Heres the problem. Last week a buddy of mine noticed a loud ticking sound coming from the engine. I stepped outside and he was correct. When I popped open the hood I could barley hear it over everthing else but if you listen carefully you can hear it. I know its not piston slap cause the piston slap goes away after my car warms up. Any ideas?

 

lifter tap....

i've had it...now i have to do a $2000 rebuild to replace the lifters (and get a new cam )