Ticking sound

[40zr1]

When I first start my 95 ZR1 I hear a ticking sound like the valves lash is too loose (I know (?) the lifters are hydraulic and don't have valve lash, I'm just describing the sound.) So I'm guessing a bad valve lifter. And after 30 seconds or a minute or so it goes away. I've put about 500 miles since I noticed the sound.

Now here is the kicker, the last time I changed the oil the Mobile 1 oil filter had f&*%#-up threads and didn't screw completely down and a lot of oil was lost before I saw the oil on floor. That's when I started hearing the ticking but it could have been before I just didn't notice the sound before.

If it is a lifter any way to find out which one? If not lifter, what? Bad chain tensioner? Any way to isolate the sound?

I am somewhat mechanically challenged, I fine tune with a 20 pounder before I go git "Big Bertha."

Oh, and one other thing, when I wind it up to 7000 rpm in first gear the brake light comes on. Yea, yea I know don't wind it up to 7000 and I won't see the light!
thanks, CJ