Ebd! Sounds like you found some good news when you discovered the dented oil pan!
I just had my engine rebuilt due to low end ticking... (all bearings were shot - metal everywhere).
Drove it 3 miles a few weeks ago (after break-in procedure)... SAME EXACT NOISE. Pan pulled... metal everywhere... on a brand new rebuild. Machine shop put 1 bearing in that was too small.
Engine is going back in the car this week. Today is the 14 week anniversary of it going in the shop.
F.
1968 Firebird 400 Convertible Original: Engine, Intake manifold, Heads, Body, Stereo, 3.08. THM400. Engine rebuilt by Ken Keefer early 2012. New: Holley 4bbl 670 HP, hidden iPod setup, RobbMC mini starter, A/C, front disc brakes