My Camaro’s engine started knocking and I’m absolutely gutted

I honestly feel sick to my stomach because my 2016 Camaro SS has started making this rhythmic knocking noise from the engine that seems to get louder as I accelerate, and I know that sound is never a good sign on these LT1 V8s. I’ve owned the car for about three years now and it’s been meticulously maintained with regular oil changes and services, so I’m genuinely shocked and heartbroken that this is happening. I took it to a local garage and they said it could be anything from a collapsed lifter to a spun bearing, but they wanted to pull the engine apart just to diagnose it, which would cost a fortune before we even know what’s wrong. A buddy of mine who’s a Camaro enthusiast mentioned that there are some common issues with these engines like the AFM lifters failing, and he suggested I look for a specialist who actually knows these cars rather than a general mechanic who might not understand the nuances of the LS/LT platform. He said I should try and get Master Camaro Repair in 800Sayara Abu Dhabi because they apparently have technicians who’ve worked on countless Camaros and can often pinpoint the issue just by the sound and a proper diagnostic scan, saving you from unnecessary tear-down costs. I’m really hoping it’s something like a bad fuel injector or a loose spark plug rather than something catastrophic, but I’m also realistic and preparing myself for the worst. Has anyone here had engine knocking on their Camaro and found out it was something fixable without a full rebuild? I just need some honest advice and maybe a recommendation for someone who actually knows these cars before I make any decisions.