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.
In This Article...
What year was the Lexus 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.
Do Lexus IS300s have a 2JZ engine?
The larger Lexus GS300 sedan’s 2JZ-GE 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve straight-six, which may be traced back to the previous Toyota Supra, is the same engine that powers the IS300.
Had the Lexus GS300 a 2JZ engine?
The Lexus GS300’s factory-installed engine is a NA Toyota 2JZ-GE, but an upgrade to the venerable 2JZ-GTE like this produces significant power.
Which Lexus model has a 1UZ?
The first generation Lexus LS 400/Toyota Celsior introduced the 4.0 L; 242.1 cu in (3,968 cc) all-alloy 1UZ-FE in 1989. The engine was gradually released across a number of different models in the Toyota/Lexus lineup. With a bore and stroke size of 87.5 mm and 82.5 mm, the engine is oversquare by design (3.44 in3.25 in). [2] With features like 6-bolt main bearings and belt-driven quad-camshafts, it has proven to be a powerful, dependable, and smooth engine. The timing/cam belt also powers the water pump. Steel is used in the construction of the crankshaft and connecting rods. Hypereutectic pistons are used.
One of the few road-going engines with FAA approval for use in aircraft is the FV2400-2TC variant.
Its standard, original trim produces 191 kW (256 horsepower; 260 PS) of power and 353 Nm of torque (260 lbft).
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With lighter connecting rods and pistons and an improved compression ratio to 10.4:1, the engine had a minor revision in 1995 and now produces a maximum of 195 kW (261 horsepower; 265 PS) at 5,400 rpm and 365 Nm (269 lbft) at 4,400 rpm.
With the introduction of Toyota’s VVT-i variable valve timing system in 1997 and an additional 10.5:1 compression ratio increase[2,] output and torque were increased to 216 kW (290 hp; 294 PS) at 5,900 rpm and 407 Nm (300 lbft) at 4,100 rpm. 224 kW (300 horsepower; 305 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 420 Nm (310 lbft) at 4,000 rpm were the output ratings for the GS400.
The Ward’s 10 Best Engines list for 1998 to 2000 included the 1UZ-FE.
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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.
What 2JZ engine is the best?
19 stars have been awarded to the 1JZ-GTE. 20 stars have been awarded to the 2JZ-GTE. The 2JZ-GTE comes out on top! Both engines are excellent; however, the 2JZ-GTE has certain advantages due to its displacement, while the 1JZ-GTE has advantages due to its somewhat lower price. Both engines are quite similar in terms of performance out of the box and tweaking possibilities. You’ll be on to a winner if you can get your hands on one of these engines.
With that said, a winner must be declared, so congratulations. 2JZ-GTE You *just* edged out your older brother for first place.
- x x 19 1JZ-GTE
- x x 20 2JZ-GTE
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.
Is the 2JZ-ge an effective motor?
All 2JZ versions are regarded as legendary in the enormous realm of 2JZ engine discussions. Since the DNA of the 2JZ-GE and 2JZ-GTE is almost identical, their similarities outweigh their differences. Having stated that, the argument between 2JZ-GE and 2JZ-GTE rages on. In the end, neither option is likely to disappoint you.
Despite being siblings, the 2JZ-GE and 2JZ-GTE have some significant variances. The sequential twin-turbos on the GTE dramatically boost horsepower and torque, which is the most notable improvement.
Nearly every other distinction between the two 2JZ types may be attributed to the GTE’s forced induction. Toyota enhanced intake flow when designing the cylinder head for the GTE. The 2JZ-GTE uses recessed piston tops, which reduce compression and make boost safer for internal components. When it comes to the GTE’s incorporation of piston oil squirters, the same mindset is at work.
Both the 2JZ-GE and 2JZ-GTE are among the most powerful production engines to date, notwithstanding. As a result, both have a ton of aftermarket potential and tons of information available. Toyota’s inline-6 engine is definitely going out with the 2JZ series. Many people feel that nothing greater will ever exist.
Check out our other articles on Toyota engines if you liked this one on the 2JZ-GE vs. 2JZ-GTE engines from Toyota. Our post comparing the Toyota 1JZ and 2JZ engines could be of interest to you. Alternatively, we also offer a useful 2JZ-GTE turbo upgrading instructions. As usual, drive carefully!
About Austin Parsons
Austin earned a technical writing degree from the University of Colorado Denver in 2021 and continues to live nearby. Despite his youth, Austin has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the automobile industry. He frequently had articles published in the CU Sentry newspaper and served as The Indian Weekly Magazine’s chief automobile content writer. Austin also spent more than 5 years working as a technical product specialist at BMW.
He currently drives a 325i E30 that has been significantly modified. Austin built a stroker kit himself, which is one of the largest modifications. He is unmatched in his expertise and enthusiasm for automobiles. Austin’s background in technical writing enables him to provide our automotive readers with knowledgeable, thoroughly researched, and incredibly detailed technical articles.