Engine 3ZR-FE
The 3ZR-FE is an inline four-cylinder internal combustion gasoline engine. The gas distribution mechanism is a 16-valve, designed according to the DOHC scheme, with two camshafts. The cylinder block is one-piece cast, the total engine displacement is two liters. Timing drive type - chain.
A special highlight of the series was to be Dual VVT-I and Valvematic, developed as a response to the Valvetronic system from BMW and VVEL from Nissan.
Dual VVT-I is an advanced intelligent valve timing system that changes the opening timings of not only intake but also exhaust valves. But, as practice has shown, nothing new has been invented. Exclusively a marketing ploy by Toyota, undertaken in response to the development of competitors. Standard VVT-I clutches are now located on both timing camshafts, connected not only to the intake, but also to the exhaust valves. Working under the control of an electronic computer unit, the Dual VVT-I system makes the engine characteristics more uniform in terms of torque versus crankshaft speed.
A much more successful innovation was the Valvematic air-fuel ratio control system. Depending on the engine operating mode, the stroke length of the intake valve changes, selecting the optimal composition of the fuel assemblies. The system is controlled by an electronic computing unit that continuously collects and processes data on the operation of the engine. As a result, the Valvematic system is free from the dips and delays associated with mechanical control methods. As a result, the Toyota 3ZR-FE engine proved to be an economical and “responsive” power unit, superior in its characteristics to similar gasoline internal combustion engines.
Interesting fact. Brazil, the world's largest producer of sugar, successfully converts it into ethanol, which is used as fuel for gasoline internal combustion engines. Of course, Toyota did not want to give up such a tempting market, and in 2010 redesigned the 3ZR-FE model to use this type of fuel. The new model received the prefix FFV to the name, which means "multi-fuel engine".
Strengths and weaknesses of the 3ZR-FE
In general, the engine was a success. Powerful and economical, it shows stable torque characteristics over almost the entire crankshaft speed range. Equipping the Valvematic system had a positive effect on the “responsiveness” of the 3ZR-FE to pressing the accelerator pedal and to sudden changes in load characteristics.
The disadvantages are quite common. Lack of repair dimensions of the cylinder block. The timing chain drive, implemented so unsuccessfully, that it is time to talk about an engine resource of 200 km, that is, until the chain fails.
In connection with the Dual VVT-I system, the oil for the 3ZR-FE must be chosen very carefully. Too thick, it will lead to breakdown of the gas distribution mechanism. Most experts recommend 0w40.
Specifications 3ZR-FE
| engine's type | inline 4 cylinders DOHC, 16 valves |
| Volume | 2 l. (1986 cc) |
| Power | 143 hp |
| Torque | 194 N*m at 3900 rpm |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 |
| Bore | 80.5 mm |
| Piston stroke | 97.6 mm |
| Mileage to overhaul | 400 000 km |
Since its release in 2007, the 3ZR-FE has been installed on:
- Toyota Voxy?
- Toyota Noah;
- Toyota Avensis?
- Toyota RAV4;
- In 2013, the release of the Toyota Corolla E160 began.
