I had a search but couldn't find the info i was looking for so here goes

I went for a drive tonight and when i got home my engine was making a ticking noise, while the car was still running.

it sounded like a stuffed bearing on the alternator or ac pulley, but the sound is emanating from under the engine on the passengers side.
It has had this noise for a while but it was much louder tonight then i have ever heard it before.

while i was driving there were no signs of hesitation from the engine, and no other noises that i could hear.

Could there be a crack in the exhaust manifold causing this?
It almost sounded like the tick noise was happening a little over twice every second, which given the car was idling makes sense.
The noise also increased in frequency when the engine decided it would up the rpm a little.
Also it gets more noticeable when the engine is warm.

Is there much i can check for with standard tools or is the consensus that i will have to take it to a workshop?

modifications list:
Current Modifications list:
Process west cold air intake
Process west TMIC & splitter & silicon Y pipe
Hypertec silicon inlet tube & sfb
Gtpumps Gtps02 turbo
Catless up-pipe
X-force 3inch tbe with divorced wastegate pipe
Grimspeed air oil separator
Verso tune