Daihatsu KF-VE
0.66 L (658 cc) · Inline-3, DOHC, 12-valve with VVT (variable valve timing) · Petrol — DOHC EFI with VVT
Found in Daihatsu Hijet S500P and Daihatsu Hijet S510P — here is what to expect from the Daihatsu KF-VE on reliability, running costs, and what to check before you buy.
| Displacement | 0.66 L (658 cc) |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Inline-3, DOHC, 12-valve with VVT (variable valve timing) |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated (KF-VE in the Hijet S500P/S510P truck). A turbocharged variant — KF-DET — exists in other Daihatsu models. |
| Power | 52 PS / 51 hp (naturally aspirated KF-VE) |
| Torque | 60 Nm / 44 lb-ft (naturally aspirated — verify exact figure) |
| Timing | Timing BELT — all Hijet engines across all generations use belt-driven camshafts. The KF-VE is no exception. Same requirement: belt + water pump replacement on schedule. |
| Fuel | Petrol — DOHC EFI with VVT |
| Reliability rating | Good |
| Ownership difficulty | Easy–Moderate |
| Parts availability | Good |
Overview
The KF-VE is the engine in the current-generation Daihatsu Hijet — the S500P and S510P trucks introduced in 2014. It represents a meaningful step forward from the older EF-SE/EF-VE: DOHC instead of SOHC, VVT on the intake cam for improved low-end response and fuel economy, and better emissions compliance. For buyers in the US market, the key context is timing: the S500P was introduced in 2014, meaning the earliest examples won't be eligible for US import under the 25-year rule until 2039. The KF-VE page is most relevant today for Australian, NZ, UK, and other market buyers, and for US buyers planning long-term or researching the full Hijet lineup.
Strengths
- DOHC with VVT — better fuel economy and low-end response than the older EF-SE
- Current production engine — freshest parts availability in the Hijet lineup
- Better emissions compliance than earlier EF units
Weaknesses
- Timing BELT — same requirement as all Hijet engines. All Daihatsu Hijet engines across all generations use a belt, not a chain.
- Not yet US import eligible (S500P from 2014 — eligible from 2039)
- Less proven at very high mileage than the EF-SE/EF-VE, which have a longer real-world track record
Common issues
| Issue | Severity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Timing belt service | major | Same principle as the EF-SE — interference engine, belt must be replaced on schedule. Replace with water pump as a kit. TODO-VERIFY exact belt part number for KF-VE / S500P. |
| VVT actuator wear (higher mileage) | minor | Owner-reported pattern on high-mileage VVT-equipped kei engines: VVT actuator or solenoid wear can cause rough idle at warm-up or a check-engine light. Oil quality and change frequency directly affect VVT system longevity. Use the correct spec oil. |
Parts & servicing
As the current-production Hijet engine, KF-VE parts are available through Daihatsu dealers and JDM specialist suppliers. Wider availability than the older EF-SE given active production.
How it compares
Compared to the EF-SE/EF-VE: the KF-VE is the newer, more efficient engine — DOHC plus VVT gives better fuel economy and refinement. For US buyers, the EF-SE (S200P/S210P) is the import-eligible generation; the KF-VE (S500P/S510P) won't be US-eligible until 2039. Compared to the Suzuki R06A (DA16T): both are modern VVT engines from roughly the same era; the R06A uses a timing chain, the KF-VE uses a belt — the R06A has a maintenance advantage. Compared to the K6A: the KF-VE is more modern and efficient; the K6A's chain and long parts history give it an ownership simplicity edge.
Models using the Daihatsu KF-VE
Known problems to check for
Maintenance Schedule
Verified service intervals and part numbers for the Daihatsu KF-VE. Items marked ⚠ Pending require part number confirmation before ordering.
| Item | Spec | Interval | Part number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil | 0W-20 or 5W-30 TODO-VERIFY | 5,000 km or 6 months | — | Verify exact spec and capacity for S500P/S510P KF-VE. VVT system depends on clean oil. |
| Timing belt — CRITICAL | KF-VE specific | 60,000 km | ⚠ Pending verification | All Daihatsu Hijet engines use a timing belt, not a chain. Replace with water pump as a kit. |
| Spark plugs | NGK or Denso OEM-spec | 20,000 km | ⚠ Pending verification | Qty 3. Verify correct part for KF-VE / S500P. |
| Air filter | Daihatsu Hijet S500/S510 specific | 20,000 km | ⚠ Pending verification | Different part number from S200/S210 series — verify before ordering. |
Intervals are for normal use. Shorten oil changes to 3,000 km for heavy hauling, dusty farm use, or frequent short trips. Always verify part numbers with your supplier before ordering.
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