Ticking/Sputtering noise
 

It's a little hard to explain so I will the best I can. There is a noise from the left side of the engine bay that increases with RPM's, I don't hear it a idle. It is a slight sputtering/ticking sound. What does a broken valve spring sound like? Should I look for an exhaust leak? What side is the intermediateshaft on? What does it sound like when it starts going out? Any thoughts on anything else?

If you don't hear it at idle and only under load, it almost sounds like an exhaust leak. Check your flex pipe and your cross over pipe for damage or leaks.

Also, get a mechanics stethoscope and have a buddy get behind your wheel while it running, apply the brake, put it in gear and load the motor. Then try to pin point the noise. Make sure its a buddy that doesn't have a life insurance policy on your or an axe to grind...that foot coiuld slip off the brake real easy! :)

Thanks kevin, I was leaning towards the crossover pipe area

I'd suggest that said buddy uses reverse...lol

Intermediate shaft is part of the steering column and shouldn't change sound with rpm. (unless you are turning super quick)

You probably wouldn't be able to pinpoint a valve spring to the driverside. And the engine would run poorly, as if missing on one cylinder.

Check the donut gasket area.