The renowned Toyota 2JZ inline-six cylinder engine has definitely come up in discussions and references if you have even a passing familiarity with the import automobile tuning industry. Although the twin-turbocharged engine in the fourth-generation Toyota Supra is its most notable application, the engine is also featured in the Lexus GS300 and IS300.
It is renowned for having exceptional power, being exceptionally tough, and withstanding tens of thousands of kilometres. Let’s look at the specifications of the 2JZ-GE variation featured in the IS300.
The IS300’s 2JZ-GE is a member of the 2JZ-second GE’s generation. The fundamental engine was the same in both eras. It has 24 valves and a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 3.0 liter inline six cylinder engine.
The cylinder head therefore contains two camshafts. one to manage the exhaust valves, and one to manage the intake valves.
Variable valve timing is one significant advancement over the first generation for the 2JZ-GE. This makes it possible to precisely regulate valve timing dependent on the engine’s rpm to increase power and economy.
It has 215 horsepower and is a standard feature in all models from the first generation up through the 2005 Lexus IS300.
Since it has six cylinders, fuel efficiency is not its main priority. especially in light of the IS300’s athletic ambitions. The fuel efficiency of the first-generation IS300 isn’t always poor, though.
The EPA estimates that the first-generation Lexus IS300 achieves up to 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, for a combined average of 18 mpg.
The automatic version gets the same city and highway mileage ratings with a small decrease to 22 mpg.
Overall, it isn’t the most fuel-efficient choice available. But it’s not too bad for a high-end sports car.
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Do all Lexus IS300s have a 2JZ engine?
Given the possibilities of the inline-six, it is not surprise that Alberth seemed to adore the 2JZ engine. The Lexus IS300 has a 2JZ engine as standard equipment, but it’s the naturally aspirated model, which has unique pistons and a unique head. Even more astonishing is Alberth’s continued usage of the stock 2JZ GE head, despite Porting Solutions’ porting work on it.
As far as other high-horsepower 2JZ builds go, the majority of the other parts are fairly common. Similar to Alberth’s 204SX, which in his opinion, has a redesigned intake, a 105 mm throttle body, 12 injectors (two per cylinder), and an 86-85 Precision turbo, the IS300 had these features as well “appears to be the preferred turbo for this engine. In contrast to the Nissan, the IS300’s engine has been expanded to 3.2 liters. All of it is controlled by a Haltec Elite 2500 ECU. The crucial information is shown on a Haltec IC7 instrument cluster.
Alberth notes that it’s interesting that the Manley pistons and connecting rods are Honda-spec, not Toyota-spec. The entire configuration is beneficial to “A 4L80 automatic transmission with the option for manual changing at the steering wheel transmits more than 1,200 horsepower to all four wheels. Eventually, Alberth divulges certain performance data, such as the 2.89-second sprint from 60 to 130 mph (97 to 210 km/h).
What kind of engine is in the IS300?
The 3.5L, V6 engine that the Lexus IS 300 offers as an option produces 260 horsepower. Drivers can choose between AWD and RWD, depending on which suits them best.
What vehicles featured the 2JZ-GTE?
- Toyota 6-speed manual V160 and V161 (jointly developed with Getrag as the Type 233)
In 1991, the 2JZ-GTE initially propelled the Toyota Aristo V (JZS147), then in the Toyota Supra RZ it became Toyota’s king of performance (JZA80). The previous 2JZ-GE served as its mechanical foundation, but it varied in that engine used sequential twin turbochargers and an air-to-air side-mounted intercooler. The 2JZ-GTE of the Supra features recessed piston tops, which results in a lower compression ratio, oil spray nozzles to help cool the pistons, and a new head (redesigned inlet/exhaust ports, cams, and valves). The 2JZ-GE of the Supra has the same engine block, crankshaft, and connecting rods. The original engine was phased out as a result of Toyota’s addition of VVT-i variable valve timing technology to the engine commencing in September 1997. As a result, the maximum torque and horsepower for engines selling in all markets were increased. Aristo, Altezza, and Mark II, later 2JZ-GE VVT-i equipped cars, share a separate part number for weaker connecting rods.
Its commercially claimed output was increased from 230 PS (169 kW; 227 hp) to the current industry maximum of 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) at 5600 rpm by the addition of twin turbochargers, jointly developed by Toyota and Hitachi. When the VVT-i was introduced in the production year 1997, the torque was later reported as 46 kgm (333 lbft; 451 Nm), up from the initial 44.3 kgm (320 lbft; 434 Nm) at 4000 rpm. Japan’s now-defunct Gentlemen’s Agreement solely between Japanese automakers selling to the Japanese domestic market enforced the mutually agreed, industry-wide output ceiling. According to Toyota, the engine’s output in the North American and European markets was boosted to 320 horsepower (239 kW; 324 PS) at 5600 revolutions per minute. [4]
With the help of updated stainless steel turbochargers (ceramic for Japanese models), improved camshafts, and larger injectors (550 cc/min for export, 440 cc/min for Japanese models), the export version of the 2JZ-GTE was able to produce more power. The exhaust-side propeller shaft of the CT20 turbine built to Japanese specifications and the CT12B turbine built to export specifications can be swapped out. Additionally, the more robust turbine housings, stainless steel turbine and impeller fins, and export-only CT12B turbine were added. There are various Japanese CT20 turbine variations that can be distinguished by their B, R, and A part number suffixes (e.g.: CT20A).
Which Lexus vehicle features the 2JZ engine?
A 3.0 liter, six-cylinder engine known as the 2JZ-GE powers the Lexus IS300. Fans of the MkIV Supra ought to be acquainted with its engine code. Although it had a few internal tweaks and no turbos, the engine was fundamentally the same as the one in the Toyota Supra. An engine that, incidentally, the JDM Altezza never provided.
The Lexus IS300 produces 215 horsepower and 218 lb-ft less power than the Supra without turbos (alone). That is, at least, the stock production. Owners frequently install Supra turbos on their Lexus IS300s. According to Jalopnik, the 2JZ’s iconic status is directly related to how overbuilt it was. The Bubble Era, which gave the world the Skyline GT-R and Autozam AZ-1, came to a close at this time. According to Jalopnik, owners could theoretically triple the IS300’s output without any problems with the right tune.
Additionally, according to MT, there were the TRD-tuned Lexus IS300 L-Tuned versions. Stage I automobiles have a body kit, fog lamps, and an 8 horsepower stainless steel exhaust. New springs, bigger anti-roll bars, cast-aluminum wheels, and Michelin Pilot Sport tires are added to Stage II versions. They ride one lower as well. Additionally, a limited-slip rear differential was a choice.
How far can a 2JZ travel?
There are several reasons why the fourth-generation Toyota Supra is legendary, but one of them is its dependability. The 3.0 liter 2JZ straight-six in this Supra, which has allegedly racked up 520,000 kilometers, is particularly bulletproof. The motor, according to the owner, has also “never been touched.”
The owner of the vehicle provided Hoover Toyota in Alabama with these photos. Although the Supra isn’t for sale, the dealer nonetheless posted images and details about the vehicle on Facebook.
Despite having 520,590 miles on the clock, the non-turbo Supra is said to be free of rust and to have undergone no significant engine work. Unfortunately, no other information is given, such as the year of manufacturing or other characteristics. This Supra only has 220 horsepower, which is 100 fewer than its turbocharged predecessor.
You can make fun of Toyota for producing a decent number of unremarkable, ordinary cars, but you must recognize that every product it produces is dependable. You can be sure it will last whether it’s a humdrum Camry, a 4Runner, or a Supra like this.
Which IS300 year has 2JZ?
Every IS300 produced between 1998 and 2003 has a 2JZ motor. This engine is a 2JZ-GE, which is the same as the one in a Toyota Supra. The IS300 has become a favorite among those who enjoy customizing Japanese automobiles because they are renowned for producing a lot of power when modified.
In the IS300, the 2JZ standard engine developed 217 horsepower and 218 pound-feet of torque. Depending on the arrangement, this was mated to either a 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. The SportCross wagon was initially solely offered with the automatic, but over time, third-party retailers have started to replace them with the manual.
Due to its Supra-like engine, available manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive, the first generation IS300 is a renowned little sports sedan. These elements work together to make the IS300 a fantastic, entertaining sports sedan.
What makes 2JZ so strong?
Why is the Toyota 2JZ inline-6 engine a renowned engine in the automobile industry? A brand-new video delves deep into the engine’s internals and explains why it’s so perfect for producing significant power with stock internals.
The engine in the video is essentially the same engine that was in the last Toyota Supra, which is from Papadakis Racing. Its variable camshaft timing on the intake comes from a Toyota Aristo, also known as the Lexus GS in the United States. The remainder of the movie essentially demonstrates how the engine was disassembled, but while doing so, we can see what makes the engine unique. We may thank Japan’s bubble economy for the over-engineered, extraordinarily long-lasting engines that the auto industry produces.
The 2JZ engine is quite durable to begin with because it has a cast-iron block and a closed block. The engine is equipped with bucket-type lifters, which are highly dependable but don’t fit larger camshafts effectively. The number of moving parts is significantly less than, say, a rocker arm system. The head gasket itself appears to be in decent condition for an engine that has been in use for more than 20 years when the head is removed.
Toyota equipped the 2JZ with extremely durable head gaskets and a closed block design, which contributes to the problem. The absence of water openings all around the cylinders makes them incredibly durable. Because of this, tuners can extract a lot of power and boost from the standard internals. Three layers of steel make up the multi-layer head gasket itself. The construction helps create a very tight seal around the cylinder and prevents the gasket from blowing.
For the mechanical types, the rest of the film is pure zen, so relax and take in the teardown above.
Why is 2JZ so well-liked?
The 2JZ engine, a storied engine in the tuner scene, is what gave the last year of the Supra its enormous popularity. The closed, over-engineered engine design enables the utilization of significant boost on internals that are already in place. The 2JZ can survive a lot of punishment because to this plus the inherent durability of any inline-six engine architecture, but the best way to really appreciate how Toyota created the 2JZ to be so resilient is to go inside one.
Stephan Papadakis, owner of the wildly successful Formula DRIFT team Papadakis Racing, dissects the 2JZ engine and explains how it functions in order to examine the design.
The twin-turbo 2JZ engine was not unique to the Supra, despite it having gained popularity because to it. Toyota also employed a variation in the Aristo, a vehicle that underwent a US rebranding to become the Lexus GS. The variation Papadakis examines on screen makes use of variable camshaft timing on the intake.
There is a fairly definite take down order to it, even though a large portion of the disassembly is very much identical to disassembling any engine. The advantages of the powerhouse are evident in almost every component, working inward from the outside.
Four valves per cylinder are made possible by the dual overhead cams, which also permit a top plug design for the best spark and a superior air/fuel mixture and flow. Although this prevents the use of really aggressive cams, bucket style lifters sit on the camshaft lobes, which decreases the number of moving parts in the engine and improves reliability.
Toyota employed a multi-layered steel head gasket for this engine, which lowers the likelihood that it may blow, and a closed-block design, which supports the cylinder walls. Toyota attached a girdle to the underside of the 2JZ to increase the block’s stiffness while still allowing access to the rotating assembly. The rotating assembly is finally made practically indestructible by a forged crankshaft, a wide bearing design, and a lot of thrust bearing. It is not at all unexpected that this engine has been so successful with the tuner community.