# 1MZ-FE....with or without VVT-i? **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Automotive\ **Created:** [March 18, 2009, 8:37am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1mz-fe-with-or-without-vvt-i/64702 "2009-03-18T08:37:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![LUKE\_L](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/luke_l/32/7462_2.png) [@LUKE\_L](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LUKE_L)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 8:37am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1mz-fe-with-or-without-vvt-i/64702/1 "2009-03-18T08:37:55Z")
I am researching to find out as much info as I can on the 1MZ-FE. My question how reliable was the VVT-i setup on the 1MZ for the few years that it was put out? The HP increased from around 170-190 to 210 with the VVT-i but is this 2-stage hydraulic system really that realible? I have my doubts that as the motor see more miles that this system breaks down. I have no proof for or against this theory so I was hoping someone could shed some light on this question. Toyota pulled the VVT-i due to emissions issues in the Euro market around 05-06. Other than that I really don’t see any other issues with this motor system. I am weighing my options for a 190 HP 1MZ-FE or a 210 HP 1MZ-FE with the VVT-i. The 20 HP is not the deciding factor. Dependablilty is the deciding factor. Thoughts? (I tried posting this in the Tech section but I guess no dice…:shrug:) ---
**Author:** ![newman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/newman/32/7569_2.png) [@newman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/newman)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 9:01am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1mz-fe-with-or-without-vvt-i/64702/2 "2009-03-18T09:01:47Z")
I know some lotus guys have issues with the high cam wearing out on their 2zz-GTE motors, but i can’t add much about the 1MZ ---
**Author:** ![Boomin99GT](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/boomin99gt/32/7306_2.png) [@Boomin99GT](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Boomin99GT)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 10:44am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1mz-fe-with-or-without-vvt-i/64702/3 "2009-03-18T10:44:34Z")
What do you plan on doing with the motor would be my 1st question? Leaving it bone stock? Modding it? ---
**Author:** ![double\_j](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/double_j/32/7380_2.png) [@double\_j](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/double_j)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 5:48pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1mz-fe-with-or-without-vvt-i/64702/4 "2009-03-18T17:48:21Z")
Swap into the Grand Am? J/k Luke. ---
**Author:** ![LUKE\_L](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/luke_l/32/7462_2.png) [@LUKE\_L](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LUKE_L)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2009, 6:43am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1mz-fe-with-or-without-vvt-i/64702/5 "2009-03-19T06:43:06Z")
^Haha…I swear, It’s amazing how much flack I get for the Grand Am without even mentioning it. No, the Grand Am is getting the for sale sign…VERY soon. > [@newman](#): > > I know some lotus guys have issues with the high cam wearing out on their 2zz-GTE motors, but i can’t add much about the 1MZ That’s actually good to know anyways. Thanks. > [@Boomin99GT](#): > > What do you plan on doing with the motor would be my 1st question? Leaving it bone stock? Modding it? I would leave it BONE stock. It’s nice to have some Good power available but not blown or with a SC. Gotta start small first especially when I am not familiar with the motor. ---
**Author:** ![drvnkd](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/drvnkd/32/109615_2.png) [@drvnkd](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/drvnkd)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2009, 6:46am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1mz-fe-with-or-without-vvt-i/64702/6 "2009-03-19T06:46:30Z")
I think you need to take a course in Project Management so that you can effectively layout the requirements and resources available to your automotive needs. ---
**Author:** ![LUKE\_L](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/luke_l/32/7462_2.png) [@LUKE\_L](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LUKE_L)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2009, 7:10am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1mz-fe-with-or-without-vvt-i/64702/7 "2009-03-19T07:10:57Z")
Bwahhhhhahahaaa! I STILL have not finished 611. Fuck me. ---
**Author:** ![Boomin99GT](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/boomin99gt/32/7306_2.png) [@Boomin99GT](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Boomin99GT)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2009, 1:09pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1mz-fe-with-or-without-vvt-i/64702/8 "2009-03-20T13:09:11Z")
I think if you’re leaving it stock you’ll be fine with either of those motors. I just didn’t want to respond until you told me what you were using it for. VVT-I can become a pain if you ever decide you want cams or anything fun. ---
**Author:** ![jhenty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a183cd/32.png) [@jhenty](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/jhenty)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2009, 3:37pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1mz-fe-with-or-without-vvt-i/64702/9 "2009-03-20T15:37:16Z")
I haven’t heard of any issues and spent a lot of time researching this engine. I had a 2000 solara v6 5 speed without vvti. I had a few bolt ons and beat the living piss out of the car for around 50,000 miles (was at around 125k when I traded it). I had zero motor issues, just change the oil every 3k. The motor is pretty bulletproof either way, but I suggest going without vvti, why make things complicated for 10 extra hp (the figures range between 190-200 for 1mzfes without vvti). If you want to know anything more, PM me I’m sure I can help. ---
**Author:** ![95xbird](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/95xbird/32/5072_2.png) [@95xbird](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/95xbird)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2009, 6:21pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1mz-fe-with-or-without-vvt-i/64702/10 "2009-03-20T18:21:18Z")
If you do go with this motor be sure to keep a regular maintance on it.Ive seen absoloutly zero problems with the VVT-I other than the cam gear/Controller on the 2GR-FE and the new 1.5 Yaris motors. The 1MZ-FE is a sludge motor though.I would steer clear of it.Find the 3.3 (3MZ) motor. Zero problems with those. ---
**Author:** ![bigtallpaul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/6a8cbe/32.png) [@bigtallpaul](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/bigtallpaul)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2009, 11:10pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1mz-fe-with-or-without-vvt-i/64702/11 "2009-03-20T23:10:44Z")
Sludge motors are not an issue for anyone who’s done proper maintenance on a motor. You can easily tell if a motor has been properly maintained. Don’t “steer clear”, just make sure you check them out properly before purchasing. ---
**Author:** ![deebo](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/deebo/32/5218_2.png) [@deebo](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/deebo)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2009, 7:21am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1mz-fe-with-or-without-vvt-i/64702/12 "2009-03-21T07:21:56Z")
where’s civicjim when you need him lol ---
**Author:** ![amspimpwagon](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/amspimpwagon/32/7339_2.png) [@amspimpwagon](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/amspimpwagon)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2009, 10:40am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1mz-fe-with-or-without-vvt-i/64702/13 "2009-03-22T10:40:04Z")
I thought the sludge problems were only with the 3VZ-FE, I thought they fixed that with the 1MZ. What is this engine going into? ---
**Author:** ![LUKE\_L](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/luke_l/32/7462_2.png) [@LUKE\_L](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/LUKE_L)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2009, 4:34am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/1mz-fe-with-or-without-vvt-i/64702/14 "2009-03-23T04:34:00Z")
Routine Maintenace will not be an issue. Thank for all the input guys. > [@jhenty](#): > > I haven’t heard of any issues and spent a lot of time researching this engine. I had a 2000 solara v6 5 speed without vvti. I had a few bolt ons and beat the living piss out of the car for around 50,000 miles (was at around 125k when I traded it). I had zero motor issues, just change the oil every 3k. The motor is pretty bulletproof either way, but I suggest going without vvti, why make things complicated for 10 extra hp (the figures range between 190-200 for 1mzfes without vvti). If you want to know anything more, PM me I’m sure I can help. This is pretty much how I feel. Either way if I get a smokin deal I don’t think either configuration will be a bad choice. I am kind of leaning to a NON VVT-i for this reason…