Lifter CLACK

[SuperWhiteZ]

So I had an issue with the Z running pretty weird and since I’ve never done it figured I’d pull the lifters out and clean them. After I did that, and even though the 120k service was apparently done 40k ago I replaced the timing belt, tensioner, vtc springs, exhaust half moon gaskets, intake gaskets and maybe some other little stuff but after I put it all back together the car runs perfect except for a horrible clack/tickling sound on idle and when revving but haven’t dared to drive it sounds so violent but some people say it may go away if I do...it’s almost a knock but it’s definitely coming from the valve covers. So I pulled it all back apart double checked the lifters and none were collapsed. I cleaned/rebuilt them all again anyways and reassembled to the same exact sounds. Has anyone ever experienced this from exhaust leaks??? I don’t know where else to look I’m pretty stuck and don’t want to tear this back apart again if I don’t have to but I’ve had the front up on jack stands for about 3 months and haven’t actually drove it for about 6 months due to working on it if that matters at all for the noise.

[itsa300zx]

posting a video MIGHT help. Are you sure its not the VTC gear noise. Double check the connector to the VTC solenoids, make sure its not connected to the knock sensor sub harness.