Clicking / ticking Noise from engine HELP!!!!!!

[jkeness]

H ave a 2001 sportage.

Manual trans.
engine only has 24,000 mi. on it.

I am getting a strange ticking / grinding / clicking type noise coming from the engine area.

When the car is in idle, you do not hear it.

Whe it is in drive, or when you rev it up, the clicking noise goes in sync or in sequence with the revolutions.

Now, this is not a very loud noise.

In addition, the car runs excellent. No loss of power, nothing.

In fact I just drove to and from chicago (about 800 total miles) and it ran like a champ!!!

My question is.................

What is this????

A rod going out??? If so, would it still run this nice?????

OR????

Catalitic converter?? Pieces floating around in the C.C.???

Anyone have any ideas as to what this is??????

I appreciate the help greatly!!

[LMP]

I know this has been adressed in other KIA forums, I would have liked to post the link, but I can't find it. However, here are some clues:

- this engine is full of funny noises and the pistons themselves naturally make their presence known by clicking happily ...without harm, so do not compare this to other "normal" engines.
- camshaft belt idler and tensioner bearings have been known to develop clicking and buzzing sounds but your engine low mileage makes this improbable
- catalyser and muffler heat shield are notorious ,- this one did happen to me - for developping heavy rattling , and when that happens, sooner or later, you will see (or not see) the shield quitting the car and some other fellow behind trying to avoid it. YOu can install a metal strap around it .
- the serpentine belt is also notorious for developping screeching sounds and using spray on additives does no good: you have to modify tension on the belt and it seems loosening may do better than tightening...!!???