First TP change for Frantz oil filter

[1977c10phxdriver]

I wonder if your "variable valve timing" mechanism is going bad? Seems to me that Cadillac had a similar system in the '70s that didn't work too good either.

Its possible that something is messed up there and changing your valve timing and giving you bad performance and lower fuel milage. Just a thought.

Mark

 

[sifan]

Toyota has offer VVT-i technology in it engines for many years. It is a very reliable system. I usually get around 44 mpg in summer; so, 46 mpg is quite good for automatic transmission. The EPA gas mileage rating for Echo is 33/39. Since my driving is mixing local and highway, I am getting well better gas mileage.

http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2005/echo/specs.html

 

[FL-400S]

VVT-i is just a cam shaft with different profiles for when you are feather footing it and when you are punching it. Honda Vtec has been around for years too. Chevy has it in the trailblazer engines, on the exhaust valves anyway. I doubt thats whats causing the problems.