What exactly happens when the timing belt snaps on a scoob. Does it depend on how hard it was being driven at the time or does it automatically ruin the engine anyway. Is there a chance the valves will be ok?

Thaks in advance.

as with *most* engines the chances are that valves will make contact with the pistons. there's your damage. higher RPM's lead to more damage (if a valve does break up it will bounce around the cylinder etc...).

some engines can snap the belts and all you lose is the timing, so called "non-interference" designs, whereby the pistons/valves never occupy the same space. i *think* the MR2 engine (mk1?) had this property?

Cheers mate :)

i take it you suffered said damage? i'm sure if you search through the past threads you'll find more detail.

i'm not sure about "modern" cars, which may have variable amounts of valve lift at higher rpm's therefore even more chance of extensive contact/damage.