thermonuclear

quick question--is the 2.3L 5cyl 10v an interference engine? thx.

cuatrokoop

shouldn't be....the 2.3L 20v, however, is (only on the intake side).

Power5

Actually I believe it is. I remember seeing a list somewhere before. Had alot of cars on it.

SteveAngry

However, there has been talk on the qlist about the possibility of the timing belt breaking at high rpm's and causing damage...

What do I think? Just change the Tbelt every 60K and you'll never have to worry about it

Steve
Michigan

cuatrokoop

i've seen and heard of 10v cars breaking t-belts w/no ill effects. what an interference engine is, is one that the valve's max lift is actually below the TDC line of the piston. the 20v is this way, but only on the intake side. the 10v is not this way. if you get a stuck valve at high RPM, or break a camshaft (which can actually happen, but not very common at all), then maybe you'd damage the guides, seals, and seat, which may result in a bent valve. you'd have to have some serious valve float before getting the 10v to bend a valve, however. besides, to get the RPM to have float, would be beyond any useful power curve of the 10v (ie revving the snot outta it). it pretty much runs out of steam at 5800-5900rpm, and i rarely take the 5kq beyond that zone.

Chris in VA

Maybe this is just on the '88 and up 80/90's?

zjerunk

Answer is NO. I've owned 2of them 1990 model 90 10V 2.3L. NON Interference. Timing belt is a drop dead easy job.