TristateNeons

Well to make a long story short, I wrecked my neon back in march. I fixed it up and then the transmission went on me. Paid a grand to get the transmission rebuilt. Two days after I get it out of the shop, the engine starts clapping. I thought it was the rod bearings but replaced them and it still makes the noise. It claps at idle but when I rev the enigine it goes away. If anyone has ideas it would be great b/c I have put a shitload of money and time into this car. Or if anyone knows or has a cheap engine to sell that fits a '95.

Sounds like it may be piston slap, but I'm not sure. I would just try to find another bottom end for it.

Sounds like it might be piston slap, a more common problem than most people know. It ain't good, but you can usually drive it like that for quite some time. Using a TRUE synthetic should buy you some time. Good luck.