96 Vette LT1.

The engine started multi-cylinder misfired, lacking power, and has tapping noise. After a lot of self diagnostic, finally, I found out that there were two bent push rods. I removed and checked all the push rods and valve lifters, there are two bad valve lifters that stuck in the bores, which I can not remove even with a lifter removal tool that I had purchased from an auto parts store.

I appreciate any help that I could get with a few things below.

1. What is the best way to remove the bad valve lifter from the bores without removing the camshaft?
2. What caused the push rods and the valve lifters gone bad?
3. Do I have to replace the camshaft and the timing chain or can I just replace the bad lifters and push rods?
4. Can I replace the camshaft and the timing chain without removing the motor from the vehicle?
5. Are there any special tools that I need to remove the distributor?

Thank you so much.

Better chech the valves too mate, they may be bent as well.

3: Wouldnt know without seeing it.

4: Yes indeed.

5: a good set of torx sockets and torx bits.

6: No worries mate.