Honestly at this point that’s what I’m thinking. It is significantly quieter than it was before switching to the adjustable rockers, but it’s still there and I’m still hearing it.

The sound isn’t getting worse obviously, and I have no sparkles in my oil. I feel like if I was having piston to valve contact it wouldn’t run as well as it does with as consistent vacuum. It hangs out around 21 inches of vacuum at idle and the needle doesn’t move at all. I’m tempted at some point in the future to just swap out the heads for edelbrock performer rpm heads, which I know are overkill for this engine, but they are a more respected quality part.

 

If the noise ain't getten worse and the vacuum is as hi as it is. I wouldn't worry too much about it. It would be nice to track it down, just to figure it out. If you epoxy a piece of thicker metal on the valve cover, I think it would deaden that noise. BUT it could look really whacky, tacky and yucky.

 

I just remembered this, if you think maybe its in the lifters, try about a cup to a pint of Marvel's Mystery oil, added to the engine oil.. Its supposed to de carburize or whatever to free up the lifters.

 

I was tempted to do that because I’m coming up on my oil change anyway, but given this is the third set of lifters that’s been in this engine with no change, not completely sure it’s a lifter issue unless the lifter feed holes are plugged up, although I’m not sure that’s the case. This engine has been to the machine shop twice, first time was a true overhaul, full cleaning, 20 over bore, decking, etc. 15k miles later engine spun a rod bearing, so back to the shop it went for another cleaning. 5k miles since then, ticking has stayed with it the whole time. 20k on the engine, 20k of ticking lol

 

Crap, I had forgotten all of that, Your right about the lifters. You have a ticking noise, I have a clacking noise. When I anchor my EGR solenoid to the firewall, the clack will probably diminish. Well, maybe spend a lot more money and insulate the engine compartment. At least the hood blankie?

 

Lol yeah sound insulation did come across my mind at some point. Might be part of my project when I swap out the frames.