Did you ever get cam deviation numbers? How much and how big are the chain pad pieces? Any green plastic?
My uneducated, but forum-reading guess is that if the cam adjuster or pads are completely shot, it could account for the metal in the sample. - Chains wearing directly on the adjuster piston, or adjuster itself wearing out metal-to-metal.
Repairable without
major engine disassembly.
I wouldn't rule out rod bearing wear or early signs of IMS bearing failure though.
There are some guys on the forum that have rebuilt these engines. I am not one of them. Is there a good way to assess rod bearings without completely taking apart the engine?
If I had a healthy engine and I was replacing the clutch, I would probably replace the IMS bearing while I was there. In your case, I'd want to know the source of the metal before I spent the money and time.
There is this:
2001 3.2L Dressed Motor w/ Transmission
- Probably a lot simpler and cheaper than a rebuild.