RW> What you have is a leaky lifter. If it sits for a while, the oil drains   
   RW> out of the lifter, probably due to the valve spring pressure. It   
   RW> shouldn't   
   RW> do that, but sometimes they do. If that 30 sec noise doesn't bother you,   
   RW> don't worry about it.   
      
   That does appear to be the issue, based on the symptoms.    
      
   It doesn't seem to be hurting anything or getting worse, so that is fine with   
   me.  I have a 3 year / 100k warranty of the motor if things do go south.  It   
   runs great, idles perfect, has nice pickup now too.  It drives like it did   
   when I bought it - minus that 30 second tapping on cold starts.   
      
   - Mark   
      
   --- WWIVToss v.1.50    
    * Origin:  http://www.weather-station.org * Bel Air, MD -USA (1:261/1304.0)