Overview
The story
The GR V6 replaced the VZ V6 in Toyota's light trucks. The 4.0L 1GR-FE went into production in 2002 and a published reference lists it in the 4Runner, the Tacoma, the Tundra, the FJ Cruiser and the Land Cruiser. A published reference
The first version varies the timing of the intake cam only. A dual VVT-i update, which varies both cams, went into the 5th gen 4Runner, the FJ Cruiser and the Tundra. A published reference
Toyota gave the 2011 Tundra's 4.0L V6 dual VVT-i and said it raised the engine from 236 to 270 hp, and its torque from 266 to 278 lb-ft. Toyota
Specs
Versions
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Fuel injected 1GR-FE Toyota, a published reference
237 to 240 hp with intake VVT-i. With dual VVT-i, 270 hp in the 2011 Tundra by Toyota's figure
In 4th gen Toyota 4Runner, 2003–2009; 5th gen Toyota 4Runner, 2010–2024; Original Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2007–2014; 2nd gen Toyota Tacoma, 2005–2015; 1st gen Toyota Tundra, 2005–2006; 2nd gen Toyota Tundra, 2007–2014
Figures
- Displacement: 4.0L (3,956 cc) A published reference
- Bore × stroke: 94 × 95 mm A published reference
- Block and head: Open-deck aluminum block with cast-in iron liners, aluminum heads A published reference
- Valvetrain: Twin overhead cams per bank driven by a chain, four valves per cylinder A published reference
Watch out
Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.
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Head gasket failure A very small share of engines
One source so far
Check: Look for milky oil, white or sweet-smelling exhaust, and coolant that needs topping up with no leak in sight.
80/20 Automotive says the gaskets fail most often around cylinder number 6, usually slowly, and likely on a very small share of engines. It says plenty of engines pass 250,000 miles on the original gaskets. A seller's guide (unofficial)
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A scored cylinder means a new block Every version
One source so far
The iron liners are cast into the aluminum block, so if a cylinder wall is scored or damaged the whole block must be replaced. A published reference
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A ticking noise that is usually harmless Every version
One source so far
Check: Listen at idle. A tick from the injectors is normal.
80/20 Automotive says ticking is extremely common on this V6 and not a cause for alarm, and puts a driver-side tick down to a loose small bolt touching the intake. A seller's guide (unofficial)
Owning
Maintenance
Valve clearance 2004 4Runner and 2008 Tacoma, by Toyota's schedules
Inspect every 60,000 miles or 6 years Toyota
Ask the seller: Ask whether the 60,000 and 120,000 mile services were done. Toyota's schedules have the technician listen for tappet noise and engine vibration, and adjust the valves only if they need it. Toyota's 2010, 2017 and 2024 4Runner guides do not list the valve check.
What owners and buyers say
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Sought after
One of the most reliable V6s Every version
One source so far
80/20 Automotive calls it without question one of the most reliable engines it has covered, and says Tundras, Tacomas, 4Runners and FJ Cruisers commonly pass 250,000 miles. A seller's guide (unofficial)