Hey guys, I just picked up a formula 357 with brand new, fresh rebult carbed 1996 hp 500's in it. Motors have under 5 hours each on them. Splashed it today for the 1st time before I winterize it. Ran them for about an hour never over 4000 rpm's to let them break in. Everything was going awesome until we where just putiing it back on the trailer and I noticed the the starboard motor had a little tick coming from it. So I opened the engine hatch which made it easier to hear and made it a little louder. The tick flucuates with rpm, and from what I can tell it coming from the top end maybe? These motors where built by a very reputable engine builder, and I have build sheets and dyno sheets also. There where very high dollar parts put back in these motors. Anyways feeling a little sick to my stomach at this point. I am no engine guru, but my gut feeling it lifter, valve train related? Yes the motors had all brand new lifters, cams, springs, valves, and keepers. Is there any adjustment in these that could be causing the problem? Does anyone have any ideas or thoughts on this situation. Thanks in advance!!!

I can tell you I do not have holes in my throttle blades...with that cam would not think it would be needed...mine at idle has 16-18" of vacume as well

Issue could have been from my heads. Leak down test showed a lot of exhaust seat leaking. W/ low compression on one cyl.
Looks like new heads for my winter project ;)