loose shift lever

Can someone help !!!!!!! Please!!! I've tried SEARCH but could not find anything that would help.

I had jus baught a used 2000 integ LS with manual trans. It is pretty beat up, but it was what I can afford. The shift lever is really loose, I can move it to the far left and far right in neutral or in gear. It is really annoying, sometimes I'm not sure if I'm even in gear or not and forget what gear I was in. How can I fix this on my own to save money????

Also, When I'm in gear and pass 3K RPM I hear a ticking sound. As rev increase, it ticks faster. I already had tightened the valves but the ticking is still there. What else can it possibly be? It sounds like it's comming from the lower driver side of the engine. Oh, and the engine is loud; sounds like it's right behind the steering wheel.

I've never owned Honda or Acura before, any help would be mostly appreciated. Thanx.

The shift lever problem shouldn't be too hard if your not affraid to get a little dirty and go under your car. Check and make sure all the bolts are tight and that nothing is broken. A quick visual inspection should be enough.