Thanks for all the feedback so far! And heres an update, I took out the oil drain plug to check for any pieces of metal, to my delight there were none. Not even a speck, and the drain plug is magnetic, and there was nothing abnormal there either... Im hoping its a bent pushrod as I heard those are relatively easy to fix.

 

I am glad for you that there is no metal on your drain plug.
Usually a pushrod doesn't just get bent. It usually results from a missed shift
As mentioned above. You really need to take a video and post it so maybe we all
Can help point you in the right direction.
We are you located? Maybe a local member can come take a look at it.
I will if you are local to me.

 

I'm in michigan, so a bit a ways from you but ill see about making a video just have to weigh the risk/reward issues. When I really got on it a few weeks ago I would hear an odd noise so something was wearing out...I looked over as much as I could but I could never put a finger on it. And now it finally gave out.

 

sounds like a belt or tensioner that was sqealing. Possible you have an ac compressor locking up, or a bad tensioner pulley. Has anyone hear ever spun a bearing? I have and it makes no noise at all unless the rod comes apart and then its only a quick bang as the rod and pistons come out the side of the aluminum block. Don't assume its an internal issue if you have no metal in the oil. Take the time to pull the valve covers and wiggle the rockers. Make sure you don't have any that just flop around. There should be a little play but not super loose. Pull the belt off of the AC (its a separate belt) and start the car. See if your noise is still there.

 

start with easy stuff and work your way inside the motor. it can save you a lot of $$$

 

ow does one go about taking the valve cover off?

 

If you take rockers off make sure you reinstall them correctly

 

this:

reinforces this:

 

i had the same thing happen on my 81 firebird were you running the air at the time my a/c just locked up and the belt was still turning and making a awful noise. i would still look it over before starting it or start it for a few seconds and see if the a/c is spinning freely.

 

Or just remove the belt and see if the noise disappears. Don't drive it without the belt, just start it up.

 

First you have to remove the coil bracket with the coils on them. A 10mm wrench or small socket set should assist you in that. Be careful not to un-bolt every coil from the bracket. there are 6 or so nipple studs that hold them down. Once the coil bracket is off you should see the 8mm valve cover bolts. Simply loosen them up till the valve cover comes off. You may have to unplug a few things to get them off.

You could also take off the ac belt and see if the noise stops. slide under the front of the passenger side of the car and look for the ac tensioner pully. Cant remember if you need a wrench or a ratchet will work, but remove the small belt. You can drive without the ac belt if you need to, but the ac will not work.

 

This is true, but everyone has to learn somehow. I recommend getting a mechanically inclined friend to help you

 

Yes, someone to teach and guide along the way. Damage and/or injuries can happen with these things.