i was on my lunch break pulling out into traffic and i was going to use the turn lane and wait for an opening... then i saw a small one and went for it just to realize that the truck already in the lane didnt want to "let" me in so i was going to have to punch it. at around 3500 rpms it felt like the torque converter disengaged and the engine immediately went to 8 grand before settling down to 2500 and the torque converter re-engaged. now the engine makes a ticking noise... almost like when you are putting a car together and run it without all of the intake on. i was able to drive back home and leave it in the garage. after work i will check for water in the oil and edit my post. also, one of my friends was wondering if it had something to do with one of the lifters. all i know is that now this ticking noise is heard on one cylinder, and the engine lopes a little. it still drives ok, but it feels like its a little weaker now... maybe some loss in compression.... i really would appreciate any help before i have it hauled off to the mechanic

car specs
3.1 liter v6 alluminum block.
automatic transmission
euro package

i dont think there is anything else thats important to know

 

high rpm like that would cause valve float and maybe a bent pushrod. if the push rod is bent then your not opening all the way and when it closes theres slack between the push rod and the rockerarm

 

sounds about right, the lifter wont make you loose power if it starts to tick 3.1s are famous for lifter tick.
if your head gasket went out u would get water out of the exaughst or possibly in the oil it would also over heat. how many miles do you have on it??