Thanks for the input guys. Here's what i've come up with: Chain guides (well. the right upper) are in decent shape along with the tension. I'll get an absolute oil pressure reading today. It's not rod know (at least 98% sure) cuz it's rpm and load dependent between 2000-3000. Used a screwdriver and it really didn't narrow anything down but it's absolutely louder up top. I don't think it's valve slap either, never seen rpm dependent tap. Sounds almost identical to what a lot of people are goin through with pre-detonation. Jay, I really hope it's more than 3 days.

Today's plan of attack is going to get my gauges finished, seafoam the fuck out of the motor (guy said it sat for about a year) so i'm leaning on detonation due to shit built up inside the cylinders and valves.