S14 sr20det ticking bad...tried everything HELP

[nxpoweredsr20]

hey guys i have a s14sr20 that was fully built. I got the motor running and it had no problems for about 500 miles then it started ticking. At first it wasnt bad then it got louder and louder. I took it to the shop who built the motor and they thought it threw a shim or a keeper. They were all in place so they said could be a lifter or they need to be bled correctly. So i researched and bled the lifters correctly( submerged fully in oil and used a prob ) and then the car didnt tick for about ten minutes then it started again! has anyone had this problem or can guide me? i want to make sure its not something besides lifters before i spend 450 on new ones. Ill post up a video later.
note: ticking is def. in the head and not in the bottom end
thanks alot guys any help is great

[caraz]

It sounds like your VTC sprocket

try jumping power and ground (one to each terminal :) ) to the VTC solenoid while your car is running.

[nxpoweredsr20]

vtc solenoid? is that the same thing as the vvt actuator? bc i have that unplugged bc it was ticking at 1700 rpms but with it unplugged that tick went away
thanks

[caraz]

the VTC solenoid is on the passengers side front and top of the motor.

VTC works from just off of idle to 5500rpms it shouldn't make any changes at 1700rpms, but will get pissed off if you never give it oil

[nxpoweredsr20]

i have a pic of what i have unplugged.....if its unplugged could it still be causing the other more noticible tick? i have a part number for the vvta but r and d factory had one one number off so idk if it will work....
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj25/nxpoweredsr20/vct-1.jpg

[nxpoweredsr20]

im also wondering that if having a bad vvt actuator could cause the lifters to tick or have low oil pressure or something?