I don't trust them. First off rod rap is usually a knocking noise. Semantics, but I wonder what makes them say rod rap. My suspicious/paranoid mind says that an exhaust leak is often confused with rod rap. Is that their game to get you to pay 5k for a rebuild? IDK, something sounds fishy.

But if it's me and it's rod rap I'm doing the rod bearings and giving it a go. Bearings cost what $30-$40 ( I don't know if they are even that much)? It takes about an hour, turnkey, to do the job with the engine still in the car. I have done this job a few times with good results each time (only once with a dsm. Mine. Lasted for 3k until I did my big rebuild - but the bearings were still good). There are parameters to watch for though. If your crank is really screwed then this won't work. But from your description it sounds like you caught it early. If you can't /don't want to do this yourself, have a trusted mechanic look at this option for you. Any good engine guy can give you a likelyhood of this working, just by listening to the rap. I didn't say guarantee, just likelyhood.

You got enough on your plate than to worry about a 5k engine rebuild.

Just my 2 cents.

More importantly, good luck with the battle, it can get you very weary. Words of experience and I won.

MB