The most popular Toyota engines for car enthusiasts

Toyota has produced many popular engines over the years, but here are some of the most popular ones:

1. Toyota 2JZ-GTE
   • The Toyota 2JZ-GTE is a legendary engine that was first introduced in the Toyota Aristo (also known as the Lexus GS300) in 1991. It’s an inline-six engine with a cast iron block and aluminium cylinder head, and it’s known for its durability and ability to handle high levels of boost.
   • One of the main reasons why the 2JZ-GTE is so popular among car enthusiasts is its ability to handle modifications. The engine’s bottom end is extremely strong, and the cylinder head is capable of flowing a lot of air, which makes it ideal for turbocharging. The engine can handle boost pressures of up to 20 psi without any major modifications, and with the right upgrades, it’s possible to get up to 1,000 horsepower or more from a 2JZ-GTE.
   • Another reason why the 2JZ-GTE is so popular is its reliability. The engine was built to withstand the rigors of high-performance driving, and it’s not uncommon to see these engines with well over 100,000 miles on the odometer. The engine’s twin-turbo setup also helps to keep temperatures down, which reduces wear and tear on the engine components.
   • The 2JZ-GTE was most famously used in the fourth-generation Toyota Supra, which was produced from 1993 to 2002. In the Supra, the engine was rated at 320 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque, but many enthusiasts have been able to extract much more power from the engine through modifications.
   • Overall, the Toyota 2JZ-GTE is a legendary engine that has earned a cult following among car enthusiasts. Its combination of durability, performance, and modifiability have made it a favourite among tuners and racers alike.
     
2. Toyota 1JZ-GTE:
   • The Toyota 1JZ-GTE is another legendary engine from Toyota, introduced in 1990 in the Toyota Soarer and then later used in the Toyota Chaser and Mark II. Like the 2JZ-GTE, the 1JZ-GTE is an inline-six engine with a cast iron block and aluminium cylinder head.
   • The 1JZ-GTE is known for its ability to handle modifications, just like its bigger brother, the 2JZ-GTE. The engine’s bottom end is also extremely strong, and it has a similar twin-turbo setup that makes it ideal for turbocharging. The engine can handle boost pressures of up to 15 psi without any major modifications, and with the right upgrades, it’s possible to get up to 800 horsepower or more from a 1JZ-GTE.
   • One of the key differences between the 1JZ-GTE and the 2JZ-GTE is the size of the engine. The 1JZ-GTE has a displacement of 2.5 litres, while the 2JZ-GTE has a displacement of 3.0 litres. The 1JZ-GTE is also a little more rev-happy than the 2JZ-GTE, thanks to its slightly smaller size.
   • Like the 2JZ-GTE, the 1JZ-GTE is also known for its reliability. The engine was built to withstand the rigors of high-performance driving, and it’s not uncommon to see these engines with well over 100,000 miles on the odometer.
   • The 1JZ-GTE was most famously used in the Toyota Supra RZ (JZA70) and the Toyota Chaser Tourer V (JZX100), both of which are highly sought after by car enthusiasts. In the Supra, the engine was rated at 280 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque, but many enthusiasts have been able to extract much more power from the engine through modifications.
   • Overall, the Toyota 1JZ-GTE is a highly regarded engine that has earned a following among car enthusiasts. Its combination of durability, performance, and modifiability have made it a favourite among tuners and racers alike, just like its big brother, the 2JZ-GTE.
     
     
3. Toyota 4A-GE:
   • The Toyota 4A-GE engine is a 1.6-litre inline-four engine that was produced from 1983 to 1998. It was a high-performance engine that was used in a number of Toyota’s sports cars, including the Toyota Corolla GT-S (AE86) and the Toyota MR2.
   • The 4A-GE engine was known for its high-revving capabilities and its smooth power delivery. It featured Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i) technology, which allowed the engine to make more power at high RPMs. The engine also had a high compression ratio of 10.3:1, which contributed to its lively performance.
   • The 4A-GE engine was available in a number of different configurations throughout its production run. The earliest versions of the engine had a carburetor, while later versions were fuel injected. Some versions of the engine also had a supercharger, which increased the engine’s output even further.
   • One of the most famous applications of the 4A-GE engine was in the Toyota Corolla GT-S (AE86). In the AE86, the engine was rated at 112 horsepower and 97 lb-ft of torque, which may not seem like a lot by today’s standards, but the car’s lightweight and nimble chassis made it a blast to drive.
   • The 4A-GE engine was also used in the Toyota MR2, which was a mid-engine sports car. In the MR2, the engine was rated at 145 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, which was a significant increase over the AE86.
   • Overall, the Toyota 4A-GE engine was a highly regarded engine that was praised for its high-revving capabilities and its smooth power delivery. It was a popular engine among car enthusiasts, and it has since become a bit of a legend in the world of Japanese sports cars.
     
     
4. Toyota 3S-GTE:
   • The Toyota 3S-GTE engine is a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four engine that was produced from 1986 to 2007. It was a high-performance engine that was used in a number of Toyota’s sports cars, including the Toyota Celica GT-Four and the Toyota MR2 Turbo.
   • The 3S-GTE engine was known for its strong low-end torque and its ability to produce high power output. The engine was equipped with a twin-entry turbocharger that provided quick spooling and good power delivery throughout the RPM range. The engine was also equipped with Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VVT-i) technology, which allowed for more precise control of the engine’s valves and contributed to improved fuel efficiency.
   • The 3S-GTE engine was available in a number of different configurations throughout its production run. Early versions of the engine were rated at around 185 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque, while later versions produced upwards of 260 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
   • One of the most famous applications of the 3S-GTE engine was in the Toyota Celica GT-Four (ST185). In the GT-Four, the engine was rated at 200 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque, which was a significant increase over the standard Celica GT. The GT-Four was also equipped with all-wheel drive and a number of other performance features that made it a formidable rally car.
   • The 3S-GTE engine was also used in the Toyota MR2 Turbo, which was a mid-engine sports car. In the MR2 Turbo, the engine was rated at 200 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque, which provided excellent acceleration and top speed.
   • Overall, the Toyota 3S-GTE engine was a highly regarded engine that was praised for its strong low-end torque and its ability to produce high power output. It was a popular engine among car enthusiasts, and it has since become a bit of a legend in the world of Japanese sports cars.
     
     
5. Toyota 1ZZ-FE:
   • The Toyota 1ZZ-FE engine is a 1.8-litre inline-four engine that was produced from 1998 to 2007. It was used in a number of Toyota’s compact and mid-size cars, including the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Matrix, and Toyota Celica.
   • The 1ZZ-FE engine was designed for fuel efficiency and reliability, and it featured Toyota’s VVT-i technology, which helped to optimise the engine’s performance and fuel economy. The engine had an aluminium block and head, which contributed to its lightweight design, and it had a relatively low compression ratio of 10.0:1.
   • The 1ZZ-FE engine was rated at around 130 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque, which was adequate for everyday driving but not particularly sporty. However, the engine was known for its smooth power delivery and its ability to provide good fuel economy.
   • The 1ZZ-FE engine was available with both manual and automatic transmissions, and it was often paired with front-wheel drive. Some versions of the engine also had an available supercharger, which increased the engine’s output to around 190 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque.
   • Overall, the Toyota 1ZZ-FE engine was a reliable and efficient engine that was used in a number of Toyota’s popular compact and mid-size cars. While it may not have been particularly sporty, it was well-suited for everyday driving and commuting, and it provided good fuel economy and a smooth power delivery.
     
     
6. Toyota 2ZZ-GE:
   • The Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine is a high-performance 1.8-litre inline-four engine that was produced from 1999 to 2011. It was used in a number of Toyota’s sports cars, including the Toyota Celica and the Lotus Elise.
   • The 2ZZ-GE engine was designed for performance, and it featured Toyota’s VVTL-i (Variable Valve Timing and Lift – intelligent) technology, which allowed for variable valve timing and lift on the engine’s intake and exhaust valves. This helped to optimise the engine’s performance at high RPMs and contributed to its high power output.
   • The 2ZZ-GE engine was rated at around 180 to 190 horsepower and 133 to 138 lb-ft of torque, depending on the application. It was available with both manual and automatic transmissions, and it was often paired with front-wheel drive. The engine was known for its high-revving nature and its ability to provide strong power delivery at high RPMs.
   • One of the most famous applications of the 2ZZ-GE engine was in the Toyota Celica GT-S. In the GT-S, the engine was rated at 180 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque, which provided excellent acceleration and handling. The Celica GT-S was also equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and a number of other performance features that made it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
   • The 2ZZ-GE engine was also used in the Lotus Elise and the Lotus Exige, where it was rated at around 189 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. In the Lotus cars, the engine was known for its lightweight design and its ability to provide excellent handling and agility.
   • Overall, the Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine was a highly regarded engine that was praised for its high performance and its ability to provide strong power delivery at high RPMs. It was a popular engine among car enthusiasts, and it has since become a bit of a legend in the world of sports cars.
     
7. Toyota 1HD-FTE:
   • The Toyota 1HD-FTE is a 4.2-litre inline-six turbocharged diesel engine that was produced from 1998 to 2007. It was used primarily in Toyota’s heavy-duty off-road vehicles, including the Land Cruiser and the Lexus LX.
   • The 1HD-FTE engine was designed for durability, reliability, and off-road performance, and it featured a cast iron block and head, as well as a single turbocharger that provided boost pressure up to 17.4 psi. The engine also featured an intercooler, which helped to improve the engine’s efficiency and power output.
   • The 1HD-FTE engine was rated at around 202 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, which made it well-suited for heavy-duty off-road use. The engine was paired with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, and it was often equipped with four-wheel drive.
   • One of the most notable features of the 1HD-FTE engine was its advanced electronic control system, which included a number of sensors and actuators that helped to optimize the engine’s performance and reduce emissions. The engine also featured a high-pressure common rail fuel injection system, which helped to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
   • The 1HD-FTE engine was known for its reliability and durability, and it was praised for its ability to perform well in extreme off-road conditions. It was a popular engine among off-road enthusiasts, and it has since become somewhat of a legend in the world of off-road vehicles.
   • Overall, the Toyota 1HD-FTE engine was a highly regarded engine that was designed for heavy-duty off-road use. It was praised for its reliability, durability, and performance, and it remains a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts today.

Kris Beck

Kris is the founder of 86modified.com and has a love for cars and modifying them. He has owned many different Japanese cars and has enjoyed installing modifications to get more power or fitting body parts to change the aesthetics.

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