As I had posted on some replies on the reliablity of the 960, I had the misfortune of having the timing belt snap about 7K before it was due to be changed 500 miles from home. The car has 130K. The dealer where I had the car towed to gave me an estimate to replace the head within the price range I was willing to spend. AS the mechanic got into the engine I was notified that the cams had problems and some other issues raised by the mechanic suddenly took the cost of repair beyond what I was will to spend.

I had the car transported to my house in order to evaluate the condition of the engine myself. I found that one of the cams galled on one journal and was probably instrumental in causing premature failure of the belt. Found ten bent exhaust valves and two intake. There doesn't appear to be any damage to the pistons.

I found a place that would swap out the head for a rebuilt one for approximately $600 and that would take car of the cam issue.

Question: Does anyone have experience with this repair and what are the odds the pistons are OK.

One option is to change out the engine for a 93 or 94. The engines I have located generally have 65 to 80K on them. Some come with 90 days up to 6 months warranty. If I go this way all the seals, timing belt, tensioner and water pump would be changed out before I installed the engine.

Another option is to end the issue of the interference engine and put in a V8. I posted this option on the other V8 board.

I am interested to hear what others think. I do understand some would have me walk away from the car as fast as I can, but I am not willing to do that. It's a great road car and the handling and brakes(upgraded myself) are excellent. I was getting over 24 mpg over on the highway before incident.