Best and worst cases really are as you describe, somewhere in between getting away with it, and having both pistons and valves damaged.

Most likely case is a few bent valves, but until the engine comes apart, you won't know. If that's the case, a good secondhand cylinder head, fitted "as is" will be the cheapest and quickest repair.

>> Can you believe my timing belt snapped just 1000 miles over it's 40,000 mile warranty!!!!

I think you mean recommended change interval, not warranty.

For yr 2002 Astras (excluding Z16SE engines) -

16 valve engines are every 40,000 miles OR 4 years (whichever comes sooner)

8 valve engines (Z1.6SE) are every 80,000 miles OR 8 years (whichever comes sooner)

Vauxhall also recommends cambelt replacement interval of 4 yrs / 40,000 miles as best practice on all 16v petrol engines manufactured between 1997 & 2002.

Is your engine an 8v or 16v?

If a 16v, has the belt ever been changed before?

If it's an 8v, then you may well be lucky in that these engines are generally classed as non interferance - ie, the pistons won't have kissed the valves unless the engine was at full chat at the time.

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 24/04/2010 at 15:04