I also pick up cars that need tlc and flip em. Easy way to double yor money for 8-10 hours of work. I just recently picked up a 2003 nissan sentra with a blown head gasket and 140k. Gonna start on it after i finish up the civic in my shop. Do the 1.8 motors have the same problem as the 2.4 altimas with the chain tensioners? If so ill just replace them while im there

I knew there would be others on here doing this; its too b/c my last flip was a Civic. I'm not sure about the 1.6L, but I also wouldn't say the KA24DE has timing chain issues regularly; or so I thought. I've had a few KA's, but in a RWD format, in a 240sx and none of them seem to ever have issues. I would just look for guide wear while you're in there. The tensioner is difficult to identify as faulty so that's my advice. Good luck with it.

I just pulled the head on a Hardbody, KA24E and it seems to be a common issue with the 3 valve SOHC engines.
PO on it busted a timing chain out mudding and replaced the chain, and even appears he pulled the head and put it back on, but over looked the 4 bent exhaust valves when he replaced the timing chain.
I ordered parts Friday a whole $59 for 4 valves, and top end gasket set.

Nice, you getting them through RockAuto? Do any piston damage?

There was the lightest of scratch on the piston, not enough to damage it. It just barely bent the valves.

I got the parts off Ebay.
Valves from place in Arlington, Tx and the Gaskets out of California.