Driver side ticking noise now with VIDEO!
 

So heres the noise, it goes up with RPM as long as im pressing the gas pedal pretty hard, if i go slowly up you cant hear it, only becomes audible under heavier acceleration

Sounds like an exhaust leak to me

its not. thats what i thought at first, but after thoroughly checking everything, theres no evidence of any exhaust leaks or rust for that matter

You can have a leak with no rust. In addition, if it is a some what new or very small leak, you may not be able to see the evidence if there is any. Just food for thought. Good luck

its nice and clean down there, and with a cold engine i had my hand down there and felt no air movement

Could it be cat rattle? Sounds like a milder form of what i have.

I second that. Go to any reputable muffler shop and you can get the catalytic converters replaced for less than $1000. I had both of mine replaced for $500, .

quote So heres the noise, it goes up with RPM as long as im pressing the gas pedal pretty hard, if i go slowly up you cant hear it, only becomes audible under heavier acceleration. unquote.

To me, sounds like one of the rotating parts driven by the belt---lift the hood and get an adult person to play with the accelerator while you focus on the location of the noise.

100% it's the 2-parts metal exhaust flange, between exhaust manifold and head.

I had the same noise, flange was looking perfect (metal shine) but it was compressed and losing exhaust gases by age.

Replace it, easy.