Outer Limits 4x4 Board

hey everyone unfortunatley my vitara has started making a strange noise coming from inside the engine, sounds bad, it hasnt effected the performance in any way YET. however i worry. its like a tapping rattling type noise that only can be herd wen the car is accelerating. i drive a V6 1996 model vitara, has any body else had a similler problem? its my daily driver and i rarely get home before 5 and leave before 6 so havnt seen my mechanic as yet. any thing would be helpful. also in the near future might be looking at replacing the engine if things dont go so well. wat type of larger engines go well in this model?
cheerss
Paul

If you're lucky (kind of ) it will be that the No. 1 chain tensioner has failed. If that had already happened and the noise was relatively mild but has now got substantially worse then it is likely that a chain guide or guides have failed. If that is the case stop driving and get it sorted unless you want some new ventilated rocker covers. It normally runs around $1500 depending on who does it and what needs replacing.

The easiest swaps are the 2.5 or 2.7 from the GV or XL-7 as they bolt straight in. Depending on the model there are some wiring and sensor issues but nothing to major if you get a front cut. The other option is a Mazda 2.0 RF diesel or Peugeot RHZ 2.0 or even and XUD 9TE 1.9 as these were offered overseas in the Vits and GV's. Getting hold of one at the right price can be an issue though. NZ and ASia got them as well as Europe.