Characteristics of the 3VZ-FE/3VZ-E engine
Manufacture and History
The 3VZ-FE and 3VZ-E engines were manufactured by Toyota at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky plant from 1987 to 1997. These engines were widely used in various Toyota and Lexus models, including the Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Camry, Toyota Hilux, Toyota T100 and Lexus ES300 (also known as the Toyota Windom). The 3VZ has become known for its reliability and high performance, making it a popular choice for mid-range and premium vehicles.
Structure and Materials
The cylinder block of the 3VZ-FE and 3VZ-E engines is made of cast iron for high strength and durability. Both engines have a V-shaped configuration with six cylinders. The 3VZ-FE has four valves per cylinder, while the 3VZ-E has two valves per cylinder. Piston stroke is 82 mm and cylinder diameter is 87.4 mm. The 3VZ-E has a compression ratio of 9.0 and the 3VZ-FE has a compression ratio of 9.6, striking a balance between power and fuel economy.
Performance and Economy
The displacement of both engines is 2,958 cubic centimeters. Power output varies depending on the modification:
- 3VZ-E: 145 hp at 4,600 rpm
- 3VZ-FE: 150 hp at 4,800 rpm and 185 hp at 5,800 rpm
Torque also varies:
- 3VZ-E: 240 Nm at 3,400 rpm
- 3VZ-FE: 244 Nm at 3400 rpm and 256 Nm at 4600 rpm
The weight of the engine is around 210 kg, making it relatively light for its class.
Fuel and Oil Consumption
Fuel consumption for the Camry XV10 with the 3VZ-FE engine is:
- In the city: 12.0 liters per 100 km
- On the highway: 7.0 liters per 100 km
- Mixed cycle: 8.8 liters per 100 km
Oil consumption can reach up to 1000 grams per 1000 km. Various viscosity oils are suitable for the engine, including 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30 and 10W-40. The engine oil capacity is 4.3 liters and the recommended oil change interval is 7000-10000 km.
Maintenance and Resource
The operating temperature of the engine is about 90 degrees Celsius. According to the factory data, the exact engine life is not specified, but in practice, 3VZ-FE and 3VZ-E engines demonstrate the resource exceeding 300 thousand kilometers, which indicates their high reliability and durability.
Tuning and Potential
The 3VZ-FE and 3VZ-E engines have significant tuning potential. Power can be increased to 250 horsepower or more without significant loss of life, making these engines an attractive choice for motorists looking to improve the performance of their vehicles.
Gearbox and Transmission Ratios
3VZ engines are available with a variety of transmission types:
- 5-speed manual transmission (MKPP): Toyota E53 and Toyota R150F
- 4-speed automatic transmission (AKT): Toyota A340H/E/F, Toyota A540E, Toyota A541E
Transmission ratios for 5ICT:
- 1st gear – 3.83
- 2nd gear – 2.062
- 3rd gear – 1.436
- 4th gear – 1.00
- 5th gear – 0.838
Transmission ratios for 4 automatic transmissions:
- 1st gear – 2.804
- 2nd gear – 1.531
- 3rd gear – 1.00
- 4th gear – 0.705
Toyota’s 3VZ-FE and 3VZ-E engines exemplify a combination of high technology and engineering excellence. Their reliability, durability and high tuning potential make them among the best engines of their time. Installed in a variety of Toyota and Lexus models, these engines provide excellent dynamic performance and reliable operation for many years.
Toyota 3VZ-FE/E Engine Reliability and Repair
In 1987, a new 3-liter 3VZ-E engine was introduced in the Toyota 4Runner. This motor is similar to the 2.5 liter 2VZ, but its cylinder block, a 60º V6, is 20 mm (223 mm) taller and uses a different crankshaft with 82 mm piston stroke and 9 counterweights. There are two single-shaft SOHC cylinder heads on top. This is the only VZ series engine that uses single camshaft heads and it was used in Toyota’s off-road models. It was replaced by the 3.4-liter 5VZ-FE.
Since 1992, the more modern 3VZ-FE, with two DOHC twin-shaft heads, has been produced. Compared to the 2VZ-FE, the 3-liter used a forged crankshaft with a stroke of 82 mm, new pistons under the compression ratio of 9.6. The 3VZ cylinder-heads have been changed, the intake valves have been completely redesigned and increased to 34 mm (they were 33 mm), the exhaust valves are 27.3 mm, and other camshafts have been used. Characteristics of the 3VZ-FE camshafts: phase 230/230, lift 7.85/7.6 mm. At the intake used a new intake manifold with a system of changing the length of ACIS. The cooling system has been modified and the injection system has been improved. The exhaust manifold has also been modified.
The engine stands under the hood with a 15° inclination. All the modifications and changes that were carried out with it, allowed to increase the volume from 2.5 liters (2VZ-FE) to 3 liters and get 185 hp at 5800 rpm, torque 256 Nm at 4600 rpm.
The Toyota 3VZ-Fe engine was produced until 1997, and already from 1994, the Japanese manufacturer began to install the more modern 1MZ-FE.
Problems and disadvantages of Toyota 3VZ engines
The most common problem on the 3VZ is overheating. If you are leaking antifreeze, then the problem is in the cylinder-head gasket. If the antifreeze is fine, then look at the standard things: cooling fan, radiator cap, thermostat, and radiator condition. Occasionally it comes down to cracked cylinder heads. Also on the 3VZ there is increased wear on the connecting rod liners.
Due to old age, the 3VZ-FE (E) can be characterized by increased oil consumption and additional problems caused by natural wear and tear. To minimize the possibility of meeting with troubles, pour only quality oil and gasoline, regularly service the car and keep an eye on the cooling system. With this approach, the resource of 3VZ will easily exceed 300 thousand kilometers and more.
Tuning the engine Toyota 3VZ-FE
3VZ Atmo. Compressor
A simple way to raise the power of a 3-liter 3VZ engine is porting of the cylinder head. You’ll need to take the heads to a rebuilder and buy a cold intake, straight-through or no-roll 63mm exhaust. By tuning the brain, you will get over 200hp. If you additionally buy camshafts 262/262 lift 9.3/8.8 mm, it will give another 10-15 hp. It makes no sense to increase the compression ratio, to put a light sprag, to change the intake, etc., and it is extremely expensive.
By good, this motor does not need anything else and to achieve 250+ hp it is better to make a swap or buy another car. If there is no money to spend, then you can buy TRD kit from 1MZ and convert it to 3VZ. The second variant, to collect turbo kit on the basis of turbines from Supra, to saw collectors, to make all custom. In the end, all the same nothing outstanding to collect will not come out and the motor will not show much power.
MOTOR RATING: 4-