I Don't have a Cat. on this one never did, however the exhaust it just piped together so I could fire it. And I did have to take the air tool and wire wheel & Brake clean most of it cause was caked in gunk and sat for 2 years. When I fired it up it smoked and stunk up the backlane.
I have only driven this once since I fired it up few weeks ago and ONLY around the block 1 min. drive LOL
The ticking happened before that and still does when letting it warm up in the driveway. (till top hose gets hot, then shut it down)
Hard to describe a sound in text form but kinda a tick/gulp, so maybe kinda hollow.
The EGR & crossover tube is installed but not hooked to vacuum yet.
I am just trying to get it tuned abit so I can sell it. Haven't touched carb yet and I belive that the previous 4.0 head swap was RICH RICH , but at 10 degree inital (HEI) timing and engine around 1200-1400 RPM I am pulling 20 on vacuum gauge and about 15-17 when all warmed up, and choke fully open.
On paper the carb is set pretty close I would say?
It is warming up abit and I have a guy coming to look @ it tonight so I better go play some more.
Maybe My camera will get a good enough sound clip on video, I will see if I can get a clip.