I have several other W-bodies but none with the X motor, until now. I've been told that if the timing belt goes on the 95 only, the engine won't be destroyed, unlike the 96 and 97 X motors. Not that I plan on trashing this engine, and I will watch the belt, just curious.

 

The 95 has a lower CR which results in it being a non-interference motor. The 96-97 have a higher CR and it has been debated whether or not its interference. Either way you dont want to go more than 70-80K before changing your timing belt.

 

x2- a timing belt is a maintenance item, and I sure wouldn't want to wait until it broke and stranded me somewhere. If its overdue for replacement, I'd just go ahead and do it as preventative maintenance.

 

The car has 85K on it and it looks like the belt was changed once already. When we took the cover off there were no cracks, but some rubber shavings on the cover from normal wear. I am going to get it done, if I can find someone locally to do it. I've had people quote me 10 hours labor plus parts which seems high to me.

 

I have no trouble believing it would take 10 hours for someone who hasnt worked on this motor before.