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what, if any, are the advantages to the consumer in building anything other than a non-interference engine? why did lexus go from non-interference to interference engines?
Valves open further in an interference engine and project further into the combustion chamber than in a 'free-running' engine. This allows outside air at atmospheric pressure flow faster into the combustion chamber through the larger valve opening. The engine can therefore inhale more air, be a little smaller, and still create as much power while reducing its manufactured cost and also guaranteeing future repair business for its dealer.
the increase in compression also has much to do with it. the pistons in the interference engines are larger at the top, more like a dome, to ikncrease the comp. this is actually why the valves would hit in the lexus.
timing chains are also not maintenance free. they will stretch over time, causing loss of cam timing (power/efficiency). also, the chains have to be designed with tensioners and guides, wihc are usually made out of plastic on any modern engine. this plastic wears out over time causing noise, chain slack and even "catastrophic engine failure".
This thread will be locked if it turns into another fist fight, please, lets keep it civil.
Wrong thread maybe? It has been kept relatively stable and professional in this thread
Originally Posted by 19psi
the increase in compression also has much to do with it. the pistons in the interference engines are larger at the top, more like a dome, to ikncrease the comp. this is actually why the valves would hit in the lexus.
timing chains are also not maintenance free. they will stretch over time, causing loss of cam timing (power/efficiency). also, the chains have to be designed with tensioners and guides, wihc are usually made out of plastic on any modern engine. this plastic wears out over time causing noise, chain slack and even "catastrophic engine failure".
You are completely correct about the maintenance on that, everything wears out regardless of it's strength. I completely forgot that VVTi uses chains rather than belt.
Also, how does the use of a chain enable the VVTi feature? And what did Toyota/Lexus do for VVTi? I know that Ferrari uses a slanted camshaft which is able to move laterally to alter the lift, but I don't suppose Toyota did that too?
vvti came out in 98 i believe. they still using timing belts though. vvti is enabled by the use of adjustable cam sprockets and hydraulic solenoids activated by the ecu. at the required time, the ecu sends a signla to the solenoids, which then use oil pressure to move the cam sprocket which then changes cam and thereby valve timing.
this is independent of the use of a timing belt or chain. other mfrs. use a chain and still enable variable valve timing through the same type of system.