I'm having some issues with a very loud ticking noise that increases with higher RPM's and i'm almost sold that its a lifter. I watched another member on youtube who had the same issue and my ticking sounds almost the same. Its a LS1 from a stock 98 T/A, just redid the oil pump and timing and when i buttoned it back up it started its crap. Its on the passenger side and didn't see any damage to the rockers when i pulled the valvecover..
I want to replace the lifters, rockers, and pushrods and go the cheapest route possible and get a good quality part.. Who can i turn to? Money is very tight. Remember its stock too.

 

I just recently changed some pushrods on a buddies 98 due to ticking/tapping noise turned out to be nothing more than 3 bent pushrods, once the change the motor sounds smooth and quiet.
Edit: Almost forgot, since its simple and easy to check those I'd pull the valve covers and see. If that turns out good may have to pull the heads and replace lifters/trays. Make sure you go for aftermarket PR's also.