Valve train noise question, which would be better?
 

Long story short. I've searched so I know it's probably a valve or lifter. Question is this. Would it be cheaper or cost relatively the same to just replace the engine with a low mileage VQ? Or would it be cheaper to replace the heads (both).

Engine has 102K miles, I bought it with the tick from a friend for a sweet deal. It's a 2003 Grand Touring. I love it. The ticking DRIVES ME CRAZY. Doesn't seek to hurt it performance wise it's just aggravating.

Thoughts? Opinions? Thanks!

You don't need to replace the heads, you just need a valve job. I think those cost about $2000 at the dealer. But I've seen it done for as little as $300 for a garage job.

Dealer charges $1500 labor, and like $600 in parts I laughed in there face when a used motor can be had for that price or a bit lower. Kinda why I asked this question. Which would be more logical to do. Buy a used motor and swap it myself? Or rebuild the heads?

I'm leaning towards buying a low mileage motor from a 04/05 and putting it in over replacing the heads.

Bump for opinions/thoughts/feedback from others!