Well I noticed a slight tap/knock in my '02 Cavalier 2200 last winter, but it was intermittent. The car only did it when the engine was cold, or had sat for an extended time. At first I thought nothing of it. I've owned a few OHV inlines and noticed that when the motors had sat for a while, the oil had drained from the lifters, which would tap for a few seconds before the pump could coat them again...

Is it the same with the 2200? I've never had a Roller style cam and lifters. I've owned a lot of Jeeps, and they were Tappet...I think.
The little Cavy won't do it for long...for about 30/40 seconds if sitting and idling, and for about 1-2 minutes if the car is cold started and driven...then it just goes away. Although in the higher RPMs the motor does sound a little...scary. I don't like revving it past 4K cause the motor sounds a little shaky like I'ma throw a rod.

The car only has 73K on the engine with the 3 spd auto 4th gear overdrive. But it is a slavage titled vehicle, and I've already put a new rack and pinion and new struts all around.

Is this normal? Or do I need to put new rods and bearings in the thing?

When my Eco sets for a while it does that as well. It's the lifter on mine because as soon as oil hits it the noise goes away.

Same thing on my 2200. When it sets for a while and i start it up it has a slight tap. Old motor did the same thing. Sounds like lifters to me.