in response to "Ram me", i have in fact ran it without a pcv valve, as well as no engine belt attached and it still does it. i unhooked all those things at one point just so the noise interference from the drive pulleys, fan, etc, would not throw me off and i could get an idea of where exactly the noise is coming from.

not being a smartass, but i've done quite a bit of diagnosing, time, and work on this thing and i don't think its an easy two minute repair, its a little more deeper than that.
i've checked the rockers, valve springs, pushrods, listened for rod knocks, bad drive pulley bearings, and the closest i can get to this noise is behind the passenger rocker cover somewhere.

 

I understand, it still might be those rocker arms like sheriff suggested.

By the way, 50-80 psi oil pressure sounds much too high. Is that still in the safe range for a '94?

 

not sure about what the oil pressure should be, all i know is it is 50-80psi, i've had a manual gauge on it before, and all the engine gaskets are holding up minus the oil pan gasket, it started leaking just a tad bit after i did the timing chain and damaged the front part of it while removing the cover.
i guess it could be either the lifters or rockers, though i've checked the tourqe on them, what else should i look for? wear? bent?