I tried to hold back from posting this thread but i cant stand it any longer

ive had this ticking/clicking noise for a while now. i was told it was exhaust manifold leak. i changed them and the gaskets. been retorquing them. at idle when standing with hood open it sounds like ignition ticking. when standing by wheel wells it sounds like valvetrain and when im driving and put engine under load sounds like exhaust leak. i messed with the plugs, went back to 5w30 oil and like i said i did new exhaust manis. i have no clue. any one got ideas?