I need information about timing belts on 1988 chevy nova

 The 88 chevy nova has a timing belt, and it is not an interference engine.

In order to gain the extra horse power out of smaller engines the (distance between the cyl. and head) is less for more compression. If timing is off on an interference engine (less clearance) the valves that are open and should not be open are hit by the piston when it comes up. Most of the time, it just beds a few valves, but somtimes it brake off the valve, and or damages the piston.

 Your's is non interference. I 've done many of them back in those days, so I don't even have to look it up. We never even had bent valves on that model. But you should change the timing belt anyway simply because you don't know where it's been. Even sitting to long will bamage a timing belt. Yours calls for 60.000 miles. It's your call. But remember the car will die or fail to start if it does break.

                                  Chuck

 In 1988 the us did'nt make to many interference engines, not like they do now. Mostly the imports were. But now days I noticed that everytime I buy a timing belt they tell you it might damage somthing if it breaks, weather it's a interference or not. It's a sales thing I learned at a napa seminar. It's called planting the seed. Besides, 50 percent of the interference Timing belts that we replaced did'nt damage the valves. But the shops sold the head job anyway for the money.

 When I had my shop, I always told the customer (that had an interference engine) that we'll put the timing belt on and see how it acts before we pull the head, and 50 percent of the time it was good. I did'nt make as much money, but I gained a loyal customer. But in you'r case, its a no brainer. On the newer cars, there mostly all interference. Makes for a disapointed customer and automaticly he thinks Im ripping him off no matter how I tell him that thats the way it was made. You have nothing to worry about, as far as interference go's. But you should at least pull the cover and take a look at the belt, If it's worn or craked, you don't have much time, if it looks good, theres no telling how long it will last but you most likely have a long time before you need to check it again. In my experience, and I've delt with thousands of people. Once that seed is planted, it's hard to get out. Have it checked and if ok, it will take a while of driving for your confedence to come back. But like I said, the car will just stop or won't start, this usually happens when you pull away from a light, or you just went into a 7eleven store and went to start it. It will sound like a sewing mechine when you try to start it. But won't damage anything eccept mabey the tentioneer which is a low cost item. They don't make chevy's like your's any more. the chevy's now are trouble makers.

 Have it checked and be aware of how sales works. A good salesmen plants many seeds, and some are very good at there job. They have the tools to scare the crap out of you. Get more then one opinion.

                                  Chuck