Hinesman

I ordered a new timing belt for my 84 944 at 10PM. My car has 78000 miles and the belt was first changed at 45000. The next morning I was on my way to the mechanics and it went out. I cant beleive my beautiful car blows that on the way. Do i need to replace valves? Head? Where do I start. I heard you can buy a 16 valve head. Is this true? I miss my car and work outside all winter here in South Dakota. Spring is coming and I want to drive my car out of the shop. PARTS 4 SALE, GOOD ADVICE is what I need.

Thanks Everyone,

Nick

Jay W

Most of valves will be bent so you replace valves and it is good to replace the valve guides as well. Usually the head is rebuildable unless a valve broke off and bounced around in the cylinder. If any of the valves broke, which usually does not happen, the cylinder wall, piston and head could be scratched up and ruined. How do you know for sure the belt broke? Did the mechanic look at it already?

Whisper

Since you're asking for advice, I assume you are not an experienced mechanic like lots of folks on here.

This just happened to me a few months ago. Here are some of the things I leaned.

1. Your valves are toast, but your pistons are probably fine. A head swap will get you back on the road.
2. You can get a rebuilt head from 944online for about $500. You might be able to get one here cheaper. Ask around.
3. DO NOT take it to a nonspecialist shop. They will say they can handle it, but they will mess up the timing.
4. Look for a rennlister in your area. They might be willing to help you for beer and gratitude.

Good luck.

schwank

Buy a known good head. As others have said several of your valves are likely bent if the belt did break.

It sucks but you can recover from this. It's not too bad if the cylinders and pistons are still OK. If you can find local help, you'll save lots of money over having a shop do all the labor, plus you'll have the knowledge of how to do it yourself.

Lorax

Yep. You can probably find a used n/a head for less than 400 bucks easily. Just bolt it on and go.

John_AZ

Hinesman,
Take a look at Bennington Motorsports:
The last I heard the price was $350 exchange. Take a look at what he does to the head to check for cracks and refinishing. All top notch!
http://www.benms.com/

GL
John_AZ
1988 924S + 1987 924S

Mark944na86

Actually, it's a bit more involved than that...

nh7cy

Craigslist? I replaced the complete head on my old n/a for around $100.

Rock

PM Xsboost90. He might have the head off of my old turbo engine, it was refinished around 30,000 miles ago. If a turbo head will fit, youre good to go he will let it go for not that much.