Mitsubishi Repair: valve damage w/ timing belt failure, mitsubishi eclipse, valve damage

Question
1999 mitsubishi eclipse...
just lost the timing belt @ about 30 mph.
although i heard no metalic types of destruction, is it 100% possible that i have sucked the valves? is there enough clearance in this engine to avoid a valve job?

Answer
Dave,
It's possible that you avoided massive valve damage if your belt broke near or at top dead center for cylinder #1.  When you engine has #1 at TDC, all your valves are closed and not occupying cylinder space.  Though it's a 1 in an million chance, you might have gotten lucky.  The only 100% positive way to be sure is to pull you cylinder head and inspect your valves up close.  

But if you want to assume all is well, replace your timing belt, balance belt and auto tensioner.  You can also do a compression check.  Many times if you have damaged valves or piston heads, your compression will not be within tolerance.
Good luck!