SO i have exhausted all my other options of why my car wont run properly. I am going to attempt changing the timing belt. I have never done this, but i feel i am capable. I have changed about everything else on a car except the timing belt. I have read alot on this and would like to know a bit more. I have heard that if the belt broke while it was running the pistons would be smashed. I dont think the belt is broken just out of timing. The car will run but it runs like crap. It revs high then backfires throught the intake all the while gagging for air... if that makes any sense? I know i need to take off the several things to get to it and this is most likely going to be a several day process for me. What tips or advice can you give me on troubles that i will run into? I know this is a vague question... but the only dumb questions are the ones not asked?

 

buy a service manual it will walk u through it once the belt is changed U will know if the vales are bent it will have a misfire

 

backfiring through the intake usually means a REALLY clogged cat. check that option out first before spending all that time doing a timing belt. If you do end up doing the timing belt, get a new water pump while you are at it.