One of the videos I found answered one of my questions. Yes, a better 3rd gen timing setup can be installed on a 2nd gen engine, essentially solving the VVT-I problems of the 2nd gen. That being said, it sounds like that would be a costly upgrade unless known good used parts from a 2014-2016 could be found. It would probably be worth doing this if the car was essentially new but figure it will be worn out by the time this engine component wears out again.
