Overview
The story
The 2JZ first appeared in the 1991 Toyota Aristo and was built until 2007. The twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE was made in Japan from 1991 to 2005, rated at 318 PS there under the industry's gentlemen's agreement and at 320 hp for North America and Europe. A published reference
Hagerty calls it Japan's Chevy small-block, one of the most durable and potent engines of its kind. Toyota once stopped making 2JZ cylinder heads because the molds had worn out, and then made new molds. Hagerty
Specs
Versions
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Naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE A published reference
Variable valve timing in US cars from the 1998 model year
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Twin turbo 2JZ-GTE Hagerty, a published reference
Sequential turbos, 320 hp in the US · 1991–2005
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Direct injection 2JZ-FSE A published reference
From around 2000, with an automatic only
Figures
- Displacement: 3.0L (2,997 cc) A published reference
- Bore × stroke: 86 × 86 mm A published reference
- Block and head: Cast-iron block, aluminum head A published reference
- Valvetrain: Twin overhead cams driven by a belt, 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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Leaking turbo seals or a failed turbo 2JZ-GTE
Check: Look for smoke at start-up. Feel for boost below 4,000 rpm, which needs the first turbo, and for boost that dips at 4,000 rpm and then climbs slowly, which points to the second.
Hagerty's specialist calls age and leaking turbo seals the biggest problem. Classic & Sports Car says black smoke means a blown turbo. Hagerty, Classic & Sports Car
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Tired coil wires and cam sensor wiring Every version
One source so far
Check: Look over the coil wires and the cam sensor's connector by the head.
Hagerty's specialist says the coil wires very often need replacing, and that the cam sensor connectors against the cylinder head dry out and break their wires. Hagerty
Owning
Maintenance
Timing belt Every version
Replace every 50,000 miles or 5 years Classic & Sports Car
Ask the seller: Ask for records showing the timing belt and water pump were changed.
If it was skipped: Classic & Sports Car says the belt should be replaced every 50,000 miles or five years, and that the job is usually done with the water pump.
What owners and buyers say
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Sought after
A strong engine that takes big power Every version
Classic & Sports Car calls the 2JZ immensely strong, able to manage huge mileages if well maintained and not over-tuned. Hagerty's specialist calls its bottom end stout as a mountain, and says that with inexpensive steel rods and pistons on the factory main bearings it is good for 1,000 hp. Classic & Sports Car, Hagerty