When it comes to iconic power plants, Toyota’s 1JZ and 2JZ inline six-cylinder engines stand tall as engineering marvels that have captured the hearts of automotive enthusiasts worldwide. Both engines, developed in the early 1990s, have become synonymous with legendary Japanese cars and are still highly sought-after today. As automotive enthusiasts increasingly embrace engine swaps to enhance their rides, the 1JZ and 2JZ have become popular choices for breathing new life into a variety of vehicles, including lesser-powered Toyotas, BMWs, and even certain American cars.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key differences between the Toyota 1JZ and 2JZ engines, exploring their specifications, history, and performance characteristics. Whether you’re a seasoned tuner or a newcomer to the world of engine swaps, this article will provide valuable insights to help you make the best decision for your upcoming project.
Toyota 1JZ-GTE: A Masterpiece of Engineering
Specifications of the Toyota 1JZ-GTE Engine
- Engine Code: 1JZ-GTE
- Layout: Inline 6 cylinder Turbocharged DOHC 24V
- Displacement: 2.5 L (2,492 cc)
- Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection
- Cylinder Bore: 86 mm (3.39′′)
- Piston Stroke: 71.5 mm (2.81′′)
- Compression Ratio: 8.5:1, 9.0:1 (gen 2)
- Power: 276 hp at 6,200 rpm
- Torque: 268 lb-ft, 283 lb-ft (gen 2) @ 4,800 rpm
- Firing Order: 1-5-3-6-2-4
The 1JZ-GTE’s Origins and Advancements
The 1JZ-GTE made its debut as a replacement for Toyota’s M-series engines from the 1960s and 1980s. The 1JZ-GE and 1JZ-GTE share commonalities with their predecessors, the 7M-GE and 7M-GTE, boasting an aluminum head, chain-driven single overhead cam, and cast-iron block. However, Toyota improved the design post-1980 with the switch to belt-driven DOHC. The 1JZ-GTE stands as the turbocharged version of the 1JZ-GE, featuring twin turbochargers (initially) and an air-to-air intercooler to cool the intake charge. The engine’s stock boost of 10 psi (0.7 bar) delivers a robust output of 276 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. Its forged pistons, connecting rods, and 380-cc upgraded injectors contribute to its impressive performance.Applications of the Toyota 1JZ-GTE Engine
The 1JZ-GTE powered several iconic JDM cars, including:- Toyota Chaser / Cressida
- Toyota Soarer
- Toyota Supra MK III
- Toyota Verossa
- Toyota Crown
- Toyota Mark II
Toyota 2JZ-GTE: The Legend Continues
Specifications of the Toyota 2JZ-GTE Engine
- Engine Code: 2JZ-GTE
- Layout: Inline 6 cylinder Turbocharged DOHC 24V
- Displacement: 3.0 L (2,997 cc)
- Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection
- Cylinder Bore: 86 mm (3.39′′)
- Piston Stroke: 86 mm (3.39′′)
- Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
- Power: 320 hp @ N/A
- Torque: N/A
- Firing Order: 1-5-3-6-2-4
Unraveling the 2JZ-GTE’s Prowess
The Toyota 2JZ-GTE boasts the same cylinder bore as its 1JZ counterpart but differentiates itself with a longer stroke, resulting in a displacement of 3.0 liters. This change, along with a taller engine block and longer connecting rods, sets the 2JZ-GTE apart from the 1JZ-GTE. The 2JZ-GTE’s twin-turbocharged configuration, known as sequential turbocharging, features two Hitachi turbochargers. The smaller turbo kicks in first at lower RPMs, reducing “turbo lag” and improving low-end torque, while the larger turbo takes over at higher RPMs to deliver impressive top-end horsepower. The engine’s output peaks at approximately 320 horsepower, making it a powerhouse on the road.Applications of the Toyota 2JZ-GTE Engine
The 2JZ-GTE powered various legendary Toyota models, including:- Toyota Supra MK IV
- Lexus GS 300
- Lexus IS 300