2005 B6 S4 - engine light flashes, heavy upper engine noise

[das4]

Hello,

I recently bought an 05 B6. I've owned 8 of the B5s, but have no exposure to this motor. the engine has a very heavy upper engine noise and the CEL flashes when its revved, remains constant on at idle. I know there are a slew of things it could be from my reads ie timing guides, chain, cam adjusters, lifters etc. what are the easiest ways to check for broken valves and generally speaking diagnose this issue? i pulled codes using a run of the mill scanner and its showing P0300 random misfires. Thanks for the help... I'm also in arlington heights, il so if anyone knows a good shop that doesn't charge an arm and a leg to diagnose i'd appreciate it...

[Tarrant]

I am going to guess that you have Carbon problems. I honestly have no idea other than that though. Possibly intake runners? How does it hold up under load? Maybe check coilpacks?