b16 Sir1 codes?

Does anyone know how to throw the codes for the Sir 1? Sorry if this seems like a foolish question, but i have no idea, and have noticed talk of what different codes mean.

I was on my way back from NY when my car went into safety mode, I noticed the exaust is popping alot and when i went under the hood theres a rack of noise coming from under my cam cover. The car runs, doesn't stall at all, and when the ecu doesn't kick it into safety mode the car runs fine. So I'm a little confused, was hoping to get some codes, or maybe one of you knows a good shop in the MD area that knows what they're doing? Thanks

sounds like you either have valve tick, or that your valves are hitting your pistons, check your timing and see if it is in spec, if so open up the top and check your valves to be in spec also.

Again I'm going to show my lack of knowlege, how can I tell if the timing is correct? I'm sure I can get the cam cover off, but what do I look for? And if the timing is messed up what do you think the likely hood of permanent damage is?