Overview
The story
The ZZ family replaced the iron-block 4A and 7A. The Celica GT had the 1ZZ-FE at 140 hp and the GT-S the 2ZZ-GE at 180 hp, from 2000 to 2005. A published reference
Yamaha developed the 2ZZ-GE's block, with composite cylinder liners. Its VVTL-i switches to a second cam profile with more lift at high revs. A published reference
Specs
Versions
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1.8L 1ZZ-FE A published reference
1,794 cc, 79 × 91.5 mm. 140 hp in the Celica GT
In 7th gen Toyota Celica, 2000–2005; 8th gen Toyota Corolla, 1998–2002; 9th gen Toyota Corolla, 2003–2008
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1.8L with variable lift 2ZZ-GE A published reference
1,796 cc, 82 × 85 mm. 180 hp in the Celica GT-S
In 7th gen Toyota Celica, 2000–2005; 9th gen Toyota Corolla, 2005–2006
Figures
- Block: Die-cast aluminum, with thin iron liners in the 1ZZ-FE and metal matrix composite liners in the 2ZZ-GE A published reference
- Valvetrain: Twin overhead cams 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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Burning oil 1ZZ-FE
One source so far
Check: Ask how much oil it uses between changes, and look for blue smoke.
The 1ZZ-FE was notorious for using oil, some engines up to a quart every 1,000 miles, because of undersized piston rings and too few oil drain holes in the pistons. A published reference
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Failed lift bolts 2ZZ-GE before late 2002
One source so far
Check: On a drive, feel for the surge as the high-lift cam comes in near 6,000 rpm.
Early engines were notorious for failing lift bolts, which stop the high-output cam from engaging without harming the engine. Toyota fixed it in late 2002 and covered earlier engines under a service bulletin. A published reference
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An oil pump that hates over-revving 2ZZ-GE
One source so far
Check: Ask whether it has been over-revved or run low on oil.
A published reference calls the oil pump the 2ZZ-GE's Achilles heel: an over-rev can damage it, and even a brief oil starvation is usually fatal. A published reference
Owning
Maintenance
No service schedule is added yet.
What owners and buyers say
No source singles out a version yet, for good or bad.