I, too, was kidding. It really just wasn't funny. I can try to laugh. I mean, if I think about it for a while, I might begin to daydream about something with some comedic value, but I don't know. It's tough. Wait!
...no, nothing.

Anyway, there's what seems to be good news.

I prepared to tear the motor down and began removing parts. After popping the valve cover off I noticed that the valve lash was adjusted manually. This surprised me, because I thought I had read that the turbo Sprints had hydraulic lifters.

But, then I noticed the exhaust valve in cylinder two was missing the nut for the lash adjuster. The rocker was plenty loose and I was somewhat relieved. What concerned me was not only that the nut was probably bouncing around the head (I couldn't find it, though), but also that this head was purportedly rebuilt by Clearwater Cylinder Head, and if they forgot to torque the adjusting nut properly (or if they actually forgot to install the nut), what else did they forget?

Anyway, I happened to have the proper sized nut on hand, and so I installed and started the car up. No more clanking, although the engine is pretty loud. I may need to adjust all the valves.

Thanks for the help, though.

P.S. really, really, unfunny.