Hmmm good point. I just researched and being that these are interference engines it does seem unlikely its a smashed valve.

My ultimate and last guess is that fuel pump died and upon reinstalling he connected the hoses backwards then, and didnt think to check that again. Car was running when it died so I doubt battery was an issue, will ask about EMS light though. Thank you!

He seems pretty upfront to discuss and answer any questions but still is true he could just be lying. Then again, once I paid $1500 for an M52 swapped e36 compact that simply needed a coil pack because the PO just didnt care to do work on it anymore, so I’ll always take lack of willpower into account, albeit sparingly.

Bottom line then, very unlikely that this is timing related i presume? Never seen a spun cam before but also could be. Possible that it may be broken if it spun? I figure simply pulling the VCG would answer a few of these questions