I need some diagnostic advise

I recently had a harmonic balancer go out on me, I've since replaced it with a Pioneer balancer and I've been hearing a ticking noise? I adjusted my timing which didn't solve the problem and have since bought a set of Crane 1.7 "Cobra Rockers" and FMS hardened push rods since I thought I may have a bent rocker or a crushed push rod. Are there any other things that I should consider replacing or checking to solve my ticking noise since I will have the covers off?
Thanks
Pat

Already did the steathascope deal and the ticking noise seems to be coming from the passenger side more than the drivers side valve cover. Even checked all the plugs for proper gap or possible fouling Thanks for suggesting to check the water pump but mine is working fine.

It only occurs while driving and not at idle. The engine has 160K. It's So funny that you mention the header gaskets I too thought that might be a possibility but the ticking only occured after the failure of the harmonic balancer which lead me to target the valvetrain. I think youve made somehere good suggestons so I think I'll get some new lifters as well since I'll already have everything apart. What style and brand of lifter did you decide to get? I need all the advise I can get. I've looked through my cataglogs and noticed that some cams come with lifters for FREE! LOL. But thats where the problems are gonna start. I was told by the previous owner of the car that he put in a 2800 stall converter which will affect which cam I decide to get. If it doesn't makes any difference I guess I can get the cam for a 3000 stall since that is what I really want and just use the new lifters till I get the new converter since lifters cost around $90 and Cam+lifter cost around $120

Thanks!