1996 chrysler cirrus. knocking, but not rod knock or lifter

i have a 1996 cirrus 2.5 v6 190000 miles on it that has a few problems. btw, anyone wanting to buy one, this is my second cirrus, and i have had great luck with them, but i think the 4 banger is a better engine (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/#) (but they dont like oak trees!!) lol, ok, for last 12,000 miles or so, this is getting a knocking or ticking sound coming from the flywheel area. i do NOT believe it to be a rod bearing, as it will go away when u rev it high enough. also, i got under it while it was running and it sounds like its coming from the flywheel/ torque converter area. ALL THE BOLTS ARE TIGHT. it sounds like a popcorn popper at an idle. :popcorn: its never really gotten any worse since we bought it. if u put the car (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/#) in gear, hold the brake and rev it up, it makes no noise at all. it does do it when driving (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/#) too but it does go away at high enough rpm. so im lost on this one. also, it sometimes for no reason, just quits driving, like the tranny is slipping. however, it also shows on the digital gear selector that its in neutral, even tho its in drive. when u turn the engine off, and restart it, it works perfectly. im thinking its an elctrical problem? its only done it twice all year, 12000 miles. of course the first time it did it, i serviced the tranny, and it looked pretty good, not much foreign material at all. thanks for ANY help!!