Sounded more like valves to me. TCT sounds like a diesel in the morning.

Either way...I'd start with a valve adj. Most shops charge about $100 for that. Post in you local s2ki forum for a reputable shop recommendation.

If the valve adj doesn't fix, it won't have hurt to adjust them anyway. But move on to the TCT. It's a 10 min job and the part is about $130.

There is one other issue that can make a sound like that, but it would have meant the head had been off the car at some time.

 

most def, tct. 137 at hardtopguy.com do it yourself easy as changing your oil, also check your oil level, it can play a part

 

Had the exact same ticking sound on my 2001. It was a melted piston due to one of the knock sensors failing. Some mechanics can insert a flexible probe camera through the spark plug holes to inspect the cylinder walls without taking the motor apart. If your knock sensor failed and warped a piston, you will see heavy scratches on the walls.

 

sounds normal to me,

you have 2003?

Looks like you have 2.2 motor (ap2 motor) swap possibly, or is that just a new cover?

Do you have any CEL or performance issues right now?

 

no its stock AP1 with dc sports header. the car in the video isnt mine, lol. just found it lol. as for the CEL or performace issues, none, car drives amazing and no CEL. thus i dont think its the piston, something simple has to be it.

 

A while back there was a diy post linking to a you tube video showing how to do the valve adj(search you tube). Make sure engine is cold (sits overnight) and don't make the valves quite as tight as he does in the vid (resistance but not hard to move the feeler gauge)

 

I had the same problem/sound on my s a few years back, turn out it was the valves. After a valve adjustment most of the noise dissappeared. Its a some what simple DIY if you know what your doing. After the valve adjustment I also went ahead and did a TCT replacement, which took care of all the sound. Also another simple DIY if you know what your doing.

 

Check your spark plugs, make sure they are seated and torqued to spec. They have been known to come loose. Ask me how I know lol . Get a valve adjustment done and see if that helps. If not, proceed to replace your timing chain tensioner. It sounds like a combination of both Imo. Report back please