The active valve control system (AVCS) is an automobile variable valve timing technology used by Subaru. It varies the timing of the intake valves by using hydraulic oil pressure to rotate the camshaft in order to provide optimal air flow in and out of the engine. The system is closed loop using camshaft sensors, crankshaft sensors, air flow meter, throttle position as well as oxygen sensors and/or Air-Fuel ratio sensors in order to calculate engine load. The ECU is programmed to operate control valves that adjust the delivery of the hydraulic pressure in order to move the camshaft into the position that will provide the engine with the best performance while minding emissions standards.

AVCS is used on the Version 7 and up EJ207 engines, the EJ255 and EJ257, the second generation EZ30D (2005+ in the USA Market) found in the Legacy Outback, Legacy 3.0R and the B9 Tribeca. A Dual AVCS system utilizes both the intake and exhaust camshafts on the EZ36 found in the 2008 Tribeca. Dual AVCS is also found on Japanese Spec engines, although a complete list of the engines with Dual AVCS has yet to be compiled.

AVCS

The implementation of AVCS is quite different to AVLS. The latter just changes which cam is operating one of the two valves.

In AVCS, the engine computer (ECU) can command a solenoid which advances or retards the camshaft rotation by up to 35 degrees.

By retarding the cams at idle or very low engine loads, you achieve a smoother, easier idle. From idle through medium engine loads, AVCS advances the intake valves to begin opening during the last part of the exhaust stroke, when the exhaust valves are still slightly open. Some of the pressure created during the exhaust stroke flows into the intake manifold, having the effect of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The intake valves also close earlier during the intake stroke. This helps with engine efficiency and fuel economy.

At very high engine loads, AVCS advances the intake valves further to open even sooner during the exhaust stroke. This produces a scavenging effect – that is, intake airflow helps clear the cylinder of exhaust gas. It also closes the intake valves sooner on the compression stroke. This results in improved volumetric efficiency and helps to generate higher power output.