Interference and non interference engines are two popular combustion engine types that are generally powered by petrol. To help you learn more, we bring you a list of cars with non interference engines.
If you are confused about whether you should go for an interference or non-interference engine, we are here to help.
A timing chain or timing belt is one of the most crucial parts of combustion engines. Generally, when this belt or chain snaps, your engine gets damaged. But in some cases, your engine is saved, and you are made aware of the upcoming severity.
The engine that is somehow immune to the destruction that a snapped timing belt can cause and warns is a non interference engine.
Thus, if you wish to own a car with an engine that gives you time to handle the broken timing belt or chain issue instead of coming to a complete halt, we recommend you explore our non interference engine list.
Exploring cars with non interference engines is quite different from exploring cheap cars with paddle shifters, so go through each detail carefully.
Difference Between Non Interference Engine & Interference Engine
Before we begin exploring modern cars with non interference engines, it is highly crucial that you, as a buyer, should understand the terminology of a non interference engine.
The modern internal combustion engine is a complex space enclosing several moving parts that can break havoc if not working as they should.
However, the damage your car will incur due to the internal parts not functioning properly depends on whether your car is powered by an interference engine or a non interference engine.
This difference in engine will tell if you will have severe engine damage or some minor engine repairs on your hands.
What engines are non interference engines?
If you own cars with non interference engines, then you should know that a non-interference engine is a type of internal combustion engine.
In this type of engine, the piston and valves operate independently without any risk of collision.
In Layman’s terms, the pistons and valves never occupy the same space within the combustion chamber of the engine, ensuring they never interfere with each other’s movement.
So, even if your timing belt or chain breaks, it will not bring your engine to a halt. You will surely hear rattling sounds as an indication of the issue, giving you enough time to work on the issue and have it fixed.
What is an interference engine?
An interference engine is a 4-stroke type of internal combustion piston engine. In this engine, one or more valves in their fully open position extend into any area through which the piston may travel.
In simpler terms, both pistons and valves occupy the same space within the combustion chamber in an interference engine but at different times.
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This engine design maximizes the engine’s compression ratio, leading to increased performance and fuel economy.
However, this is not such a great thing as an interference engine risks major internal damage because if there is a failure of camshaft drive belts, drive gears or drive chains, pistons will strike the valves, damaging the engine entirely.
Interference Engine vs Non Interference Engine
| Aspect | Non-Interference Engine | Interference Engine |
| Valve-Piston Gap | There is a gap between a fully open valve and the piston at the top of its stroke. | There is no gap between a fully open valve and the piston at the top of its stroke. |
| Design | The piston does not move into any space into which the valves open. | One or more valves in the fully open position extends into any space through which the piston may move. |
| Performance | Performance may not be as high as interference engines. | Offers improved compression ratio, which further provides enhanced performance & fuel efficiency. |
| Risk in Timing Belt/Chain Failure | If the timing belt or chain breaks, the pistons won’t make contact with the valves. Thus there is only a little risk of catastrophic engine damage. | If the timing belt or chain breaks, the pistons will smash into the valves, causing serious and expensive engine damage. |
| Maintenance | Regular maintenance and timely replacement of the timing belt is crucial, but the risk of engine damage is lower if the timing belt or chain fails. | Requires regular maintenance and timely replacement of the timing belt to prevent catastrophic engine damage. |
19 List of Cars with Non Interference Engines
Almost every top car manufacturing brand, from European car brands and Japanese car brands to American brands, offers interference and non-interference engines.
Today, automobiles are powered by all kinds of engines, and each of them can be categorized into interference and interference and placed on this list of cars with non interference engines.
Generally, learning about types of engines seems like an unnecessary task. However, if you are a daily driver, live in a place with extreme weather or road conditions, or drive for livelihood, knowing what cars have non interference engines and who makes non-interference engines becomes a necessity.
Below, we have a list of cars with non interference engines, along with the names of popular car brands that make them.
1. ACURA
Acura is a subsidiary of popular Japanese carmaker Honda, specializing in making luxury and performance-oriented rides.
Honda launched Acura in North America in 1986, marketing luxurious, high-performance automobiles with the reliability of Japanese automotive engineering.
Acura Non Interference Engine List
- SLX Non-Interference
2. CHRYSLER
Chrysler is an American subsidiary of the Dutch-domiciled automotive company Stellantis. It is now known as Stellantis North America and is one of the three biggest automakers in the USA.
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Chrysler Non Interference Engine List
- 1.7L Non-Interference
- 2.2L SOHC Non-Interference
- 2.4L DOHC Non-Interference
- 2.5L 4 Cyl. Non-Interference
- 3.0L SOHC 12 Valve Engine Non-Interference
3. FORD MOTORS
If you are looking for American automotive cars or brands on this list of cars with non interference engines, then Ford Motors is for you.
Ford Motors, or Ford Motor Company, or Ford, is the oldest American car brand and is known for making affordable to high-end car models. The company is highly acclaimed for its pickup trucks.
Ford Non Interference Engine List
- 1.3L Non-Interference
- 1.6L DOHC Non-Interference
- 2.0L DOHC (Contour, Escape, Focus, Mystique, ZX2 & 1999-2002 Cougar) Non-Interference
- 2.0L SOHC Gasoline (Escort, Focus & Tracer) Non-Interference
- 2.0L SOHC Gasoline (Capri, Pinto & Ranger) Non-Interference
- 2.3L SOHC Gasoline Non-Interference
- 2.5L SOHC 4 Cyl. Non-Interference
- 2.5L V6 Non-Interference
- 3.0L & 3.2L SHO Non-Interference
4. GENERAL MOTORS & SATURN
Another car brand that allows you to brag about your ride as a true made-in-America is General Motors and its Saturn. General Motors is the second oldest and currently one of the biggest carmakers in the American automotive market.
GM launched Saturn Corporation as its American subsidiary to compete with Japanese imports and transplants. However, in 2009, GM halted the production of Saturn.
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But even in its little operation time, Saturn, along with General Motors, was able to produce some cars with non interference engines.
GM Non Interference Engine List
- 1.4L Non-Interference
- 1.6L (Chevette& 1000) Non-Interference
- 1.6L (LeMans) Non-Interference
- 1.6L DOHC (Nova) Non-Interference
- 1.6L SOHC (Nova) Non-Interference
- 1.8L Gasoline Non-Interference
- 2.0L Non-Interference
- 2.3L Non-Interference
- 3.4L Non-Interference
- 3.5L Non-Interference
5. GEO
GEO was a small car brand marketed by General Motors as a subdivision of its Chevrolet division from 1989 to 1997. In 1997, General Motors merged GEO with Chevrolet.
GEO Non Interference Engine List
- 1.6L DOHC (1989-92 Prizm GSI) Non-Interference
- 1.6L SOHC (Prizm) Non-Interference
- 1.6L SOHC (Storm) Non-Interference
- 1.6L SOHC 8 Valve Engine (Tracker) Non-Interference
6. HONDA MOTORS
Honda is a popular Japanese car manufacturer widely known for its reliable and affordable cars, motorcycles, and power equipment. Two different engines are available in the Honda non-interference engine list.
Honda is widely popular in America, especially among parents looking for safe cars for teenagers.
Honda Non Interference Engine List
- 3.0L Non-Interference
- 3.2L Non-Interference
7. ISUZU
The next name on our list of cars with non interference engines is the popular automaker Isuzu.
Isuzu or Isuzu Motors Limited is a Japanese commercial automobile and diesel engine manufacturing company. And it has a few non interference engines under its belt.
Isuzu Non Interference Engine List
1.6L SOHC Non-Interference
3.5L Non-Interference
8. Jeep
When it comes to off-road adventures, the most popular name that every American will come up with is Jeep.
Jeep is another trustworthy American carmaker. It was acquired by Chrysler in 1987 and currently is a popular division of Stellantis.
Jeep Non Interference Engine List
- 2.0L Non-Interference
9. KIA MOTORS
Kia Motors is a South Korean multinational automaker that is becoming highly popular in America. This second-largest company in its country produces both interference and non interference engines.
Currently, Kia Motors is one of the most trusted and reliable brands in the United States.
Kia Non Interference Engine List
- 1.6L SOHC Non-Interference
- 2.0L SOHC Non-Interference
10. LEXUS
Japanese automakers are ruling this list of cars with non interference engines, and we can totally understand why.
Lexus is a luxury car brand and was originally a subsidiary of Toyota. This car brand is highly popular for producing extravagant rides that are safe and reliable, and it is marketed in more than 70 countries across the globe.
Lexus Non Interference Engine List
- 2.5L Non-Interference
- 3.0L V6 Non-Interference
- 3.3L V6 Non-Interference
- 3.0L Inline 6 (1992-97) Non-Interference
11. MAZDA
Mazda Motor Corporation is another decades old Japanese carmaker well known for its high-end products. This car brand is widely acclaimed for its innovations and wide range of motor vehicles and engines.
It is one of the biggest reasons why Mazda has one of the largest numbers of non interference engines in production.
Mazda Non Interference Engine List
- 1.5L Non-Interference
- 1.6L Non-Interference
- 1.8L 4 Cyl. Non-Interference
- 1.8L V6 Non-Interference
- 2.0L DOHC (626, MX-6 &Protege) Non- Interference
- 2.0L DOHC (Tribute) Non-Interference
- 2.0L SOHC Non-Interference
- 2.3L 4 Cyl. (B2300) Non-Interference
- 2.3L V6 Non-Interference
- 2.5L 4 Cyl. (B2500) Non-Interference
- 2.5L V6 Non-Interference
12. MERCURY
Mercury, now defunct, was a prominent division of Ford Motor Company. It was a brand of mid-priced automobiles produced by Ford.
After working independently under Ford until 1945, Mercury was merged to form Ford’s Lincoln-Mercury division.
However, due to an extended decline in sales, Ford closed its Mercury division at the end of 2010.
Mercury Non Interference Engine List
- Villager 3.0 Non-Interference
- Villager 3.3 Non-Interference
13. MITSUBISHI
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is another Japanese car-making company widely known for making reliable vehicles under the affordability radar.
Mitsubishi Non Interference Engine List
- 3.0L SOHC 12 Valve Engine Non-Interference
14. SUBARU
When it comes to reliable and affordable automobiles and their parts, Subaru, an automobile-making division of the Japanese transportation conglomerate Subaru Corporation, is one of the top answers.
This carmaker produces everything from sedans and SUVs to trucks.
Subaru Non Interference Engine List
- SOHC Non-Interference
15. SUZUKI
Suzuki is a Japanese multinational company well known for its production of four-wheel-drive wheels, all-terrain rides, motorcycles, and a variety of engines.
Suzuki Non Interference Engine List
- 1.6L 8 Valve Engine Non-Interference
16. TOYOTA
The next we have on this list is the biggest automaker in the world, Toyota. Toyota is widely known for producing a wide range of vehicles not only in terms of make but also in terms of affordability.
With Toyota, you can buy everything from a sedan to a pickup to an SUV and from affordable to modest to luxury.
Toyota Non Interference Engine List
- 1.5L (3E-E & 5E-FE) Non-Interference
- 1.6L DOHC (4A-F & 4A-FE) Non-Interference
- 1.6L DOHC (4A-GE & 4A-GZE) Non-Interference
- 1.6L SOHC Non-Interference
- 1.8L 7AFE, 4AFE, 4AF – Non-Interference
- 2.0L Non-Interference
- 2.2L Gasoline Non-Interference
- 2.5L Non-Interference
- 2.8L Non-Interference
- 3.0L Inline 6 (Except 1998 2JZ-GE) Non-Interference
- 3.0L Inline 6 VVT-i (1998 2JZ-GE) Interference
- 3.0L V6 Non-Interference
- 3.4L Non-Interference
- 3.5L V-6 Non-Interference
17. VOLKSWAGEN
Volkswagen is one of the highly respected and popular vintage German car brands. This carmaker owns many high-end luxury car brands and is one of the best ones to own if you wish to have the best of German engineering.
VW Non Interference Engine List
- TDI 1.8L – 8 valve Non-Interference
- 2.0L – 8 valve Non-Interference
18. VOLVO
Volvo is a Swedish car-making company known for making sport utility vehicles, hatchbacks, station wagons, sedans, and compact executive sedans.
Volvo Non Interference Engine List
- 240DL 2.3 Non-Interference
- FK Non-Interference engine
- 240 SOHC Non-interference
- 740 SOHC Non-interference
- 940 SOHC Non-interference
19. RENAULT
Renault is a French multinational motor vehicle manufacturer. This car brand is globally known for producing a wide range of cars, vans, trucks, tractors, engines, and more.
Renault currently produces interference engines. However, once in the past, the company had produced a hatchback model called “Renault 5” that used a non interference engine.
Renault Non Interference Engine List
- 1.4L – 8 Valve Non-Interference
What Are The Integral Parts Of A Non Interference Engine?
Now that you are fully aware a list of cars with non-interference engines roaring the roads, let us have a look at the various crucial parts of a non-interference engine.
Timing Belt
The timing belt or chain is a serpentine belt that is placed on one end or side of the engine of your ride to properly synchronize the crankshaft and camshaft.
The main purpose of a timing chain in any engine is to synchronize the upper half of the engine motor with the lower half of the engine motor.
Valves
Valves are an integral part of an engine. They are mechanical parts used in internal combustion engines to restrict or enable the flow of gas or fluid from combustion cylinders or chambers during engine operation.
Valves are the ones that start or stop the flow, prevent backflow, regulate flow, and regulate pressure in gaseous or fluid handling applications.
Piston
The piston is a slider component in an engine that is moved by the pressure of a liquid. It generally comprses of a small cylindrical body in a cylindrical vessel along which it moves back and forth. Pistons in engines are a crucial component that drives engines and pump gas compressors, pneumatic cylinders, and hydraulic cylinders.
The main task of a piston in an engine is to transfer force from the expanding gas in the cylinder to the crankshaft through the piston rod.
All FAQs About Non-Interference Car Engine List
Is there a list of cars with non interference engines Mercedes?
NO. Mercedes Benz did produce a few non interference engines back in time. However, most of the engines manufactured by the company since 1980 are interference engines. Thus, if you were exclusively looking for a Mercedes non interference engine list, you would be disappointed.
What happens if the timing belt snaps?
The timing belt is the one that ensures the smooth operation of the piston and valves. If it snaps, it can harm your engine, but the severity of the harm depends on the type of your engine.
If you own a non interference engine, there will not be much damage that can’t be repaired. You will be able to tackle the issue before it gets worse.
However, if you own an interference engine, the breaking of the timing belt will result in the piston and valves colliding, resulting in the bending and breaking of several engine parts and ultimately killing your engine.
Thus, to ensure no such thing happens, you need to take good care of your car engine and replace the timing belt as soon as it shows any signs of wear and tear.
Why do interference engines exist?
Interference engines exist simply because they offer several advantages over non interference engines.
With interference engines, you get a high compression ratio, more power, increased efficiency, and reduced emissions.
Bottom line, is that interference is more potent, more environmentally friendly, and offers more power and efficiency.
Advantages of Interference Engines:
- Increased Power & Efficiency
- Higher Compression Ratio
- Reduced Emissions
What car brands have non interference engines?
Over the decades, interference engines have become highly popular mainly because of the advantages they possess over non interference engines.
However, despite this popularity, there are some automakers who either used to or still produce a few non interference engines.
Below, we have a list covering the top car brands (alphabetically) that have non interference engines under their names:
- Acura
- Chrysler
- Ford
- GM and Saturn
- GEO
- Honda
- Isuzu
- Jeep
- Kia
- Lexus
- Mazda
- Mercury
- Mitsubishi
- Subaru
- Suzuki
- Toyota
- Volkswagen
- Volvo
- Renault
Conclusion
In current times, interference engines are preferred and more prevalent combustion engines in the American automotive industry.
With the list of cars with non interference engines, one thing is clear: only a handful of automakers produce non interference engines. However, to know which one to own and which one is right for you, go through the above list along with interference vs non interference differences.
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Hi guys is a Dodge nitro 2008 2.8 crd having a interference engine or non interference??
I have 1997 Tacoma 2.4 engine. It was built in December 1996. Does it have an interference or noninterference engine.
hi its a very good information
Nice post