> You're about the right mileage/age for catalytic converter heatshields to
> start rattling, especially if you live in the frost belt.<GRRRRR>

Hmm, well, the history of the car is this:

2 years in upstate New York
1 year in Atlanta
1 year in Los Angeles

I've probably driven cross country 4 or 5 times in this car. I bought it
back when I was in college, and spent a year in Atlanta doing Americorps.
Originally from LA.

Do you
> get it at approx. the same RPMs in every gear?

Yes, but most pronounced in 2nd and 3rd...probably around 3000rpm, but I
don't have a tach.

Your description is kinda
> vague but I guess it *could* be the valves which need adjusting - probably
> time anyway if they haven't been looked at before.

Possibly also an exhaust leak? Could it be pinging?