I remember back in the 70's when I was one of them back yard machanics the Chevy 327 was known to tick. I was called the infamous Chevy tick. The reason was that the hole through the push rods that lifts the lifters were too small to deliver the correct amount of oil needed to supress the lifters. We solved the problem by putting in a higher presure oil pump and frequent oil flushes and changes.

I had an 05 Avalanche with the 5.3 in it. it had all kinds of head issues. 1 set was worped. 1 set had too small of return springs on the lifters which caused a slight tick on acceleration. This is the truck I traded in for my 06 H3.

Everyone has given good info. Hope they find the problem. Good luck to you

 

i hear the same thing on my 07 h3 cant figure it out eather

 

You can also run a 15-40 (yes its for a dissel) its the last oil on the market that has Zinc in it (anti ware properties) with out a problem BUT you have to change the oil every 3000 miles. I have been running it in my Race car and my ZR2 with out a problem (its also reomended to have 5-30) As a millwright I had to learn a thing or two about oil as well

 

i have the 5.3 in my awd express, and yes there is a tick noise, pos chevy lol

 

it that tick when you first start it? if it is then it could be piston slap common on any production motor with a forged piston, after a few minnits the the tick will go away

 

Turn the radio up...Problem solved.

 

what octane gas are you using?