Thanks aim thats very good info! The stock size is 7.800, its only got a very mild cam in it. I have to agree with Drewactual that the longer push rods did most the damage to the lifter internally. Because on the bottom of the lifter they are like new, there not grooved, mushroomed, dented, or even have scratches on them. Before I get to heads little short on cash at the moment but not for long, im going to put the motor back together with new lifters and push rods and see if that solves the noise problem, is there any other way to look at the valves without taking off the heads? I know it may seem like a dumb question but I dont have the money right now to get the gaskets for the heads. Thanks for the info ya'll

 

Might be able to flashlight down the spark plug hole to see piston damage. Won't see much but if it's bad, you might see something.

You could remove the valve covers and see if any valves look bent or damaged inside the springs.

 

I didnt wanna sound stupid if I was wrong, but I did look at the the valves in the springs and they look good, the motor was rebuilt about 5,ooo miles ago, thats why everything is so clean, I belive the guy slapped the motor together quickly to sell it.