The engine I bought out of JME's 2007 GX N/A (SOHC) had a bunch of bent valves following belt breakage.

It can be pot luck. I've seen at least 2 DOHC turbo engines survive belt breakage while driving at highway speeds.

i guess the newer motors are probably higher compression too?

but yeah always had the assumption that the earlier ej sohc were almost maintenance free

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Yeah, those old EJ22's and EJ20's with the wobbly ribbed rocker covers are, the newer smooth cover ones where the plug leads go in the rocker cover are the potential interference ones.
Funny how they don't mention EJ20's on that chart??

TeeJay, you'll be good to go with a new belt. (maybe a good second handy.......lol)

From what I have dealt with, I would say pre 2000 N/A would be safe.
Engine that is in my car now (98 WRX), I bought not realising that it had snapped a cam sprocket in half. Belt was on but was way out. New sprocket and belt and has never missed a beat. Same deal with an early (94ish) GC8 motor that I worked on.
Seen plenty of 99 + WRX engines bend valves though. Seems to be hit and miss.



(Pun intended)

How hard is it to change?

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Depends how much shit you take out.
Drop radiator out and its not too painful

With all respect.........not a DIY for you.

LOL Doug

What I should have type in that case..

How much for a cash job to fit the thing

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It is about 3-4 hours labour, or at least that is how much i was charged for my N/A gc8 RX.

I have no mechanical skill and can drop the radiator and covers in about 20 min...

Workshops would naturally not rush as they want to do a quality job

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