Does anyone know if the '06 GS300 has a timing belt or timing chain? To most people this won't matter but I plan on keeping mine for at least 100k miles.

 

a timing chain. No slack. GS430 still a timing belt. Variable intake and exhaust timing on the all new 3.0 aluminum V6 with ULEV and direct injection. Best fuel efficiency of any Lexus.

 

Thanks for the info Rockville, aren't timing chains good for about 30k longer than belts?

 

Timing chains are designed to last the life of the engine, no replacement is needed. I'm glad Toyota/Lexus are using a chain in the GR series engines.

 

Well, my 2004 Accord LX has a timing change. I would certainly expect the new design Lexus vehicles should have it also. This can only mean 1 thing: The next gen. ES330 or Camry would have a chain also.

 

The timing chain was one aspect of my old Maxima that I loved... no need for the expensive timing belt replacement. Glad to see the new GS is using it now. Hopefully when I get a IS in a couple years, it will also have the timing chain.

 

Timing Belts can break but so can chains. Timing belts are quieter. We used to replace them at 60K. Now we do it at 90K. Chains should not need replacing. A non interference design is the safest in case a belt breaks. I had a Honda that the timing belt broke on and it was severely damaged. Lexus do not have that type of design. In the late 80's Mercedes was looping a long timing chain in their 3.8 Aluminum V8 and they would snap causing havoc. Mercedes decided to modify all of the existing engines with a second timing chain for reliability! Double timing chains! If you are going for high revving performance then a chain is probably the way to go and you will just have to bear the small increase in noise level.....

 

direct injection...is this similar to the FSI technology in the Audi's? because i'll be dammed if it is...both cars sound the same when it's idling (like a diesel motor)

 

Did I hear that the engine in the GS300 is a non-interference engine? If so, that makes me feel much better. We've got a 2001 Honda Odyssey that's got an interference engine and we're due to have the belt replaced at 105K miles which isn't too far away.. I'm hoping it doesn't snap before I can change it which will be closer to 110-115K miles..