Is there a certain time frame for the sound of the broken exhaust studs? When I start my car up in the mornings, or after it sits for a while I hear a definite loud clattering which I know is the lifters because of the oil viscosity I use during the summer, and I haven't changed it back yet. After that goes away (2 seconds max) I hear this other ticking sound which almost sounds like it could be the exhaust studs. At idle it will tick for about 3 seconds and be silent for another 3. This goes on until revving the engine under load (driving) where it does it consistently. There are 2 stoplights between my place and the freeway onramp and the second ticking is always gone by the time I reach the second stoplight. This is also the exact same time my temp gauge creeps up off of its stop. Right now it's not worrying me much, but I'd like to know if it's something I should keep watching.

oh, I'll try to make an mp3 because it's kinda hard to understand my description.

 

My broken exhaust studs didn't really sound like that. It was more of an air rush sound if I remember correctly.At any rate after I broke the second one I replaced them all and I have not had any more problems.

 

The sound of a broken exhaust stud wouldn't just go away like that... If it's not a bad break it'll usually stop under a heavy throttle or at high speeds... Maybe not stop, but become unnoticable.
When it gets bad, like mine are right now, you hear it constantly

 

hmm, okay. I read somewhere that it was a ticking sound, like the vtcs but it would go away after it warmed up.

 

My car has a similar symptom. It kinda sounds chirpish, yet door opening squeelish at the same time. I could never figure it out, until my car was being inspected. I am missing one of the bolts for the front exhaust manifold. My car does it every time it's cold then it goes away after a few minutes. I was told it was because the gasket expands once it gets hot. Maybe this is your problem as well. What size are the bolts for the manifold anyway?