My engine has a random tick that is coming from the head. At times it randomly idles without the noise so its hard to pinpoint it. Compression is good and the valves are within spec. It does not sound like a chain to me. Any ideas as to what it can be?

https://youtu.be/Lklzwjq9Pms
https://youtu.be/F5a12BlmyaI

Full disclaimer don't mind the dirty engine. Car has been sitting for a very long time. Finally got time to mess with it again. Lol

 

Sounds like a severely over-rich condition.

Particular engine noises are best recorded with the hood closed, so individual noises do not blend with normal noises. Prominent noises will stand out like the sun.

 

Your engine sounds terrible, aside from the ticking sound. I agree with Billman's comment. You should address this.
As for the ticking, I suggest that you remove the serpentine belt and see if the ticking goes away. Do this with a cold engine and run the engine for 30 seconds or less. That should give you enough time to check for the ticking.

 

Leakdown test results?

 

Is it only when the motor is cold? Kinda sounds like it could be some piston slap especially if you've modified the bottom end of the engine, and yes I concur with the previous posts.

 

let us know if you find out what it was, it sounds like shet.