situation, I guess next order of operation would be to pull the valve cover and check the torque of the rockers?

2000chevysilverado

iTrader: (11)

you can reuse stock header gaskets

chris092183

iTrader: (1)

I am currently replacing the header gaskets with the factory gaskets. I forgot to mention yesterday that the oil pressure was fluctuating between around 30 and 60 yesterday with normal driving.

I also stumbled across this thread about an o ring that may go bad:
https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...essure-361346/

chris092183

iTrader: (1)

I think I found my problem

DSCN3372.jpg picture by Chris092183 - Photobucket

smokeshow

iTrader: (16)

Theres your ticking sound. And a good explanation for excessive condensation in the exhaust pipe.

SnakeOiler

iTrader: (6)

an exhaust leak will also make it run rich.

The factory gaskets are way better than whatever that is you were using.

1FastBrick

iTrader: (17)

The factory metal ones are far superior and are reusable. The only down side is the head and the mating surface on the header must be flat in order to make a good seal. You must also tighten/torque the bolts properly as well. The fiber type gaskets are more forgiving if there not flat but break down over time.

As far as oil pressure that's not far off from normal when the engine is warmed up especially with the heat from the supercharger.