2002 Pontiac Grand Am engine ticking

when i start my car the engine makes a nasty ticking sound. it sound like it comes from the top end. the engine has the rite amount of oil, and good oil pressure, it even run normal still has all power. some times the ticking will quit then it will come back next time i start the car. i am no mechanic but it seem like a sticky valve. what do you 2carPros think