would the cam chain just stop making noise if i rev it up?

 

It could be a few things. Maybe even your timing belt tensioner. Has the timing belt been replaced on this car that you know of? What yr is it? Try to pin point the noise under the hood-like what area of the engine exactly (front or rear).

 

i don't think its been replaced and it has 110k on it. its an 01

 

Put your car keys in a drawer and leave them there until you replace your timing belt/timing belt tensioner. www.ecstuning.com and www.purems.com have the parts you need. Even if thats not the source of the ticking, its way past due, and youre better safe than sorry. Still try to pinpoint where the sound is coming from. Could be the cam chain tensioner (back/top of engine) or the timing belt tensioner (front of engine). Could be something else too. Youve checked your oil level right?

 

ya oil level is fine. this is an interference motor too huh? how hard is it to replace? i have done it on talons a few hundred times it seems like. same concept right?

 

Not quite the same concept:
http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng35.shtml

About $300 DIY
About $600 at Non dealer mechanic
About $1k at the dealerj