Weird Engine Noise?

[InfiniFC]

Hi all,

My S14 SR in my S13 has recently started making a weird noise between 3k - 5k RPMs. At idle it sounds normal, but the noise sounds like it's coming from the front of the engine. My first thought was chain guides or tensioner or possibly loose exhaust manifold. Of the searches I've done online, I've heard examples of bad tensioners, bad VTC sprockets, cam tick etc, but none of them sound like mine.

I looked all around the engine and made sure there weren't any loose parts or exhaust leaks. I had my mechanic listen and he thinks it might be a bad hydraulic lasher (sp?).

I have a video clip of the sound it makes, and hope someone may know what this is.

http://flickr.com/photos/66778691@N00/2952371963/

What do you guys think?

[InfiniFC]

I changed the oil, and didn't find any metal shavings in it so I think it's safe to assume that it's not rod knock...

I ordered a new chain tensioner to see if that would help any.

[InfiniFC]

bump