Some question on Vios VVT-I engine & servicing Options

[Byktan]

1.) Is Vios VVT-i engine uses timing-belt or timing chain?

2.) Anybody tried using platinum spark-plug on the Vios engine? If can what is the specs.?

3.) Besides sending the car to BM workshop for servicing which workshop in SG is good/expert in servicing Toyota cars with very good price.

Thank You.

[S2P2]

1 and 2 can see your manual lah

3, most workshop can work on Jap cars

[Cordia_gsr]

1. It's running on chain.

2. Tried Iridium though. Pretty good.

3. Most places can do the job just fine.

[Byktan]

Thanks for the info.

1. Very good no need to change timing belt. Hate to change timing belt very costly.

2. Where did you change your iridium spark plugs from?

3. Thanks. I guess most workshop should be able to service Toyota cars. If you have one please recommend, thks.

[Epsilon]

what about G9? are they also using timing chain?

[Byktan]

Haven't got my car cannot see manual leh...

[Byktan]

What's G9? What car is it?

[Epsilon]

G9 is the car that can jiak Evo......kidding lah....G9 is the corolla

[Byktan]

Oh I see, so now I know what's G9. So you mean Toyota Corolla Altis right? This one also use timing chain, seen it on a cross section of the engine somewhere on the net.

[Cordia_gsr]

Thanks for the info.

1. Very good no need to change timing belt. Hate to change timing belt very costly.

2. Where did you change your iridium spark plugs from?

3. Thanks. I guess most workshop should be able to service Toyota cars. If you have one please recommend, thks.

I changed the plugs on my own.

[Cordia_gsr]

what about G9? are they also using timing chain?

Yes, both are sharing the same engine if you are referring to the 1.5L engines.
All running on chains.

[Cordia_gsr]

G9 stands for the term "Generation 9"
It's referring to the Corolla series.
G9 has 2 "models"
1. pre-facelift G9 (End'2000 to mid'2002)
2. facelight G9 (Late'2002 till early'2004)

As for Altis, i think it's still classified as G9.

[Byktan]

Thanks for all the info. Now at least I know what's G9 and G8 means. Altis should be still under the G9 categories.

[Byktan]

Yeah, you're right both uses the same engine. I guess even the new Corolla Altis 1.6L and 1.8L uses the same engine uses timing chain too. Only the engine capacity are different.

Actually this timing chain technology has been use long time ago in the 70's and 80's cars such as Nissan which I've know of. But because of the high FC and noise so they convert to the use of belt and because of the new engine technology so I guess they've decided to use back the chain for lesser maintenance.

[Byktan]

Currently I also change spark plugs myself on my Hyundai Accent. Now using Bosch Platinum plugs. Hopefully I can change my own plugs on my new coming Vios.

Btw are you changing your own plugs on the Vios? Is it easy to change? I notice that the black cover on top of the engine has to be remove in order to change plugs, am I right?

[Cordia_gsr]

That's right. You have to remove the top black plastic cover off (there are 4 size10 nuts holding the cover). Once the cover is off, you will see clearly.

[Byktan]

Thanks. BTW what type of Spark plugs are you using now for your vios.

[Cordia_gsr]

I'm using the Denso Iridiums. Was using Bosch Super 4 previously.

[Byktan]

Where did you bought the Denso Iridiums plugs from? I've tried Bosch Super 4 on my current Hunydai Accent and found it's not as good as Platinum plugs. I guess Denso Iridiums is much better and more expensive, am I right?

So any different after changing to Denso Iridiums plugs?

[Cordia_gsr]

I got the iridiums from my friend, can't remember where he bought them.
The Super 4 are definitely better off than stock ones. But they just won't last as long as the platiniums. I clocked approx. 30,000km and the plugs were "worn out", totally lost power.

Now with these iridiums, power is back to normal or an inch better now.

I personally feel that it all depends on your driving style and habits.
If you do lots of highway like i do, it's better to choose a colder range plugs.
Otherwise, hotter plugs will do better in city driving.