2JZ-GTE engine - why did Toyota Supra get the perfect engine for tuning? Describing the 2JZ-GTE engine!

Although the Toyota Aristo (Lexus GS) or Chaser was originally a car with a 2JZ-GTE engine, most people associate this inline engine with the Supra. The JZ family of devices still gives you goosebumps when you hear that designation.

2JZ-GTE engine - engine technical data

The 2JZ design is a development of the 1JZ-GTE engine used in the previous version. However, it was the modification for the next batch that left Nissan behind when it came to sports engines. The 2JZ-GTE uses 6 cylinders in line, 3 liters displacement and two turbochargers arranged in series. The motor gave out 280 hp. and 451 Nm of torque. In versions released for export, the engine was more powerful by more than 40 hp. All because of some unofficial restrictions that limit the power of drive units. In fact, the 2JZ-GE and GTE are very easy to "upgrade" without mechanical modifications.

Toyota and 2JZ engine - unit characteristics

What's so special about an inline 6-cylinder engine from the 90s? Looking through the prism of the current buildings, we can say that absolutely everything. The engine block is made of cast iron, which interacts very well with engine oil. The head and pistons were made of aluminum, making them very good at dissipating excess heat. Dual camshafts drive a sporty intake and exhaust valve system, while efficient twin turbocharging delivers just the right amount of compressed air. In addition, the original oil pump, its spray on the piston heads, and the efficient water pump ensure excellent cooling.

Interestingly, the Toyota 2JZ engine was equipped with a non-distributed ignition system. The distributor coil for each cylinder was replaced with an individual ignition apparatus for each cylinder. This decision contributed to the creation of the best conditions for the ignition of the mixture, which eliminated the danger of combustion detonation during engine operation. Years later, a variable valve timing system was introduced, which improved the already brilliant performance of the unit. However, according to some, he had a major drawback - the breakdown of the timing drive ended with the pistons hitting the valves.

How is the GTE version of the Toyota Supra different from the rest?

Engineers and designers did not just want to create a powerful engine. Their goal was to overthrow Nissan as a rival to Japanese sports car engines. 280 HP were only on paper, and the legendary twin-turbo engine was built for endless power. The cast iron block easily handles 1400 hp because it was designed without too much concern to use as few materials as possible. Electronic fuel injection, efficient injectors and a robust crankshaft ensured the ability to increase power without hindering the downstream 2JZ-GTE engine.

Another interesting thing is the shape of the pistons. Special recesses are hollowed out in them, thanks to which the degree of compression of the unit is specially reduced. This procedure is usually performed at the time of tuning serial units. The more air and fuel injected, the higher the compression ratio. This leads to the risk of detonation combustion, i.e. uncontrolled combustion of the air-fuel mixture. Toyota implemented this solution already at the production stage, knowing for what purposes the three-liter monster would be used.

Toyota 2JZ-GTE engine - does it have weak points?

Every internal combustion engine has weaknesses. The 2JZ-GTE engine has a cast iron block, cast aluminum head, reinforced forged connecting rods and a steel shaft. All this made him indestructible.

However, the tuners point out that the dual turbocharging system is a definite drawback. Therefore, in the vast majority of tuning units, this system is replaced with a single powerful turbocharger (usually 67 mm or 86 mm) to boost the engine even more. Such a turbocharged engine can even generate four figures of power. Of course, the stronger the tuning, the less serial equipment can effectively perform its functions. Therefore, after doubling the power, for example, the oil pump should be replaced, more powerful nozzles should be used and, above all, the speed limiters should be removed.

Can the 2JZ-GTE drive be bought somewhere else?

Definitely yes, but it is worth noting right away that this will not be a cheap investment. Why? Versions of GE and GTE are incredibly in demand, because the unit is willingly changed to other car models. In the home market, top-end versions in excellent condition usually cost more than 30 euros. Therefore, an investor who wants to install a 2JZ-GTE engine in his car must be rich in cash. Today, this design is seen by some as an investment due to the ever-increasing price of this motor.

2JZ-GTE engine - summary

Will we ever see a powerful and virtually indestructible gasoline engine again? It is difficult to answer this question unambiguously. However, seeing the current automotive trend, it is difficult to expect such a successful design. For people who can't afford that kind of drive in a car, all that's left to do is put on YouTube a selection of the amazing sound of this monster. Be careful only when listening to such material with headphones - you may damage your hearing.