Today, I just bought a 1998 Civic DX. Its a 5 speed, 117,000 miles. Its in relatively good shape besides a few small dents and the interior needs detailed. There is a couple issues though. At around 1500 RPM, there's a knocking sound. It doesn't sound like an engine knock, it sounds like if you would knock on a piece of wood. It seems to be coming from around the valve cover or timing belt cover. But again, it only does it right around 1500 RPM. Also the shifter is very sloppy in gears. I got some advice from some people saying it was the linkage bushings?? One more thing, I have a good deal of mechanical skills, so about how long is the average time it takes to change a timing belt? Thanks for all the help..