Subaru Repair: timing belt: when to absolutely change, twin cam engine, spark plug wires

Question
1999 Forester 75K miles
I'm unemployed but want to keep my car and it needs brakes, oil change, new plugs, already. I bought it used from a Subaru-only dealer with a good rep and was told that the car had a new engine block installed just before my purchase. Since I really have to budget for maintenance expenses, I'm trying to figure out how much longer I can go before changing the T-belt and doing all the other recommended things like water pump, seals, o-ring, belt tensioner etc.

If I keep driving w/out new T-belt, and if the belt "goes out", will i risk serious engine damage? Just trying to guage the risk/cost/benefit thing.
Thanks,
Kate

Answer
Hello Kate,
 
   Ok, The timing belt it due every 105k on the 2.5 engine, which is what you have. The only thing is there are two 2.5L engines that came in that year. One is a single cam, and the other is a twin cam. The twin cam engine is the most important to watch for. If the timing belt breaks in this motor, you will bend valves. You most generally tell which engine you have by the spark plug wires. Red should be twin cam, and black should be single cam. Also the twin cam takes platnium plugs, which are more expensive than the others.
    My recommendations would be to find out all the parts they replaced when they put the new block in, and the exact miliage it was done at. Most times when we do new blocks, we also put on new oil pump, water pump, and timing belt. I hope this helps.

                    Thanks,
                       Frank