TOY: intro/Engine Questions

[FC3S88RX7@xxxxxxx]

Hello, my name is Robert Hammond.  Ive recently joined this list after my 
acquisition of an 87' 4x4 22r.  It needs some refinishing, and i have heard 
of this list and other sites that i have already gathered info from.  So here 
we go...

The motor has 158k on it, and it louder than a 4 cylinder should be.[from 
engine bay, not tail pipe] I checked the timing chain guide rails and the 
inner portions of the timing cover, and all seems good. But somethings up, as 
this motor makes odd noises that i feel are not normal. It almost sounds like 
i have an exhaust leak, at the mani, but i dont think i do. The engine doesnt 
burn any oil, nor coolant[i presume, as i havent had it long] Theres no 
blue/white colored smoke other than steam in cold weather, and the car starts 
right up when cold. It sounds valve related.

So can anyone point me in the right direction? what causes an engine to be 
abnormally loud? Im a newbie at these 4x4's but i have a good base of auto 
knowledge , mainly with mazda rotaries :)
Guess why i like them?

Rob Hammond 87 22R 4x4 
and 88 Mazda RX-7