Grinding, " diesel " noise under valve covers

The only to fix piston slap is bore the block and new pistons. That's why I said I'd leave it alone if you determine that's what it is. Most real HP engines from the factory had a little piston slap anyway, due to high compression and full floating wristpins.
Could piston skirt coatings help quiet the OP's piston slap down, if that what it is?
I know it won't eliminate it but it could make it more livable.