Yeah... it sucks, but you learn from experience. I will never miss-shift like that again...

 

The retainers can be replaced without removing the head...if the mechanic knows what he's doing.

 

By the way. In regard to light ticking at low rpm, are you sure it wasn't there before? You may just now be sensitive to it or you may actually be in need of a valve adjustment (nothing to do with over or near overrev).

Also, have you checked your oil level?

 

I think there was a 'very faint' ticking before. The oil should be fine, we checked it yesterday and it seemed ok. I'm playing it safe and towing it when I get the chance. Parents are agreeing with me now, however, it is my car. Their trying to get me to take responsibility for my actions I guess. Even if I didnt tell them about what happened. I was just trying to pass a car.

 

Any "good" mechanics that could to replace the retainers without removing the head down here in south georgia or north florida? I've been looking for quite some time....