N/A performance for a 97 2.4

I'm getting ready for a rebuild on my 97 2.4 and I had some random questions about getting a little more power out of it while I'm in there. so first off I was wondering what are the weak points in this motor? I've heard that they are known for spinning bearings, bad wrist pin bearings, and a weak oil system, any truth to that? to me it sounds like the other problems could stem from a poor oil sys. My engine has been knocking for the last 6000 miles or so... it started as a tick that could only be heard in a parking garage with the windows down at around 2700 rpms and has slowly gotten loud enough that i can hear it with the windows up going down the freeway. what do you guys think it is? I know that if it spun a bearing the crank is trash so I'm figureing on a crank kit at least. this is where the performance questions come in, how much power can the bottom end take? also how much can be shaved off of the head or block to bump up the compression and how much will that increase the comp ratio? next, If i get new pistons what is the highest comp ratio that I can go safely on pump gas, and what other mods will be nessisary to support that (larger injectors, reflash, etc)? thanks in advance for any help!