This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:19:30
The video discusses the naming conventions of Lexus GX models, focusing on the GX550 with a 3.4 L engine. It explores Toyota's twin-turbo V6 V35A-FTS engine used in various models. The importance of engine torque, bore, and stroke configurations is highlighted. An interview with a former host of automotive shows discusses the reliability of old school Toyotas and the balance between power and durability in new engines. The discussion also covers the ultimate goal of internal combustion engines to increase thermal efficiency. The video critiques oversimplified marketing concepts and highlights the complexity of high-speed combustion technology. Issues with main bearings in newer Toyota vehicles are addressed, emphasizing factors like driving habits and bearing upgrades for durability. Anecdotal evidence points to main bearing failures in vehicles with the V35A-FTS engine, underscoring the need for more information from Toyota.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the naming conventions of Lexus GX models based on their engine sizes (GX470, GX460, GX550), focusing on the GX550 with a 3.4 L engine that surprisingly bears the ‘550’ designation. The video delves into Toyota’s twin-turbo V6 V35A-FTS engine introduced in the 2018 Lexus LS and subsequently used in other models like the Land Cruiser 300 series and Tundra. The GX550 showcases lower peak power due to smaller turbochargers but maintains high torque output, rivaling larger engines like the G Wagon’s and Defender’s V8s. Additionally, the video hints at exploring how the V35A-FTS engine balances high performance with Toyota’s reliability reputation.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the importance of engine torque, focusing on the comparison between old school naturally aspirated engines and newer twin-turbo V6 engines like the v35a. The emphasis is on the differences in bore and stroke configurations, with the new engine having a smaller bore and longer stroke, leading to better low-end torque. The conversation also delves into the significance of bore and stroke in engine design, highlighting that it is just one of many factors that contribute to overall engine performance. Additionally, the discussion touches on the optimal bank angle and the complexity of engine design decisions.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, the host interviews Toshi Hayama, former host of automotive shows and technical advisor for Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift. They discuss the reliability of old school Toyotas, highlighting the engines’ modest output leading to less wear and tear. The chief engineer reassures that new engines maintain durability standards despite increased power and torque. The focus shifts to combustion efficiency as a key factor in reducing stress and fatigue on the engine. The interview concludes with a reference to a paper on the development of v35a FTS by the Society of Automotive Engineers.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses a scientific paper they accessed with a fee, outlining the ultimate goal of internal combustion engines – to increase thermal efficiency and generate more mechanical work from the same fuel amount. They explain the trade-off between thermal efficiency and specific power, showcasing a plot from the paper displaying an inverse relationship for conventional engines. Toyota’s high-speed combustion technology in a twin turbo V6 engine has allowed for high thermal efficiency and specific power simultaneously, enabling more power with less combustion and reducing stress on the engine. The video criticizes marketing materials for oversimplifying the concept, highlighting that high-speed combustion involves several complex engine fundamental changes beyond just intake port optimization.
00:12:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker emphasizes that the intake port is just one factor among many that contribute to combustion speed. They encourage viewers to educate themselves before making emotional comments about new engines. The discussion then shifts to real-life issues with main bearings in the Lexus LX600 and other Toyota vehicles like the third gen Tundra. The speaker interviews a technician, Chris, who has seen main bearing issues in various Lexus models dating back to 2018. Despite the issues, some repaired cars are still in service, and it is unclear whether driving habits contributed to the problems.
00:15:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the misconception that bearings wear out in smaller engines due to increased power output compared to V8 engines. They highlight the technical aspects such as bearing surface size, force at RPM, and material changes in the bearings. Toyota upgraded their V6 engine bearings to metal for improved durability and support for high load and speed driving with turbochargers. The main bearing caps were also updated to increase rigidity and robustness, forming a single large structure called a lad frame. Despite these enhancements, there have been more failures reported with the new engine bearings, for which there is no official explanation provided.
00:18:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses a main bearing issue related to certain vehicles, particularly the v35a FTS. Anecdotal evidence from a person named Chris, who worked at Lexus, indicates multiple instances of main bearing failures in these vehicles. The speaker emphasizes the complexity of the issue and notes the lack of official statistics. The speaker expresses hope for more information from Toyota in the future.