I have a '83 944n\a that makes a noise that sounds like rocks bouncing in a tin can coming from behind the front engine cover. It only does this on cold starts and goes away as the engine warms up. I know I will have to pull the front cover,but any help on what to look for would be a great help. Car runs great,no leaks. Thanks in advance.

Sounds like a bad tensioner or idler roller. When were your belts done last? In my opinion replace all the rollers/tensioners when ever you replace belts-cheap insurance.

i'd be very careful driving the car untill you find out what's causeing the noise. in fact, i wouldn't drive it at all. the 2.5L is an interference design engine. if it is anything to do with the timing and it slips, you'll have a very large repair bill. :(