ok so this isnt exactly about the tc, but w/e, it's still a general question. so my celica im told appears to have rod knock, im wondering, what exactly is 'rod knock'? how do i go about fixing it?

 

You are looking at $1,000 to $3,000 for parts and labor. Not worth fixing in an old car unless you are rebuilding the engine to play with it.

 

There are two distinct types of rod knock. The gudgeon pin end or wrist pin
or little end bearing (as you prefer) makes a light metallic clack. Often
you can hear the double clack as the con rod reverses the piston direction.

The main connecting rod bearing or big end makes a loud deeper toned knock
and is very bad news. Engines can run for a surprisingly long time with
little end knock. Big end knock is usually rapidly terminal.

Take it to a decent mechanic and get an estimate. Since you are in San Jose, I can recommend a couple. But as Menace mentioned, it will not be cheap.
TCM

 

usually you get rod knock when you bend a rod or eat up the bearings. depending on what year your celi is, it might be cheaper to buy a used motor.