hello everyone,

good to be here. i recently bought my first toyota, sort of. tired of inefficient GM(hence bowtieguy), decided to look for a corolla. well, found a 2000 chevy prizm for a good price. toyota drivetrain right? if you'll have me, i'd like to be a part of your site.

unfortunately i know very little about the toyota brand, so i won't be able to contribute much there. but, like all people, there are things hopefully that i can share that will help others.

that leads me to my first question: got a "rattle" in the engine compartment that intensifies during shifting(5 speed) and over large bumps. tried engine off coasting over bumps w/ no rattle. tried pulling off the engine cover; it still rattles. secured the battery; still rattles.

my experience tells me it MIGHT be a loose heat cover,loose timing chain(it is a chain), or worn out drivetrain mounts causing it. cannot isolate it tho. can anyone help me? what do you think?

it might be the heat shield, you should take a quick peek under the car and see if anything has shifted..does it rattle under heavy or moderate acceleration?