vgbu56

Hi I'm new to this sight, hope I'm posting right. My daughter just run her car with out oil motor is shot,
I would like to know if a 2001 es300 VVT-I will fit and work in her 2002 es300 VVT-I, some places say yes some say no, anyone with knowledge or experience please respond. I have a 2001 engine spotted.

Oro

I believe you can. The long block should be interchangeable. These are the differences I know about:

a) Transmissions are different, so of course you use the 02 transmission,
b) The intake and throttle body are different, so bolt those on the 01 long block
c) The 01 has four lower mounts vs. three on the 02, but I believe the mounting pionts on the block are the same.

Before the new engine goes in, you will want to:

1) verify the timing belt/wp/t-belt tensioner are new-ish or replace them,
2) replace the valve cover gaskets and spark plug seals,
3) swap the new-design 02 rear (bank 1) valve cover over to the 01 engine,
4) put new iridium plugs in before putting the intake back in place, and
5) make sure the PS pump is relatively new or replace/rebuild it while the engine is out.

The only think I think you need to verify is if the block mounting points are the same. I'm pretty sure that's unchanged as the mounts themselves are what vary between models, not the mounting points on the block.

Given the typical low oil consumption on these, I'd think you'd have to run it a LONG time to get low enough on oil to seize the engine.

vgbu56

ok thanks, I'm still debateing this, the oil pump and timing tensioner are different between these two, still checking on camshafts

tomf

Is the 02 design better? Is it backward compatible to all 1mz-fe engines?

Oro

The ‘02 and up are redigned to reduce the possibility sludging if abusive oil change intervals occur. But nothing can eliminate that risk - in this engin or any engine. If you change the oil on a reasonable interval for your climate and driving habits, this isn’t going to matter.

But if I had one in hand, I would swap it.