Toyota 3VZ-FE engine
Content
The 3VZ-FE engine from Toyota Corporation has become an alternative V6 for the main flagships of the concern. This motor began to be produced in 1992 on the basis of the not so successful 3VZ-E, which was completely revised and finalized. Camshafts have changed, the number has increased and the type of valves has changed. The manufacturer also worked with the crankshaft, installed a light modern piston group.
For Toyota, this internal combustion engine has become a transition to more modern "sixes", which are still installed on a number of models today. The unit is installed in the engine compartment at an inclination of 15 degrees, which distinguishes it from other motors in this line. The engine was equipped with simple automatic machines and mechanical boxes, under the automatic machine the consumption turned out to be quite large, but at the same time the resource of the power plant increased.
Specifications 3VZ-FE - basic information
The company produced and installed the unit on its cars until 1997, during which time there were no significant upgrades and modifications. And this means that the motor is quite reliable, the designers did not make any major changes to the original system.
The important characteristics of the engine are as follows:
| Working volume | 2958 cc |
| Engine power | 185 h.p. at 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 256 N * m at 4600 rpm |
| Cylinder block | cast-iron |
| Block head | aluminum |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Cylinder arrangement | V-shaped |
| Number of valves | 24 |
| Injection system | injector, EFI |
| Bore | 87.4 mm |
| Piston stroke | 82 mm |
| fuel type | 95 gasoline |
| Fuel consumption: | |
| – urban cycle | 12 l / 100 km |
| - suburban cycle | 7 l / 100 km |
| Other engine features | TwinCam cameras |
Initially, the motor was developed for pickup trucks and SUVs, the E series served for this. The modified FE was installed only on passenger cars, but its purpose gave certain advantages. In particular, the resource of the unit before the overhaul is about 300 km, after the repair the engine can travel the same amount.
The motor loves speed, but it also consumes a lot of fuel. You can drive it economically only on the highway. Good oil is required clearly according to the manufacturer's recommendations, replacement 1 time in 7-10 thousand kilometers. The timing system is driven by a conventional belt, it is replaced once every 1-90 thousand km.
Advantages and important features of the 3VZ-FE engine
The motor is very reliable and durable. Its design is borrowed from a commercial unit with the designation E, the cast-iron block will endure any load, the cylinder head is designed intelligently and does not break. The ignition system is reliable, but in the northern latitudes a cold start system is also installed to extend the life. There are practically no problems with environmental technology, constant cleaning is not needed.
Among the important advantages, one can also note the following features:
- ECU. An innovative computer for that time was installed here, which protected the engine from overloads and squeezed out a lot of power.
- Minimum settings. It is enough to set the ignition correctly and monitor the serviceability of the idle valve so that the engine runs smoothly.
- Early torque. This greatly improved the driving qualities of the power plant, increasing the attention of tuning enthusiasts to it.
- Endurance with a margin. Lightweight forged piston and good design contribute to long service life without repair.
- Simple service. To check or restore the unit, you do not need to go to an official Toyota station.
Questions arose with timing marks. The problem is that manuals are often confused with books for the 3VZ-E engine, setting the marks incorrectly. This is fraught with serious problems in the operation of the engine, up to the failure of cylinder head parts. With the correct settings during the repair and maintenance process, the unit will serve for a long time and will not create any operational problems.
Disadvantages and problems in the operation of 3VZ-FE
This unit is devoid of significant childhood diseases. There are perhaps specific features of overhaul and service, which not everyone observes. For example, a broken fan control sensor causes overheating, up to burnout of the parts of the piston group. When overhauling, many inexperienced craftsmen confuse manual requirements with the E engine and make mistakes, such as incorrect tightening torque of the camshaft covers.
You can find such disadvantages in the unit:
- the drain plug in the crankcase is extremely inconvenient, it is difficult to maintain the engine with your own hands;
- the alternator belt wears out quickly, there are cases of sudden breaks, you need to have a spare;
- vibration, which can be solved by replacing the pillows, they often fail prematurely;
- candles and coils - often the owners are faced with the fact that there is no spark, you need to change part of the ignition system;
- the price of spare parts - even with a banal replacement of crankshaft liners, you will have to pay a lot of money;
- maslozhor - after 100 km, the oil begins to be consumed in liters, it can take up to 000 liters from replacement to replacement.
If during the capitalization process the master mixed up the flywheel tightening torque, you will have to prepare the car for the next major repair. The increased load on the parts is fraught with very rapid wear of the block and parts of the piston group. The control air valve also spoils the mood of car owners with this installation, which becomes an obstacle on the way to simple tuning.
What cars installed this engine
Possibilities of tuning and increasing the power of 3VZ-FE
For Camry and 185 forces are enough, but for the purpose of sporting interest, many owners receive an additional 30-40 horses. Manipulations with the ECU will give practically nothing, you need to port the cylinder head and install a cold fuel intake system, you will also have to change the exhaust system by installing forward flow.
If this is not enough for you, you can buy a Charger - a set of turbines with 1MZ from TRD or a boost kit from Supra. There will be a lot of alterations, and the result for the V6 is still unlikely to please with sporty performance.
The tuning possibilities here are hidden in other categories. You can bore the block, install a new piston from more powerful units, and also install unique turbines. Then the result will be excellent, but the expense will also exceed reasonable limits.
Conclusions about the engine from Toyota - is it worth buying?
It is not difficult to find this engine in the contract motor market. However, before buying it, you should make sure that the motor is in good condition. Most often, engines come from Japan no worse than new ones, the runs on them are small. But when checking, pay attention to the condition of the cylinder head, the fasteners under the head cover. Any violations indicate potential expensive breakdowns in the near future.
Owner reviews indicate that this is a reliable and hardy unit. It practically does not break and does not require serious repairs. However, service requirements, like other similar models from Toyota, are very high. Improper maintenance will result in the machine not moving off the lift.
