I am completely clueless as to whats wrong. I have a 97 SE 5-speed, 79K...all original except starter. I have an Injen intake, and a FSTB under the hood....recently I started hearing a noise that sounds somewhat like an automatic coffee maker dripping....I hear it only when the engine is warmed up to normal speed, or after i've been driving 5 min or so....I only hear it when I am idling, which is generally 5-600 RPM....oil level is normal, and nothing appears wrong to me....just the noise. The car seems to run like normal, but the noise is worsening....could this be something as simple as a belt or soemthing else? Any thoughts are appreciated...this is drivin me NUTS!!!!

 

I guess you have a leak somewhere. A 5spd should idle at 700rpm after it's warmed up...

 

Check your exhaust hangers and bolts.
Is the noise any different with the clutch in or out w/ and w/out the car being in gear? Tap your catalytic converter and see if anything rattles in there.