I've gone through the archives with misc results on engine noise and hoping for a little more clarification. I'm hearing the clack, tick, whatever you want to call it - metallic sound from the engine, and thinking it's the infamous valve slap(?). I basically hear it anytime I'm hitting the gas, but when coasting or parked, it's not there or just very subtle.

I know it's hard to describe the noises on here and I do plan on replacing timing belt next week sometime (not even sure when it was last done). Any other words of wisdom? If it's something that can be fixed by checking the valve clearances, are there any common size shims I should get to address it? Thanks in advance,

Jeff