Chrysler Repair: timing belt, 1996 chrysler cirrus, chrysler cirrus

Question
Apparently the timing belt broke on my 1996 Chrysler Cirrus v6.  The repair shop says that I need a new engine.  Car was running fine.  Started it in my driveway.  The engine stopped.  Tried starting it again and only got a whirring sound from the starter.  Could a broken timing belt ruin this engine?

Answer
Hi John,
Sorry to learn of your problem. As I explained in my 'bio' for the site, I am not familiar with the Chrysler engines after '95. If yours in a 3.0, I know that the 3.0 V6 is a non-interference engine which means it will NOT be damaged should the belt break while it it operating. I would suggest checking with Pete Lacey, the other Chrysler and Dodge expert (he has made available more questions/day on the Dodge repair option) to see whether he knows the answer for your engine. If it is the 3.0 there should be no reason for damage. Even for an interference engine, if the belt breaks at idle speed you would think that the damage might be more restricted than if it happened at higher rpm. I would treat this very pessimistic prognositication skeptically, and even if it proves to be an interference type engine (where the valves may be struck by the pistons if the timing is way off) it is probably not a total loss. Maybe just a few bent valves. It would be worth opening it to find out.
Roland