i am noticing something which sounds like lifter noise in my valvetrain. it is not quite ticking like one would associate with lifter tick but its a sound that comes pretty close. details of buildup are in my sig below. when i installed my rev kit i followed the afr instructions on setting for near zero lash with the hydraulic lifters. these instructions conflict with oem recommendations for setting lash in that afr says you get the most power if you use minimal to no preload on the lifters. now im wondering if i should have given it a tad more preload for less noisey running. since there is no sharp ticking or clatter i feel that this is probably not harmful to the engine but has anyone else experienced this and do you think i should give my rockers another half turn or so or should i leave it like it is?

 

I'm sorta thinking that you went a little light on the "no preload" thing. and that once it got broke in, it grew a little space, probably no big deal. Just go back and run the valves as described here a couple of million times. (as exhaust starts to open, adjust intake, as intake starts to close adjust the exhaust)
loosen the rocker up, then tighten to the zero preload deal, and IMO go another 1/2 turn. I know the cam mfg suggests no preload, but remember they sell cams, and they get tired of replacing them when someone screws up the valve adjustment and wipes out a lobe. They are also correct in getting a little more performance out of the engine due to an extremely small amount of extra lift. But it's a street car, just go a 1/2 turn, go on a diet, and loose 5lbs, you'll get the performance back.

 

You're sure it's not injector noise? Clean (or new) injectors will make a noise similar to lifter tapping as the pintles slam open and shut.