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Through the experience in developing several 4-valve sporty engines, we have had an idea that 4-valve technology regarded as one of sporty engines may be applied to a standard engine of a passenger car. Making use of the superior characteristics of 4-valve technology, combustion chamber design and valve train system were completely refined for a standard engine. Higher torque in low to middle speed range and good fuel economy, important features in practical use, were pursued as the prior target of development. As a passenger car engine, comfortable sound in passenger compartment is an important feature as well as high performance and good fuel economy. With these concepts, we have developed the 3S-FE, 2-liter, 4-valve engine which has achieved 5.1& torque, 18.6% horse power and 9.7% Fuel consumption (highway mode) gains compared with the original 2S-E, 2-liter, 2-valve engine.

Through several experiences on the development of high performance 4-valve engines for sporty passenger cars, Toyota has found another way to apply its benefits for standard engines. The main benefits are, high volumetric efficiency, low friction loss and fast burn by a central spark plug; all of which are no doubt available for standard engines as well. At the same time Toyota notices that careful attention should be paid to the idea of making the engine torque curve higher in the low and middle speed ranges instead of only high horsepower in the high speed range. As a result of numerous schematic studies including 3-valve layouts, three important factors such as 4-valve combustion chamber having a narrow valve angle, a valve gear composed of double camshafts and direct acting tappet with ‘no’ hydraulic valve lash adjuster were finally selected. This combustion chamber gives a compact cylinder head similar to that of a SOHC.