Toyota Repair: engine, connecting rod bearings, celica gts

Question
Ted,  my nephew has a 99 celica gts with 90 some thosand on it.

he ran it low on oil and now it is making a lot of noise, not like the thumping that a bearing would make, but a lot of chatter. Is it possible that the timing chain slipped and that is the noise?  Is this an interfering engine?  what would be your first thought?   the car still runs but he is not driving it or letting it run.  he has very little money and would appreciate some help!!

Answer
No the timing chain will not slip if run low on oil, yes it is an interference engine, the first things that are damaged when running out of oil is the camshafts and the connecting rods, the noise you are hearing may be from the connecting rod bearings, in any case there seems to be serious engine damage, remove the valve cover to inspect the camshafts, if they lost oil pressure they will show signs of overheating and discoloration.