Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting dead engine

A friend of mine had his engine die today. It was making a ticking noise, so he took it to the dealership. They told him they couldn't work on it (non svt dealership) and that he would have to go to an svt dealership to get it worked on. They also said it would be fine to drive still. Less than 30 miles later the engine is dead.
My friend said the ticking got more frequent and louder with rpm's and the last 2 miles it was making a wooshing sound too.
Now my question is is this a case of another spun rod bearing or something else (ie bad timing chain)? Also was this fatal or can the engine still be salvaged?