So, the timing belt died. Wonderful. The 944 was purchased just a few months ago, in october, and had been taken to a mechanic to have the belt changed and other work. After all work was done I was told that belt appeared to have been recently changed and he didn't feel it necessary to change it again, in the interest of saving green. Just 3,000 miles later.... here we are. And yes, I know. I should have checked the belt myself. However, I am not exactly very mechanically inclined. I have friends and family who are, and am trying to learn, but thats beside the point. Now, I am wondering if there is any possible way that the valves are not bent, (for reference, it died in idle with no load.)
Should the probable hold true... best course of action: Have head redone and valves taken care of? Engine swap? Perhaps a 968 engine will fit... Know that would require a new tranny to handle the increased power, and mounts would need to be changed. I've heard 944 s2 mounts can be used on a 968 in a late model 944... any truth to it?

87 944 N/A

 

If you broke the belt, you WILL have bent valves, even at idle. There really is no way to just look at a timing belt and tell if it is good or not, so I am not sure what the mechanic was smoking when he said that. It is always possible that a roller or the waterpump pulley froze and caused the break as well. Fixing the head is going to be the cheapest option. Expect up to about 2500 to have somone do it (including new waterpump, head work, valves, belts, rollers, etc. Doing it yourself, maybe 1000-1500 depending on the damage.