Thanks for your input Jerry. I have no problem getting my hands dirty, as run a crew, a shop, and manage a 140acre golf course and I am the only one capable of working on 15+ pieces of specialized diesel equipment, each one more complicated than your little firerbird, on a daily basis. I prefer to work smarter, and seek out some information from people who have maybe been in the same spot, to get a little feedback, so that Im not pulling a engine because an issue cant be pinpointed right away, and it turn out to be something simple that doesn't have definite tell-tell signs. And giving that this platform, a forum, is sometimes used to seek out advice from other mechanics or maybe find someone that ran into something like this, if makes me wonder how shitty of a day one must have to troll with stupid comments. (sort of like this one, but i had a couple of spare mins when I got done picking my nose). Im sure you know all about small block chevys, big block chevys, living a lonely, sad life...but I have a feeling, that may be all you are somewhat relevant for.
I will find my issue with my engine, hopefully with some insight here, but most likely on my own. But I dont have all the spare time to be pulling a engine out under the oak tree in front of my trailer, tearing it down, then scratching my head and ball simultaneously, wondering what that dern tickin noise is. So before i do what you do, as my last resort, i ask around to a few guys that maybe do work on these all day, everyday, and has maybe run into this before....hence, "research"(smarter). Im sure you are a well-to-do- person, but like a said, I had a couple of spare mins on my hands, which are dirty by the way, and thought the quick reply was necessary.