Engine Knocking

[Gelbster]

Yes ,it can be done w/o removing the engine. But if you are due for a clutch/AOS/IMSB ,it is so much easier with the engine out.
You have not effectively diagnosed lifters as the cause. All of them,just on one side ,all 'went' at the same time ?
If the lifters have collapsed ,running the engine for long will damage the camshaft lobes.
There is lots in Search about diagnosing this issue.

[bwdz]

A valve seat could potentially be diagnosed with a bore scope camera. If your shop doesn't have one they can get one from Amazon for $25 or so that works with your phone. I recommend buying the $10 mirror kit that has the 30, 45 and 60 degree mirrors to look up at the valve seats, the mirrors attach to the camera so when you put it down the spark plug hole you can see up at the seats.

[flaps10]

Originally Posted by Gelbster

Yes ,it can be done w/o removing the engine. But if you are due for a clutch/AOS/IMSB ,it is so much easier with the engine out.

None of those operations would be easier with the engine out with the possible exception of the AOS, but under no circumstances would I drop the engine to do an AOS.

Lifters could be done in the car but it would be tight.

[Gelbster]

I am not suggesting dropping the engine only for an AOS job !
Having recently done an engine and trans rebuild I am well aware of the issue and have posted a lot about engine +/- trans drop methods.
The point is that once there is a list of deferred maintenance/repair items, the cumulative access problems are such that dropping the engine may be a preferable option.It depends what is on your list.
Some of the seemingly simplest jobs are awful with the engine in place - for example - R&R #4 injector. or remove the airbox to fit a CAI ,paddles etc......
Belive me, I wouldn't wish an engine R&R job on anyone - without merit.