From what a buddy of mine claims..this isn't really a huge problem. I can't stand it...it makes the car sounds old and unspecial....can someone help? Is it a difficult job? What would be a fair estimate? Any help is appreciated!

 

lifters clicking? hm... i read somewhere before when i had my mazda protege5 that lifters clicking maybe due to you having too much engine oil.... or it could also mean u are pinging...
do u use 91 octane gas? try using higher if u can.

don't quote me on the engine oil one, better wait for someone with more mechanical knowlege to chime in on that one. but u can try the gas for now

 

Noisy tappets (lifters) are usually a result of high mileage. The cam shaft lobes wear and increase their clearances.

Or the valves wear in their valve guides, causing side to side play in the valve seat as the valve closes.

 

this could very easily be just the lash. the easiest; less expensive way to check whats going on is to take a feeler gauge and find the specs for your year model car and adjust the valve lash.

 

Moved to ENGINE FORUM.

 

My car came with ticking valves, but after a year of driving with a tune up, and premium fuel, the car is silent again.
The valves were just sticking slightly from residue on the valve stems from cheap gas, or maybe short trips.
Hopefully this is what is going on with your car, either that or you need to have the valves adjusted.

 

Thanks everyone...