Is there some sort of sensor that adjusts the timing on a 2.4L? I'm still fightin with the high idle and may just be grabbin for straws here but the exhaust seems extremely hot leading me to believe that it may be some sort of timing problem. Also.. does it have a timing chain or a belt? and what does it take to change it if it needs done?

It has a chain...all three engines on the Alero's (the 2.2, 2.4, and 3.4) use timing chains.

Jeremy

There are both crankshaft and camshaft position sensors on the 2.4 that control the ignition timing.