[96cobraclone]

Ok guys, long time reader first time poster. My issue is I own a 96GT with stock bottom end, heads, cams, etc. I only run Royal Purple 10w30 with Zmax. When I bought the car it had 114,xxx, it currentally has 152,xxx. Now I don't want you thinking that I trash this car, it is my baby/daily driver. I have had the car almost two years now, and have had no issues with it up until this past month. When I start it a small puff of smoke comes out and it smells like oil so I automaticall think valve seats right?....but, it also sounds like it has a lifter "tick". I know that the modular engines have no lifters, but if I'm not mistaken it has what are known as "tappets"? What I'm asking is could that be the source of the issue? After it starts and runs the ticking stops after about 3-10 minutes (depending on temperature). Any advice you can give will help me out greatly. Thanks. MoJo Matt