Engine tics at first start up and until its warm then it is quiet. The intake was removed and the Lifters checked, Push rods replaced and engine was reassembled. No change, still ticking. 70000 miles and engine problems. Although I have not seen it on this site. Others have said that this is a common problem. I have read that GM has a law suit against it for what they call Piston Slap. Its when they stick a piston that is too small into a cylinder. It will rattle around until it heats up and expands. This problem can be found in many different engines through the 90s and into the 00s. And of course the 3.1L that I have in this Monte is one of the worst. I am not sure this is my problem but its not right. You can do a search on GM piston slap and find all kinds of info.