'95 z24...need help w/possible Timing

I have '95 Z24. Since I've had it it had a little ticking from under the hood. Untill recently it hasn't been a problem, but i just found out that it could be the timing chain...OOOUUCCCHHHH! It was told to me that because of the stupid engine they decided to put in a couple of thousond of this year Z24's it would cost upward of $2000. It has a 16val, DOCh engine in it, can anyone help me on finding a different way of replacing this with maybe something race quaulity, and if it really should cost that much to fix? Also, since it's an automatic can a cold air intake be used in it go boost HP?