As to the ticking lifters, don't forget that there are other common sources of ticking .... such as
1) rockers hitting the retainers,
2) pushrods hitting the pushrod tubes
3) pushrod ends not matching the sockets
4) rocker to rocker slap
5) exhaust header leaking
6) not lashing correctly.
7) a rocker arm hitting the oil-Baffle in the VC under the PCV or oil-filler cap.
10) I suppose I should add insufficient piston to valve or piston to head clearances