While reading through some threads I read a comment that the 92 SC400 engine is not an interference engine. Is that correct and if so how about the 93 SC400.

 

It's a non-interference engine up till the 98 model when they incorporated VVTi. So 92-97 is non-interference. 98-00 is interference.

 

I thought the 95 and 96 were clumped into the questionable area.

 

nope, 95 and 96 are not vvti so they are non-inteference. only 98+ got vvti on the sc300

 

Not trying to start a flame war or anything but iirc the compression was bumped up in 95 making it an interference motor. Atleast as far as my memory serves. 1989-94 are 100% non interference. The 95-96 are iffy and 97+ are interference.

 

Does that mean pre 95 doesn't need premium gas cause it lower compression?

 

the sc started in 1992 and was odb1 until 96 when it changed over to odb2.
In 98 and up the motor changed over to the VVti motor, which has different internals and a different head.
all 92-97 blocks and heads are exactly the same until 98 when it got vvti.
All 2jzge non-vvti are 10:1 compression.

 

OK if it is a non interference engine and the timing belt breaks will there be catastrophic engine damage or not?

 

Nope.

Unlikely unless you have cams.

 

its a 2JZ, most of the time you can just slap it back together.

 

Or in the case of the OP, a 1UZ.

 

Wrong on all counts.. Since we're only discussing USDM models here, there were no 89-91my SC's. They started selling here in 92. 92-97 were all non-interference from the factory, there are no and ifs or buts. Not sure where you got your misinformation from, but a bump in compression does not always = interference.
1998 saw the incorporation of the VVTi motors which are interference.

 

wow, just realized we were talking about a sc400. pretty much mostly the same info though.
a stock 1uz is just as reliable if not more so.

 

yea i was happy to hear this back when i bought my 93, im not gonna change the timing belt till it breaks, i dont see any reason for it.

 

Really? well guess what ? it will cost you more money replacing the broken belt and other broken components when the timing belt breaks.it will tear alot of stuff apart , timing covers etc..GL with that and let us know when you break it , i'll probably go the same route!