Heard the noise within the first hundred miles of driving. Questions:
1) Timing chain or belt? (warranty doesn't cover belt)
2) Did 03s still have the oil sludge issue and is that what is causing the tapping? How do I fix the problem.
3) What else should I look into with my mileage.

Car is clean, except for some minor rust along the rocker panels and bottom of doors. Stereo is loud (factory), interior is a 10, but over all, clean. Averaging about 25-30 on the highyway. What I wouldn't do for a sixth gear and MORE TORQUE!!! I had a Grand Prix GXP 2 toned, hood, exhaust, intake, programmer, TCI 3200 stall converter, shift kit, headrests embroidered, lowered 1.7". Fun car 330hp (270 whp) and 350 tq (little over 300 at the wheels) 3650 lbs. best run 13.9@100 (that car needed a 6 spd auto). Check out the vid and thanks for that help.

 

1.the 2.7 uses timing chains 1 primary chain, and 2 secondary chains for valve timing.
2.the sludge issue was mainly on 1998 thru 2002 model years unless vehicle wasn't maintained properly ,(oil changes,pcv system,faulty water pump coolant leaking into engine was major cause of sludge in those engines) 3. how many miles on vehicle

 

108000. any thought on the tapping noise? Its coming from the front of the motor, and doesn't sound like theres any noise from the reat bank of cylinders.