I think the best we can do from here is to get another recording from you and have you tell us what RPM it is running while you were recording. Then we might be able to point you at whether it is top end or bottom end, and then maybe help troubleshoot further.

I have taken plugs out and valve cover screws but can't get cover off yet..I don't think I can run it right now. I am also afraid if I run it and timing is off, I might damage the valves /pistons.

Got the valve cover off the two sprokets at the top have a triangle markings on each sprocket. The left sprocket has the triangle betweem one and 2 o'clock and right one between 11 and 12 ..does his help at all. chain between the top sprockets is tight

I put the valve cover back on and everything else as well. Then I have recorded the engine sound rpm'* up to 2500 . Hope this helps.

Also forgot to mention that when I was turning the crank manually, every now an then the chain between the two cam sprokets loosens then immediately tightens again.
Someone told me that is normal as there is no oil pressure on the tensioner at the time..but there is no tensioner between the two sprocket, only a top glide so should it do this?

It sounds like top end, like cam problems. From the audio, I suspect the chain has no tension. Again, difficult to tell from a recording. I don't think the chain should lose tension between the cam gears while turning manually. The tensioner should keep it tight.

Where can I find how many hours it takes to replace timing chain on 2008 malibu 2.2L

I'd ask a mechanic. They have all of the flat-rate calculators for this kind of thing.

I had a mechanic work on the car yesterday. He mentioned that the timing guide was broken. I got him a new kit with new timing chain kit with new sprockets. He mentioned he got the engine at top dead center. He could not get the cam sprockets to go on at the correct points (at 10 o'clock on exhaust and 2 o'clock on intake). He manually moved the calm to the correct positions so the markings on sprockets are in right positions. However, I thought at TDC the calms (intake and exhaust) on cylinder 1 at TDC should have the lobe facing up and the valves would be closed but they are facing down on cylinder 1 does this make sense ? All the marks on the timing chain are now aligned with proper marks on the sprockets.

What does the service manual say?