1UZ, M1UZ, VT300i, and now FV4000?

[toyotafreak]

Okay, it looks as though I owe you all an, "my bad" in regards to the FAA certification of the engine. Still really don't believe it myself, but....

"Most of what we know about Japanese GA activity has come through brief glimpses, rumor and speculation. We do know that between 1992 and 1995, Toyota funded an engine research project to explore the conversion of its sophisticated Lexus V-8 engine to aircraft use.

This became the FV4000, a 360-hp watercooled powerplant complete with fuel injection and full-authority digital engine controls (FADEC) that pioneered the current round of engine-control products just finding their way to market. According to those familiar with the project, the FV4000 was a promising engine and was actually certified by the FAA, including type and production certificates.

It was tested in a Piper Malibu and in a Burt Rutan-designed single, and could, conceivably, with further development, have replaced the ill-starred TIO-540 Lycoming used in the Mirage or the TSIO-520 found in the original Malibu. But when you're an auto company making 6 million cars a year, re-engining a few hundred aging Malibus is lesser work than sweeping up shop tailings.

In any case, the engine was said to be heavy, had some exhaust problems and would have been expensive to manufacture, on the order of $100,000 per unit. (Admittedly, to a Mirage owner looking at his second engine in under 1,000 hours ? as many owners have ? $100,000 might look like mere pocket change.)

In reality, according to one insider we spoke to, Toyota may have had no intention of producing the engine for aircraft use in the first place. "These companies take the long view. They're very patient. I think they looked at it as purely a learning experience. They wanted to get some experience in aircraft and certification projects," he said.

Another engineer involved in the project told us the FV4000 was "a great engine, quiet, smooth and FADEC-controlled." Further, Toyota left many with the impression that it's a reputable company to do business with. It paid its bills and did what it said it would."

The entire text, which includes discussion of the aircraft as well can be seen here:  http://www.avweb.com/news/atis/181827-1.html

[toyotafreak]

And another mention of the 1UZ in aviation:
http://www.ainonline.com/issues/07_02/07_02_toyotamumpg12.html

[krejciman]

It seems like once a year or so TMS USA mentions their little aircraft projects.  I've been to Airflight several times and that always prompts those types of questions.

I can't remember exactly what was said, but I think I did hear some talk about it from Mr. Funo.I will pay close attention next time!

[Bitzco]

Not only is gr8dna the head librarian, he is the lead researcher of the Toyota archives.

[toyotafreak]

Those are nice words from the Poser Sleuth. I'd really hate to loose you over to The Dark Side.

STAY YOTA