Saturn Repair: engine noise, pointer finger, engine torque

Question
1998 sl2-101,000 miles.Automatic. When we put the car in reverse the engine tilts toward the front of the car and a loud Knocking sound is heard.It will do this whether we are stationary with foot on brake or the car is moving in reverse.sounds loud like the exaust cover is loose and ratteling.we did it tonight with hood up and noticed engine tilting towards front of car.How many inches is it acceptable for engine to tilt. it looked excessive to me.and thats when noise starts. Thank you for your site and help.

Answer
Joey,
 The first thing I would check is the Torque Axis mount (otherwise known as the top engine mount).  That's the mount that sits on the passenger side of the cylinder head (front of the engine).  If you can place your pointer finger between the black metal and the rubber, it's time to replace it.  Saturns are notorious for having bad top engine mounts.  The next thing I would check is the "dogbone".  This is the upper transmission mount.  It's hard to see without the battery and tray removed.  If you will reach under the battery tray you should feel it.  This mount connects the top of the transmission to the frame rail of your Saturn.  These don't normally go bad, but if you've had your vehicle worked on recently you might want to check it, as some people forget to re-install it.  
 Now, my question to you is this:  Does your Saturn "slam" into reverse.  I know that you said there is a loud knocking noise when it goes into reverse.  But I'm trying to find out if there is a delayed shift and/or a slam into reverse.  If there is, let me know.  That's an entirely diferent procedure that we need to talk about.  
 And yes, it is ok for the engine to tilt "slightly" toward the front of the vehicle when you put it in reverse.  This is just a result of engine torque being applied against the engine mounts.  If the engine is moving more than an inch or two forward (measure from one of the studs that connects the top engine mount to the engine) then we have something we need to look at.  Anyway, get back to me about that possible "slam" into reverse.  

Chris