Need help with an original challenger r/t, asap

I know this isnt an A body, but since I value your opinions and the engine is the same, I thought I'd ask the same question I asked on another forum:

Guys, I have an original 340 challenger r/t, 1971, with 32,000 original miles on it. Recently, there has been a ticking noise coming from under the hood, and I have finally pinpointed it I think, using a wooden dowel and lots of patience. The tick is loudest using the dowel on the timing mark directly beside/behind the balancer. The balancer and pulley are original. My question is, if a balancer is bad, would it cause the noise I am hearing? Any other ideas. It could be chain/sprocket, but with that low mileage I'm skeptical, especially as the rest of the timing chain cover does not produce the same amount of noise as right beside the balancer. By the way, this is not a knock, like a rod, but a very distinct tick, almost tinny sounding. At first I thought lifter, but the sound is very week at the intake and heads. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated, I am trying to get it fixed for a big show on sunday. My buddy has the new challenger and we were going to park them side by side. Thanks in adance.

Will