I bought a 2002 IS300 fixer upper.
I need to change the timing belt, seals, etc..

When I looked up on the internet, 60% of the sites say the engine is NON-interference.
40% says it is.

How can I know for SURE whether my 2002 IS300 is interference or not? This is a straight 6 engine.

 

Is it VVTI?

 

Yes, it is a VVTI.

Also I was told the engine is an "iron block", I have no idea what that really means.

 

It is interference then. And the block is made of iron. Nothing too special.

 

Yes. Interference engine, so always give the proper care to your belt and you will be safe. And Iron block means the block is made out of Iron. You will also find often Aluminium blocks that are very popular. In racecars, you could find composite material blocks (old Yamaha V10 was one of them).

 

OK thanks guys. My son and I will be changing the timing belts and seals.

We have never done this before, but watched alot of Youtube videos.

 

if its not too late:
https://www.my.is/forums/f221/diy-co...-seals-538410/

also if you do the crank seal - be careful not to break any of the teeth on the crankshaft gear.