2003 GS430, Timing Chain or Belt
#18
Instructor
Ok, lets clear this up...
98-00 GS400 1uzfe vvt-i IS an interference motor. The timing belt that is used for this engine has a 60k mile interval.
01-05 GS430 3uzfe vvt-i IS an interference motor. The timing belt was reinforced with kevlar to increase the maintance interval between timing belts and water pump replacements.
The toyota is going to timing chains because it is proven that the chain takes longer to stretch then the belt does, and therefore will have a longer shelf life... However will lexus charging $150 dollars an hour, would you rather replace the timing belt, water pump, and tensioner for less than $600 or would you rather spend $1,500 on the timing chain at 120k?
98-00 GS400 1uzfe vvt-i IS an interference motor. The timing belt that is used for this engine has a 60k mile interval.
01-05 GS430 3uzfe vvt-i IS an interference motor. The timing belt was reinforced with kevlar to increase the maintance interval between timing belts and water pump replacements.
The toyota is going to timing chains because it is proven that the chain takes longer to stretch then the belt does, and therefore will have a longer shelf life... However will lexus charging $150 dollars an hour, would you rather replace the timing belt, water pump, and tensioner for less than $600 or would you rather spend $1,500 on the timing chain at 120k?
#20
Id prefer the timing belt. They are not as bad as alot of people think. If you just keep up with them. They will treat you good. When something goes wrong with the timing chain engine....that can be pretty exspensive to fix. due to being designed to be permanent, not serviced. ITs pretty rare of chain problems, but they do come here and there. So if your a person that has bad luck...stick with the belt. Also My gs400 had 118k on the clock and is a 99 and the belt looked great. I Think they updated all the timing belts to get longer life now. so If you do a timing belt on a older car, you should be set to 90k.
Also why are people complaining about fixing a car the hardly breaks. Why dont you buy a ford or dodge so you can spend all the money you ever made fixing them.
Also why are people complaining about fixing a car the hardly breaks. Why dont you buy a ford or dodge so you can spend all the money you ever made fixing them.
#23
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (3)
As far as timing belt vs timing chain, I prefer the belt. Timing belts are much quiter and are better for balancing out the engine, making the engine to run smoother and quieter overall, with less vibrations.
But also, timing belts and chains normally drive the water pumps, and water pumps normally fail at aroun 60-90K miles, and to replace it you still need to remove the belt or chain, so you still pay money for the labor, just with belt you spend an extra $50 for a new one.
Also, chain can rust and fail as well, its not indestructable. Also, what if the water pump pulley seizes and gets stuck, what will happen? A timing belt will just slip on the pulley and keep rotating crank and cams, but what could happen with a chain that wont slip?
But also, timing belts and chains normally drive the water pumps, and water pumps normally fail at aroun 60-90K miles, and to replace it you still need to remove the belt or chain, so you still pay money for the labor, just with belt you spend an extra $50 for a new one.
Also, chain can rust and fail as well, its not indestructable. Also, what if the water pump pulley seizes and gets stuck, what will happen? A timing belt will just slip on the pulley and keep rotating crank and cams, but what could happen with a chain that wont slip?
#24
i prefer belts just cange them at the intervals and they are quiet.. i had a Q45 with a chain and there were problems with the chain guides would break and get stuck in the chain and the chain would also streatch..it cost me 800 dollars for chain and guides..
#26
Lexus Test Driver
Join Date: Feb 2001
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i have never seen an advantage to a timing belt. I dont care what they say. you never heard of people forgetting to change there timing chain and it braking and destroying your cylinder heads. I believe it is a cheaper way out for car manufacturers if you ask me. i wished you could convert to chain.