What Cars Have the 2JZ Engine?

The 2JZ is a 3.0-liter engine manufactured by Toyota between 1991 and 2007. It has a square design with a bore and stroke dimensions of 86 mm × 86 mm (3.39 in × 3.39 in). The 2JZ has a reputation for being a powerful engine, and for a good reason.

There are multiple fans around the world, wondering what cars came equipped with this engine. Therefore, we compiled a list of the vehicles that came equipped with the 2JZ-GE engine:

  • Toyota Altezza Gita
  • Toyota Aristo/Lexus GS 300
  • Toyota Crown and Crown Majesta
  • Toyota Mark II (all versions)
  • Toyota Origin
  • Toyota Progres
  • Toyota Soarer and Lexus SC 300
  • Toyota Supra

The engine block was made using cast iron, longer connecting rods (compared to its predecessor, the 1JZ), and a crankshaft made of forged steel. There are three versions of the 2JZ engine.

These are the 2JZ-GE, 2JZ-GTE (with turbochargers), and the 2JZ-FSE. The 2JZ-GTE had received special attention from Toyota, but that is not to say the other versions are in any way mediocre. Here is all you should know about the 2JZ and the cars with this engine.

2JZ GTE Twin Turbo Engine
(Credit: claz.org)

Engine specs

LS1
Displacement2,997 cc (183 cu in)
Flow numbers .500″intake 215 / exhaust 152
HP215-325 hp (158-239 kW)/5,600-5,800
Compression RatioFlow numbers
11.3:1 – 2JZ-FSE
10.5:1 – 2JZ-GE
8.5:1 – 2JZ-GTE
Torque Rating209-333 lb-ft (283-451 Nm)/3,800-4,800
Material Cylinder BlockCast iron
Material Cylinder HeadAluminum
Bore Diameter86.0 mm (3.39 in)
Stroke86.0 mm (3.39 in)
Deck Height10.6 inch
CostStarting from $6,000 used

What is the best 2JZ engine?

Is the 2JZ a BMW engine?

A wide range of people thinks that the 2JZ is an engine designed by BMW. However, this is far from reality. The block and crank were developed by Toyota, with the head developed by Yamaha, a Toyota subsidiary at the time.

While there is no clear evidence the 2JZ has any german origins, it is clear to assume that the engine is Japanese.

Related content: What Cars Have the LS3 Engine?

The 2JZ-GE

The 2JZ-GE is the first iteration of the 2JZ engine. It weighs about 230 kg and can reach up to 6000 revs per minute, but the output and torque differ depending on the production year.

The 2JZ-GE engine, produced between 1991 to 1996, had a mechanical distributor and could generate up to 227 HP and a peak torque of  284 Nm at 4800 RPM. 

The 2JZ-GE VVT-i was produced between 1996 to 2004. It was equipped with a Variable Valve Timing-Intelligence technology that improved its performance and efficiency and a DIS ignition system. It could generate up to 304 Nm torque at 4000 RPM. 

Besides the difference in torque, the two variants also had different compression ratios, 10:1 without the VVT-I and 10.5:1 for the variant with VVT-i. 

The 2JZ-GTE

The 2JZ-GTE is a supercharged variant of the 2JZ-GE. It had twin turbochargers and a compression ratio of 8.5:1. The lower compression ratio balanced out the high internal pressure of the turbochargers.

But that is not all. The turbochargers also meant higher horsepower and torque. 

For this reason, the 2JZ-GTE could generate up to 278 hp at 5600 rpm and 320 Ib-ft of torque at 4000 RPM. This engine was produced from 1991 to 2002. In 1997, Toyota introduced the VVT-i variant of the 2JZ-GTE, which further ramped up the engine’s torque up to 333 Ib-ft.

The sturdy nature of the engine is believed to be specially designed to take on the high boost pressure that the engine would generate. 

All of these made the 2JE-GTE the most preferred variant of the 2JZ engine for tuning enthusiasts.

Apart from the extra tweaks made to its internals, the 2JZ-GTE shared similar features with the non-turbocharged 2JZ variants, such as the cast-iron block with an aluminum alloy cylinder head 3.0-liter displacement and stroke and bore of equal lengths, which gave the 2JZ its iconic square design. The following cars were equipped with the 2JZ-GTE engine:

  • Toyota Aristo 3.0V (JZS147)
  • Toyota Aristo V300 (JZS161)
  • Toyota Supra RZ/Turbo (JZA80)

The 2JZ-FSE

This engine was produced from 1999 to 2007. It has the standard features of the 2JZ engines but came with a few modifications.

First was the direct injection system, which was similar to the type used in the 1JZ-FSE. This produced lower emissions and better fuel efficiency. It has a compression ratio of 11.3:1, a VVT-I system, and is often used with an automatic transmission box on both rear and all-wheel drives. The engine generates a maximum power of 220 HP at 5600 RPM and a maximum torque of 294 Nm at 3600 RPM. The 2JZ-FSE came with the following;

  • Toyota Brevis
  • Toyota Progres
  • Toyota Crown (S170) and Crown Majesta (S170)

Common problems with the 2JZ engine

Despite its rugged design and firepower, the 2JZ engine was not perfect. It had a few issues, especially with the VVT-i systems. These were known to be sensitive to cold weather, which seemed to affect the water pump and actuator.

The simplistic design of the non-VVT-i engines made them immune to these problems. Another common problem was that when one of the ignition coils failed, it would cause two cylinders to misfire. 

The 2JZ-GTE had some problems of its own. The ceramic turbochargers in the Japanese version were not as durable as the stainless steel turbochargers. Many users also complain about the short lifespan of the timing belt and oil pump.

While this is not a general problem, most racers observe that the cylinder head cooling system is ineffective at very high revs. 

Is the 2JZ reliable?

Considering all these problems, you may wonder if the 2JZ engines are reliable. The short answer is YES.

With straight-six closed-deck design, a three-layered steel gasket, a forged steel crankshaft, and an engine block fabricated using cast iron. These engines had strength, balance, and the ability to handle a high amount of pressure.

It can clear 300,000 miles easily, and many forums claim up to 500,000 mileage. One reason why this is possible is that the 2JZ engines can easily be modified.

However, you should note that modifying the engine will improve performance but may shorten the lifespan. Additionally, the maintenance culture plays a part in how well this engine performs. 

Should you go for the 2JZ or B58?

The 2JZ and the B58 are inline-6 engines, built with a close deck to handle higher pressure. There are also versatile engines that have proven to be swappable.

However, the B58 is better because it is a newer engine from BMW. The B58 engine comes factory fitted with better internals that surpasses what you will get from the 2JZ without modifications. It can generate up to 382 hp and 369 Ib-ft of torque.

It has a compression ratio of 11:1, higher than the 2JZ-GE/GTE but lower than the 2JZ-FSE. And yes, the B58 can also be modified. So if you are to decide between the 2JZ and the B58, go for the B58.

FAQs

Is there a 3JZ engine?

Unfortunately for all Supra lovers, Toyota did not develop a follow-up to one of the most loved engines by motorheads, the 2JZ. For the new Supra, they have partnered with BMW and used the B58, who some like to call it ironically the 3JZ. The same engine is shared by the BMW Z4 2019.

How much HP can a stock 2JZ block handle?

A stock 2JZ block will not handle more than 1,000 HP. Keep in mind that if you decide to tune your engine to 1,000 HP or more, your car’s transmission and the engine won’t last very long. A safe range is 550-600 HP on regular fuel and about 700 HP on E85.

Is 2JZ Twin Turbo?

The 2JZ used on the legendary Toyota Supra is a twin-turbo engine. However, some detuned versions were used on other cars.

Is there a 2JZ diesel engine?

There is no diesel version of the 2JZ. There is possible that there might be some heavily modified diesel versions in the wild, but every standard 2JZ was petrol.

Sources

Toyota 2JZ-GTE

1JZ Vs 2JZ – Which Is Best?