Howdy Chandler:
It would be helpful if you would review your vehicle, your short and long term budget, and your long term goals.
Knowing these things would allow for suggestions that are more specific and helpful to you.
The ticking lifters may be due to wear/added clearance, or sticking lifters. It it's the former, adding some kind of adjustment would allow for clearances to be reduced. Adjustible rockers are avaiable in the recycle yards as they were standard on all early, 1960 to 64, 144, 170s and the very earliest 200s with solid lifters. They are also available new at <Rockerarms.com>. You will also need the corresponding pushrods.
If the ticking is from sticking lifters, the problem can sometimes be improved/solved by using a high detergent additive to the engine oil. Oil creates varnishes and sludges when not changed frequently. Even the best oil looses the effects of additives in time. The high detergent additives can sometimes break down the varnishes that case sticking in tight places. They work best when the engine is going to be driven for a sustained period. This allows the engine to get to operating temp and oil pressure will persist in getting oil to every tiny crevice.
Lower viscosity oil may help to maintain a quiet engine.
One other possibility is that the oil channels in the rocker assembly are plugged. To assess, remove the rocker cover and start the engine. Watch for oil to ooze out of each rocker, from back to front. If it takes more than a minute for oil to reach the front rocker, you may have a problem. Start by removing, disassembling and thoroughly cleaning the inside of the shaft and all holes. This will fix the oil delivery problem, but if lack of oil caused excess wear, worn parts may need to be replaced.
Spots to double check; Oriface from under the rear stauncheon, two holes on each rocker, from shaft to out. Check pushrod ends of each rocker for smooth round appearance, check valve tip end for smooth even contact.
A freebee for improved economy and performance is to increase your initial advance setting.
Adios, David
