Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Continuous Variable Valve Timing (CVVT): General
The 6 cylinder turbo has the variable camshaft on the exhaust side. The camshaft has 15 camshaft degrees (30 crankshaft degrees) between its outer positions. The Continuous Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) unit for the turbocharged engine is bright metal.
The normally aspirated 6 cylinder has the variable camshaft on the intake side. The camshaft has 20 camshaft degrees (40 crankshaft degrees) between its outer positions. The Continuous Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) unit for the turbocharged engine is painted black.
The difference in the camshaft setting between the turbocharged and the normally aspirated engines is that the turbocharged engine uses a more compact Continuous Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) unit.
The Continuous Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) valve has different versions depending on whether it is used on the intake or exhaust side. The valve cannot be incorrectly installed.
The normally aspirated engine mainly uses the variable camshaft to obtain good starting capacity and good idling quality. The variable camshaft provides a torque increase of approximately 10% in the engine speed (RPM) range between 1500 - 3000 RPM. At certain engine speeds the camshaft adjustment is also used to keep emissions down.
The turbocharged engine mainly uses the variable camshaft to minimize emissions.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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