A Weird Ticking sound From front end

Okay let's see iv had the car for about 4 months now it's a 1996 Chevy cavalier 2.2liter i have a weird ticking sound it's not very loud but very very agurvating(can't spell) :) but someone said it might be my exhaust but i know it can't be because i have a n1 exhaust an obx heads just installed about 3 weeks ago but this problom was befor then even.Im thinking it either my lifters or i have a valve floating.Really not that sure what it is if yall have any suggestions please feel free to let me know asap i got a car show 3 weeks from today.Thanks for your time.

Chris