Ok, I got the valves adjusted so the gap is really snug on the .102 mm feeler. My ringing is greatly reduced.
But I still hear a quite noticeable tapping/bapping at idle coming right out of the engine, it seems. Maybe the variator, I don't know. Will look into that next.
Oh, I broke off a valve cover bolt. Ha! Ham handed me. . . Luckily, it didn't break all the way off and I unscrewed it out. WHEW!!! A hardware store bolt is taking it's place while new ones are on the way from Stadium.
Changed oil and filter using Rotella full synthetic, 5w40 and HiFlo filter.
New iridium plug.
New air filter on the way. Thanks everyone.