tick tick tick in engine

hi I have a 2003 1500 Z71 5.3 v8 vortex with 40,000 kms on it I have noticed recently that when I start it there is a tick tick tick coming from the engine, could it be the lifters or something else.The dealer says it is normal(I think not)was wondering if anybody has same problem.

Does it go away right away or does it stay constant?

Most likely it's piston slap. My son's 2000 Silverado does it when he starts the truck first thing in the morning, but goes away after about 45 seconds. GM say's its normal.

Lifters make a rattling sound. What type of gas do you use? Sometimes, 87 octane will give you a "tick" or "pinging" sound. That would be normal, but you could stop it by moving up to 89 or 93 octane.

It could be the piston slap as previously mentioned, but I always thought it was more of a knocking sound.

i'm pretty sure it's piston slap. Another one of chevy's bright ideas in the new gen. motors make the piston skirt shorter to have less rotating weight, but also add more piston slap. that and the carbon desposits on top of the piston upon start up makes nosie too. nothing to worry about though. Even the 2005 chevy motors are still having piston slap.