The ticking would be the VLA's (Variable lash adjusters.?)
There are posts about replacing them, might as well redo the valve guide seals too. (yours must smoke and burn a bit of oil? typical) I got mine off ebay for around $60
Or you could just leave 'em! It's more annoying than anything.
Here's a seal replacement thread (http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=728034&Main=679888), The VLA's are the things with the little holes in them above the valves in the picture.
Good luck!

Mine doesn't burn any oil... However, the guy who rebuilt the engine might be one of those "my arm is a calibrated torque wrench" guys who didn't tighten everything down to spec- we had to take it back once because the valve covers were not torqued right and it was weeping oil. I'll check the VLAs- thanks!

Not trying to tell you what to do. But, I wouldn't go chasing a lifter tick. Unless it's just terribly overbearing, it's not going to hurt anything. It's how I know it's time to change the oil <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> You're going after something that's not going to help how it runs. When was the last time the oil was changed? Did you use a good qaulity filter? Good oil? Not too heavy for your climate?

If you want to spend about $62, I'll ship you a coil tomorrow. PM for details.

Well it's good to hear that it's not a big problem and something that I can leave alone. Oil was changed around 1600 miles ago with Quaker State- fairly sure it's 10W30, but I won't say for sure. I actually didn't think about my oil viscosity when I drove from 100F+ TX to 35F in the mornings NY state. I'll check into it; it will warm up here soon though. Fram made in USA filter.

That could be the cause of your lifter tick. Try one from the dealer parts counter.

Frank

boy I wish I saw this post sooner, I had the same problem on my 97 LS with a 3.5L engine. one of my ignition power coils (controls 2 cylinders) has a small crack in it and sometimes malfunctions. when it does, it only does it for a slight while and then goes away, its only done it twice since I owned the truck and haven't really replaced it b/c it almost never posed an issue. however the two times it did act up, it caused the check engine light to come on and the code when read said missing cylinder(s). it had the same symptoms you were talking about, vibrations, loss of power, and sick running sounds. I would also check out your plugs and wires and a good tune up, lifter tick I wouldn't worry about, like mentioned, its not a big deal and is common in these mitsu engines. I actually think it sounds kinda cool.

If a stealer isn't handy, get a Wix, NAPA Gold, Baldwin, Purolator ONE... Any of those will be better than the Fram <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" />

From what I recall, most of the bad rap that Fram gets is from its made in Mexico filters, which have bad QC. Supposedly, the Made in USA, Canada, and Turkey ones are fine. The lifter tick started before the filter was installed, the previous one (I think) was a Napa.

Also, if anyone knows who has/has access to a Gen2 parts car, please let me know.

If a stealer isn't handy, get a Wix, NAPA Gold, Baldwin, Purolator ONE... Any of those will be better than the Fram <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" /> [/quote]

Definitely get a good filter like those listed above, but also get good oil. I switched from 10w30 Dino Juice to Mobil 1 high mileage 10W40 and that quieted my lifters a lot more than my top of the line purolator filter did when I put it in.