My car makes the exact same sound on occasion during a cold startup, and it's probably a lifter. It disappears as it warms up for me, though; which tells me it's just an intermittent sticky lifter. I've driven the car near 5k miles since I've got it and have had no problems so I just figure it takes some time for that particular lifter to pump.
Run the car for a bit without revving it up too much and see if the tick settles down.
__________________
1979 Trans Am W72 400/4-Speed WS6 - Starlight Black Hardtop
|