So I noticed that the lifters are ticking on my car. I have a 305 V8 with a 4BBL carb. I have been running high octane gas in it for the last week. Still ticks when I get on the gas or the engine is under strain. You know when I'm driving uphill or something. Is there anything I can do? Please help!!!

by lifter ticking do you mean "strange noise i have no idea what it is"? if it's a lifter adjust or replace it. if not try backing the timing off a bit or pulling the valve cover and taking a look at or for broken or damaged parts.

ok I don't think it's anything that's broken. as for adjusting the lifters what are the torque specs? I looked in my Haynes manual and don't see anything on lifters. Rockers are the same as lifters too though, right? Sorry not real sure about it. And as for the timing it is already kinda low. Thanks for the help.

Rockers are not the same as lifters. Lifters actually sit on the camshaft, then the pushrod is on top of the lifter, which goes up through the hole in the head and to the rocker arm. The rocker arm pivots on the rocker stud and the other end of the rocker arm which is opposite where the pushrod rests, actually rest on the valve spring and as the cam comes into lift the whole "setup" is lifted on the pushrod side, and the vavle spring is compressed, opening the valve.

By adjusting the rocker arms, you take out the slack or play in that stup, taking away noises that are commonly referred to as rocker chatter, etc.

Your description doesn't sound like it has anything whatsoever to do with lifters, rockers, valves, or anything else mechanical.

Sounds like "spark knock" or "pinging". Caused by too much timing and/or inadequate gasoline octane.

Back the timing off a little, and see if it gets better.

ok, but do you also think maybe changing the spark plugs could help? It's been a while since they were changed last.

Rarely hurts, if replacements are properly chosen

Probably won't have much effect on the issue at hand, unless the plugs in it now are totally wrong (too hot of a heat range)

ok thanks a lot I'll try those things.

does anyone know what torque the rockers are supposed to be tightened to?

Rocker arms do not take a torque rating. You just tighten them until you don't hear the rocker ticking any more and then 1/2 +/- turn more past "zero lash" (that's the 'engine running' method).

Leave the rockers alone until you identify the cause of the pinging.

Think about it.... your rockers don't suddenly get out of adjustment while going up a hill, and then equally suddenly re-adjust themselves on the other side, do they?

They dont get torqued down, you set the lash. Do a and you will find 100 threads covering it.

ok thanks I won't mess with them until I find I try all other options.

It could be pinging b/c of too much timing, oil in the combustion chamber etc. Whats the timing set at? Are your valves seals good. I know my old 305 used to knock all the time b/c the valves seals were shot, thus causing oil to get into the chambers and causing pre-ignition.

TUNE THE CAR UP FIRST! It is sooo much easier to help people after they help themselves with this little thing.
Full tune, check timing (DON'T adjust it) etc. Use search for some threads.
Also, try pinpointing where the sound is coming from using a mechanic's stethescope or a pc. of rubber hose (also found using the search feature). If you find that the noise is coming from the bottom of the motor, you sort of eliminate a slew of things now don't you.