What is VVT-i

You might have seen these on Toyota engines exactly the 2jz. So what is it, How does it work? And why is Toyota using it?

First of all, VVT-i stands for:

V = Variable

V = Valve

T = Timing

i = Intelligence

Created by Toyota engineers VVT-i changes the timing of the intake and exhaust for a cleaner, more efficient burn, less harmful pollution, and more power. This was first introduced in the Toyota 1jz and 2jz. With this, you already have a foot into timing without having an aftermarket ECU and a tuner and changes by the higher the rpm gets. It would be quite useless when you have 5,500prm timing when you’re at 2,500 rpm.

So how does VVT-i work?

VVT-i works by a variable gear that can change its input (timing belt) to the output (camshaft) to increase or reduce the timing. some engines have different cam lobes to increase peek opening or to increase the length of opening when increased.

As you can see in the photo the red markers are representing the oil when the variable gear (in photo) is reducing the timing.    As you can see in the photo the blue markers are representing the oil when the variable gear (in photo) is increasing the timing.

With this mechanism, you are able to change the intake/exhaust timing and possibly ignition timing. But some cars don’t come with VVT-i on intake and exhaust together so be careful when buying engines to swap into your car.

So Why is Toyota using it?

Toyota is kinda like Honda, Honda has VTEC and spams it in their engines even today. Just like Toyota with the VVT-i while other companies are flexing on how many cylinders the engine has. VVT-i improves engine efficiency witch is one of the major reasons Toyota is famous, Reliability. This trait has given Toyota large amounts of profit and made it a household name and had put them on the most popular car brand list. So to continue being a good/famous car brand you need to keep VVT-i.