First time engine build won't fire

Got the oil leak sorted out . Took a step back and went at the basics, revisited my pcv valve situation and got it sorted out until it showed up again so I got out my trusty mirror on a stick and found the issue at the back of the intake there was a tiny pin hole in my rtv line that it was leaking from. It is now oil leak free. Starter died shortly after that due to some frayed wiring that I’ve since rectified and put in one of those handy mini starters from a Dakota that I found searching the forum. It now has a loud ticking sound and I’ve determined it’s not top end after running a stethoscope over the motor as I thought it would be either a lifter or exhaust leak forming. I’ve now narrowed it down to going away when I put it in drive when it’s cold but as it warms up I can hear it some even in drive but neutral it goes away for sure. My thoughts are after searching the forum is swell at the torque converter or my dust shield got bent getting the old starter and wiring out. Anyone have any other suggestions or similar experience ?