FunkyKev wrote:
> 88 Civic LX, 153k, A/T. Looking to buy. ENGINE IS TIGHT!!! But upon
> driving down the road it rattles/pings unless you you get waaaay down
> on the gas. Like I said the engine at rest/Park revs tight and
> quiet...under any load I get the pinging.
>
> Fuel octane? Timing? What's the likely culprit? Thanks.
>
> Kevin
>
there's a multitude of potential culprits including, in random order:

gas
plugs
carbon build-up
ignition timing
cam timing
thermostat
clogged coolant passages
etc.

do some basic diagnostics - use a timing light in the first instance,
then go from there.

and don't keep driving it around in that condition - you could cause
your "tight" engine to become dramatically loose.