ticking engine noise

have a 2000 impala, had it for about 5 years and it now has 144,000 for about a year now i notice in the morning when engine is cold it makes a horrible ticking noise from engine and runs a little sluggish once warmed up the ticking fades and the car runs like a champ. it is a 3.8 V6 anyone out there have any ideas and if so how do i fix? i seriously dont want to see this car go she has been good to me KNOCK ON WOOD except for some electrical and security pass lock issues. thanx.

Welcome to AF, with checking this onsite we cannot really determine the source of the noise. Usually a " ticking" is a lifter or rocker arm. Try to determine which side is noisey, then you would have to remove the valve cover and check which rocker is noisey. Of course this assumes this is a well maintained engine with fresh oil.. BTW, this can be an exhaust leak that can sound like an engine noise till it warms up.