Rattleing noise between 2500-3500 rpms 01 protege

Just took my car to the shop for the same appearent reason me also thinking it may be lifters. My mechanic said it spounds like a worn wrist pin ...... bad news for you if this is the case .......recomendations rebuild the engine or buy a new or remanufactured one. if the wrist pin lets go then you could throw a rod. If you must drive the car please be gentle

Have you checked the catalytic converter (also reffered to as simply a Cat by mecanics)? It's the first big canister you encounter on the exhaust line right after the manifold and before the resonator and/or muffler. After a while rust and time can cause either the casing itself to come loose and rattle, or the insides themselves break up and rattle around the cat. And being where it is it often resonates sound around the engine compartment, making it seem the sound is coming from elsewhere than it actually is. And while your at it don't forget to check the flex pipe usually connected to the cat also (some models do not have a flex pipe though). If all that is fine, then the other things to check would be the accessory brackets, wire holders and the like. With vibration and time, sometimes they loosen up and start to rattle. Still nothing? check the suspension parts for anything loose (IE. sway bar links, coils springs, tie-rod, suspension tables). Other than that there isn't much in there that can rattle. If you look at how an engine is built, you'll see that there isn't much inside that can rattle around without causing the engine to fail altogether. I'm not saying it can't happen though, but it's highly improbable. Hope this helps

Did you find it was the catalytic converter that makes the noise ? i have the same on my 2000 protege ? not sure what is it from ?

Noise is most probably from catalytic converter.Failure of converter originates from ignition misfires.High rate of intermittent ignition coil miisfires.I have experienced this problem several times in my shop.We replace the coils and the front oxygen sensor to protect the investment of the new converter.Although pricy this repair seems to be permanent.