The light tick like that is typically from a pitted or damaged roller on the lifter. When this happens it wipes out the cam lobe. To check it use a stethoscope or screwdriver on the rocker bolts to identify what one makes the noise. Then use a dial indicator just like I do in this video https://youtu.be/0YPPsYbffAA and at 9:50 is when I used a dial indicator. It's fairly common on the newer direct injection engines because the camshaft is such a soft metal. Hopefully I'm rong for your sake. If I'm not though, you may as well do a full delete at that point.
If you use anything that's not a stock cam profile you will need a custom performance tune. Just keep that in mind as it can get expensive. I do happen to have a stock non AFM 5.3l profile btr ground aftermarket camshaft if you are interested. I'll sell it for less then btr does. I bought it off a guy who never used his kit. And sold the other parts. Well except the tuner that it came with. I should sell that too as I'll never use it. I need to verify it's unlocked first though I didn't really trust the guy I bought it from, didn't know him.
running AND cranking compression test. compare results. my 2014 v6 ecotec had HIGH compression on an AFM cyl while running. but cranking they were equal. found a wiped cam lobe... not opening the valve enough/long enough. It sucked and I hope its not your case. I didnt have a tick though, my lifter was not collapsed.
The light tick like that is typically from a pitted or damaged roller on the lifter. When this happens it wipes out the cam lobe. To check it use a stethoscope or screwdriver on the rocker bolts to identify what one makes the noise. Then use a dial indicator just like I do in this video https://youtu.be/0YPPsYbffAA and at 9:50 is when I used a dial indicator. It's fairly common on the newer direct injection engines because the camshaft is such a soft metal. Hopefully I'm rong for your sake. If I'm not though, you may as well do a full delete at that point.
running AND cranking compression test. compare results. my 2014 v6 ecotec had HIGH compression on an AFM cyl while running. but cranking they were equal. found a wiped cam lobe... not opening the valve enough/long enough. It sucked and I hope its not your case. I didnt have a tick though, my lifter was not collapsed.