[V8] Lifter tick

[Jason Wilkerson]

Gentlemen,
   Both my v8's have had 'lifter tick'.  My current example has gotten on my nerves lately.  I have tried the ol ATF trick to no avail - in fact it may have made it worse.  I now want to try something more permanent.  My question is this - is it individual lifters causing the problem or is it that darned oil retention valve located in the valley under the intake.  Any BTDT's?  I don't want to replace 32 lifters to the tune of $35 if I don't have to.  The oil retention valve is $40 and if that solves the problem then woohoo, but I don't want to do that either if it won't fix it.  Thanks.