2005 Cavalier, 56k miles, that started making a scraping, knocking sound.
Motor seems to run smooth for the few seconds that I had it started.
GM dealer told mother-in-law that it sounds like the camshaft.

I am weighing the options of buying a motor, delivered to the mechanic for $950, 31k miles verified by Carfax, motor swap ~ $350, for a total of ~ $1300,
or finding a local mechanic to search for the problem.

If it is the cam, would you think bearings (bushings) ?? or what.

I am interested in any thoughts, ideas, or comments.

thanx...

Cav1234

give some more details on the problem before you go ahead with something like a motor swap.

and just so you know, you have 2 cam's.

There are no bearings or bushings for the cams in that engine. I'd pull the cam cover and a few cam caps and have a look for yourself.

Pull one cam cap at a time and retorque bolts to 10nm,yes this is the correct torg..

gm made a 3100 dohc engine with similar design as ecotecs, cast cam in aluminum head with no bearings etc. best advice is use good oil and keep it changed. let it starve and the head could be bye bye