Ok an 02 cavy 2.2 4 banger like 97k on it

there is a noise which sounds like a valve tap...
At first thought it may have just been the exhaust pipe that goes to the motor...
replaced that no dice noise is still there

someone said something about a rod knock but the car runs too good for it to be that plus it does sound like a valve tap... anyone have any ideas?

please reply here or email me at gromit18@aol.com with any help... it would be much appreciated

Possible sticky lifter? Whereabouts does the noise come from?

does the tapping get faster as you accelerate?