gm 3.4 liter (LQ1) problem

[giant_mtb]

i have a 96 monte carlo z34 and there's a clicking noise coming from the engine compartment.  you can hear the noise when you accelerate or it downshifts to go up an incline and its only between 2500 and 3000 rpms, anything under/over the noise stops.  it also seems louder if there's more weight or how steep the incline is and the other way around also (quiter accelerating down a decline or less weight).  also, if you put it in N, you cant hear it, only when its in D (havent tested in R yet).  any info on whats goin on here?  im thinkin its an exhaust leak somewhere...

[93JC]

Check the CV joint boots.

[Tom]

GM engines tend to make a "tap" or piston slap sound.  But that would occur wouldn't occur all the time...