My Achieva has that weird noise to it but it doesn't affect it at all and I am betting that the body will fall apart before the motor gives out but first and foremost I need to have the transmission looked at because it has developed some problems.

Maybe my heavy foot is to blame for my transmission problems but I will half to see.

Yes, I've read that they are a great engine other than the gaskets that react with Dexcool and cause all sorts of problems. Im hoping to get another 120k out of it before it needs to be torn down again.

Mine had the DexCool in it but I converter it over to a 50/50 setup and have had no more problems. I ran a coolant flush threw the system to make sure any trace of DexCool was gone then I proceeded to replace the upper and lower radiator, water pump and the coolant reservoir along with the thermostat. In a little over a years time I have all most 16K on mine.

they have an updated design from felpro that is supposed to take care of the problems with the original lim gasket.from rockauto;

i would get the one thats got the head gaskets and everything
FEL-PRO Part # HIS9957PT PermaDryŽ
1st Design; w/Ball & Pivot rocker arms; w/o Push rod guides on int. Gasket.; Head bolts & exh. pipe packing not incl.; Head bolt replacement recommended; PermaDryŽ molded rubber valve cover gskts. incl.

Part Image
$87.99

FEL-PRO Part # HIS9957PT2 (if you have roller rocker engine)

When installing the push rods,put them in the right spot(6 long and 6 short).Gasket removal,don't use the scotchbrite pads on a die grinder.The little pieces from the scotchbrite pads which are aluminum oxide tear up bearings which will end up in engine failure