My mates 1600cc, 89 Tipo just had the cambelt part company.

According to his mechanic it's all bent to f**king hell and needs a new motor. Sounds a bit sus when my mate said it didn't make any noises at all when it stopped and it would still turn over sweet, just wouldn't catch.

Can anyone help? Is it an interference motor? Do they do damage when the belt breaks? Are they expenive to fix?

Thanks

yes,they will do damage.how much depends on speed of engine and pure luck.at least it will have taken a valve out.at worst,holed pistons and valves.
why not look at the engine with the head off.if the pistons are ok,simply replace the knackered valves,or because of cheapness and availability,another head or complete engine.when replacing the cambelt,also replace the tensioner if not convinced,get a second opinion

As samplug said they do damage when they go. Mine went at tick-over bent 4 valves and cracked 3 valve guides, got a second hand head stuck it on and was back on the road in a 1 1/2 days. For 2 hours that is till the 2nd hand head dropped a valve and put it through the piston. So my advice would be to get your own head done or if it is completely knackered get the 2nd hand one done before you fit it