Toyota VVTi problem

[muscarello]

The new Evora uses the basics of the Toyota 3.5 V6 that is used in Camry, Avalon, Highlander, FJ, and Rav. There is a minor yet serious problem with this engine.

Simply put, a 40$ part is the cause of numerous blown engines. There is a two piece snaky-shaped metal tube carrying oil from front of engine to VVTi cam cover. Connecting the two pieces is a rubber hose that fails at as low as 18000 miles. Oil pressure light working or not, at highway speeds many, many folks have dumped their oil and ruined their engines. Toyota has a technical service bulletin, but no recall. (They would apparently rather replace engines under warranty.) Read about it here Third Generation 2005+ - Toyota Forums :: Toyota Nation (and all over the web.)

Images of the Evora engine abound on the web. You can see the questionable tube - and the rubber hose- in the upper left hand corner of this photo Lotus Evora engine on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Perhaps a campaign is needed to get Lotus to upgrade this "feature" if Toyota won't. I don't want to be buying an expensive sports car with a built-in headache.

Also, if any tuners out there are cooking up performance parts/superchargers/etc. for this engine, keep in mind that some things built for the Lotus, with slight mods will work on Toyota. I know, the Evora is light and has a stick, and is meant to make power at different RPM band; but there is a hell of a demand for performance upgrades for the Toyota version of the engine too, and many many more Toyotas.

[muscarello]

Toyota have replaced the faulty pipe/hose on the new engines starting this year. Lotus/web sources/magazines still keep showing pics of the Evora engine with the old oiling tube, but I presume that the new Lotus will have the update. Cheers.

[Demonized]

Originally Posted by muscarello

Toyota have replaced the faulty pipe/hose on the new engines starting this year. Lotus/web sources/magazines still keep showing pics of the Evora engine with the old oiling tube, but I presume that the new Lotus will have the update. Cheers.

Great to know.

[Backpain]

I spoke to a Lotus rep today, Lotus is aware of the issue and it's supposed to have been resolved. It will be when the cars are available for purchase. The rep sent another email to the Uk regarding the issue while we were talking. He was trying to get the actual new part #.
Toyota has also fixed it on their new motors according to what I have heard.

I test drove the car yesterday and priced one out this morning. It would be an awesome daily driver.