A&Q about 350Z
Q:
Any know if there is a list of cars that have vavle interference engines?
Please help I have someone telling me I should buy cars this way. Thanks for your help.
A:
Assume it does have an interference engine.
As far as I know almost all American made pushrod engines are, and most double overhead cam engines are.
some single over head cam engines are non interference, especially those with a narrow angle between the valves (where the valves are nearly parallel, like the Ford 2.3 liter 4 cyl.
So long as the engine is maintained properly, (ie; change the timing belt when recommended in the owners manual) it makes no difference whether its interference or not.
A:
Yeah I cant see where that would factor in when buying a car, because that will narrow it down by like 90%.
A:
I guess if you want the ultimate idiot-proof car, then non-interference would be important. The older MR2 engines are the only ones I know of for sure. Checking your timing belt is not a big deal. And timing chains are not likely to snap, ever.
A:
Ford Duratec V6's are non-interference, doesn't mean their idiot proof or easy to work on though.
A:
Surely not. I wasn't trying to imply that. I was just saying that the valve interference would only be a factor if you were trying to build an idiot-proof car.
A:
Yeah, we all know idiots break thier timing belts... because they are idiots.
A:
I just finished rebuilding my GSX motor. Full rebuild, Heads, new valves, new pistons, bored, bottom end, all of it. Less than 3k miles on the motor I was on the interstate doing about 60 when I lost power. Cruise off to the side then get it towed home. Eventually discover the timing belt lost a bunch of teeth causing the motor to bend all 8 of the intake valves. Brand new timing belt too on the rebuild... piece of crap cheapness.
A:
Exactly.
A:
Try gates.com.
Their application chart will show if the engine is interference or not.
You have to register 'tho, but no big deal.
Have fun.
A:
Thanks Black Lotus and all the others that replyed. Your help is very useful.