[flaggship]

I have a 93 Tbird with 3.8 V6, auto tranny and just over 90,000 miles on it. I have begun to notice that when I accelerate, or right after vehicle shifts from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd, I hear a tapping sound that seems to be coming from the engine. I have noticed the same sound when cruising at speeds from 35 on up when I accelerate slightly to pick up speed. I also hear the sound when accelerating hard to get on the freeway. When idling, the engine sounds fine. The check engine light came on several times several months ago but always went out and has not come back on since. Other than this sound, the car starts and runs fine. Anyone else ever experienced this and know what it might be? I hope it is not a sticky valve. If it were a valve problem, wouldn't I hear it when idling also? Any thoughts would be appreciated.