I keep getting mixed information on the 2005 ES330 VVT-I motor regarding clearance. I am half way into replacing a broken timing belt, and when I started this project i was under the impression that this engine was NON-interference. Now I am finding data that says it is actually an interference engine .... Can anyone clarify this?

 

You can easily find out yourself. Put the crank at zero (marks on cam gear/oil pump) and gently turn the cams to see if the valves hit anything, you'll know right away the cam will become impossible to rotate.

 

It is a non interference engine. Case closed. Well, on an '04 at least.