rjehoffman

Well, I just purchased a 92 SC400 with 150k miles for my daughter that I am still cleaning up (so no pics yet, but very excited), and now my wife wants to get in on the action so I am about to purchase 97 SC400. I figure, hey, once my daughter wants something newer, I can use the parts on my 92 on the 97 Two months ago, I didn't even know what an SC400 looked like.. go figure.

In my research on this forum and the internet, I am getting conflicting information on 2 items that I know have been discussed ad nauseum, but thought I would try to get clarification:
1. Is the 97 SC400 an interference or noninterference engine? On the Gates Timing Belt guide, it says it IS NOT. Some members on this site indicates it is. Where is the definitive answer located for this?
2. The timing belt was changed back in November 2003. So, it has been 11 years, but ONLY 24k miles ago - not a typo, only 24k miles ago. Gates Timing Belt guide says the belts should be replaced at a minimum of 6 years, local Lexus dealership says 7 years, and local independent mechanic with 25 years experience says to change the timing belt on mileage and don't worry about time. Anybody else have feedback on this?

If the car is an interference engine and the belt was changed 11 years ago, it makes sense to change it now. However, if it is a noninterference engine, I feel like I have some time to drive and not be too worried.

Any help would be appreciated.

Bankswood

92 is definitely a non interference engine. If the 97 is a vvti engine then it is an interference engine. As for the timing belt I would do a visual inspection. Take off the cam / spark plug covers and you will see the belt on the cam gears. At the front bottom of the engine is the crank bolt. Hook a breaker bar to it and slowly crank the engine over and examine the entire belt. If you see any cracking or stress then relace it.