the 2.2L and 2.0L Ecotec will definitely handle up to and a smidge over 7000RPMs... According the Autometer tach I had in my 91 Cavalier, I got a 2.2L TBI engine to 7400RPM's without blowing it up (temper temper- i've learned since then) My 2.0L OHV in my 88 Cavalier would routinely rev past 7000RPM as well (a friend of mine painted "ROTAX" on the rocker cover because of it)... Timing chains are ok for higher RPMs, but its the guides and sprockets that take the beating.

Scott