I got a 1988 GT 302 engine just rebuilt. I hear a loud metalic ticking sound comming from the engine. I think it might be a noisy lifter. The ticking does speed up when the engine is reved. Someone told me that if the distributer was put in one tooth out it could cause this sound. Is this possible? And can i just replace the lifters w/o replacing the cam?

 

Yes it possible, the distributor could have been stabbed one tooth off and be causing the timing to be way off and could be detonating but i dont think it would be making that sound at idle. If you have a timing light you can check it. It is most likley a collapsed lifter or improperly adjusted rocker. And yes you can replace the lifters without removing the cam

 

Having the distributor off by a tooth won't cause ticking by itself.

It could definitely be a lifter, but it could also be a worn rocker arm (pivot, valve, or push rod area).