i have to admit my 2002 maxima is the worst car ever. i have had nothing but issues with it. power steering hose, lower metal coolant line ( car left me stranded) wheel bearings, bose system sound cuts out, failed and rattling precats, check engine light, burning oil, transmission blew ( car left me stranded for 3 hours), and now i have the dreaded timing chain noise. it just started last week and its weird because the kid i bought it off of said he just did the work right bfore i bought it. but it definately sounds bad. there is a noise on startup and doesnt go away when warm. it has 154k on it. should i pull this motor out and try to repair or just get a newer engine. if i do get a newer engine will i have to replace those tensioners too. and as far as the parts go can i buy themfrom a auto parts store or do i have to go directly to nissan. if someones interested in buying the car please let me know. id take 4000 for it and trust me even at that price its a HUGE loss for me. i am located in connecticut. car is loaded with 6 speed

 

Source out another lower milage 3.5 from a 2004 - 2006 then source out (at Nissan) tensioners, guides, chains, secondary chains etc.

You going to have to pull the engine to get at the timing chain tensioners either way so why not install a newer motor while your at it esp. if its giving you so much trouble

 

What should I do for the headers. Should I gut my precast or just get headers. What will be the easiest way to not get any check engine lights. Also my precast are real rusty. It almost looks as though as the bolts are rusted into one piece

 

Get a 6th gen engine and gut your precats or get headers. For the codes you can get a o2 simulator or spark plug foulers and install them when the o2 go to space them out and have them read lean.

And nobody will buy your car for $4000 if it needs an engine.

 

Your car is 10 years old bro so it's obvious why the car is costing you in repairs, it's about that time when you need to start replacing stuff. No one knows how much oil your car burns but trying to find one that doesn't is like jumping outta the frying pan into the fire, it's a hit or miss. If I was you I'd probably look into the 6thgen 6spd and do the tensioner guides and tensioners, the chains are optional seeing that they are gaurantied lifetime, it's entirely up to you to change it or not.

The other problems you have is normal for a car of that age so either start replacing parts piece by piece or just sell it and start all over.