That's not good to hear at all. The reason I suspected the chain was because you said it just died and then the starter would knock slightly. The starter motor will never cause the engine to die unless there is a bad earth or electrical wiring issue. I would just get another engine because the timing chain repair alone is about $650 in parts. And the cylinder head repair will be costly. Also you'll need the bottom end inspected for the knock - proberbly conrod bearings. You don't want to put everything back together, then have to pull the oil pan and crank to replace bearings. Just buy a reco engine or used engine for cheap and replace the chain, sprockets, guides etc yourself.
