1mzfe FrAnKeNsTeIn! i know i know...

[TRD_Tech]

Ok so i searched and searched. I read through 7 pages and still couldnt find a definetive answer. I have a 99 Solara 1mzfe /auto non-vvti. I'ved asked around the shop if this has been done. And still no definete answer. I hope to change that with this great thread.
What I need to know is it possible to use non-vvti 1mzfe heads with a vvti 1mzfe block? I plan to use non-vvti intake,ecu,sensors,harness etc.. The only odd switch is i want to use the VVTI 1mzfe Block in my 99 non-vvti Solara.. If its possible is there any special mods I need to make to the block or head?
Im not looking for any performance gains or nothing like that. I want to use the VVTI block out of 02 lex es300. The reason being it only has 14k on it and it local. And i have a spun bearing in this Solara I just picked up due to sludge and lack of oil. Your swift response is greatly apprciated.

[TRD_Tech]

B B B Bump... Really 24hrs and still no replies Ok ,this is what I found out today . The blocks have different part numbers. From the diagram i couldnt tell if there was a physical differance but theres and oil pressure sensor on the front of the engine by the oil pump on the vvti 1mzfe engine. Also the oil pumps look like they may also be different. The oil pump on the Non VVTI engine is a 3 piece unit. And the oil pump on the VVTI engine Is a 1 piece design. But the castings and bolt hole postion look identical. Meaning that its a possibility the pumps can be swapped.
What figuring is that I can use just the VVTI block and internals (crank,pistons etc.) with the non VVTI heads. As long as I plug up the hole where the oil pressure sensor goes >?>?
And use the non VVTI head gaskets.
I would really like some other expert opinion on this hybrid build before i take the time and money and jump on this task. Theres has to be some back yard Engineers in here

[ONE_to_HATE]

It can be done.. actually- someone's taken this a step further... on a camry- someone's used a 3mz's 3.3 bottom end with a 1mz top.. dude's doing damn near 305-310 to the wheels, thing pulls like a freight train.

[TRD_Tech]

Originally Posted by ONE_to_HATE

It can be done.. actually- someone's taken this a step further... on a camry- someone's used a 3mz's 3.3 bottom end with a 1mz top.. dude's doing damn near 305-310 to the wheels, thing pulls like a freight train.

Ok so thats good to hear. Are they apart of the forum?? Did they do a write up ???

I found a NON-vvti 1mzfe engine with 115k mi on it from a local salvage yard and there asking $675. With a 60 day warranty. I also found a VVTI 1mzfe out of an 03 Lexus es300 with only 14k on it for $900. If I got the lexus engine I would only spend another 200 on a set of head gaskets.
Decesions decesions.....

[73sport]

I can't directly answer your question as i've never done it but here are some things you might consider checking. Most of which should be avaible in a Haynes manual. (Sorry, i don;t have one.


Block deck height, if the VVTI is different this could be an issue
piston PN
Interference vs no interference, your MZ is NI but the VVTI IDK?
head volume

Head gaskets, compare the gaskets at the part store.

Go to rockauto.com/toyodi.com ect and start comparing the part numbers of various parts. Open two windows and go down the list.

At best, this still leaves a gapping hole of unknown until you find someone who knows. Link this thread to Gen4/Gen5 inside and see if you get any bites.

Good luck!
You go ask a yodi mechanic at a local dealership?

[Prof ozone]

I assume you have a new head, because last I checked, that's where the sludge is. So if you put the old head on a new block you will probably wind up with the same problem.

I also cannot answer your question directly because I have not done this, but it does seem like it would work because Toyota doesn't even seem to differentiate between the two engines. They just say 1mzfe and 1mzfe with VVT-i and since the head fits on a 3mzfe block you would think the two would fit. Any subtle differences could probably be overcome.

I do know that the non-VVT-i engine is not an interference fit (meaning that the valves can not contact the top of the piston in the event the timing belt breaks) while the VVT-i engine IS an interference fit. This could be because the head is different or that the pistons are different. You would have to check this.

Also, part number is not necessarily an indication of a different part. I know it sounds crazy, but I purchased a Celica e-brake cable which had a different part number than the one off of my Corolla, but via inspection, the two parts were identical. I can only assume there was a change in material or manufacturer or something, because those two parts were the same.

Finally, just a note on the guy that built the 3mzfe/1mzfe hybrid. He did not get 305/310 whp just due to that. He had other mods. Just didn't want you to think you were going to get significant gains by replacing a part. I think he did that because the 3mzfe uses throttle by wire (which sucks) and the 1mzfe doesn't. Just FYI.

Good luck.