Only popular pickups and SUVs like the 4Runner, HiLux, and T100 were equipped with the 3.0-liter Toyota 3VZ-E engine, which was manufactured at the company’s American facility between 1988 and 1995. A 24-valve version of the power unit with its own index (3VZ-FE) was modified.
The engines in the VZ family are 1VZ-FE, 2VZ-FE, 4VZ-FE, 3VZ-FE, 3VZ-E, and 5VZ-FE.
The engine was mounted on:
- Toyota 4Runner 1 (N60) in 1988 – 1989; 4Runner 2 (N120) in 1989 – 1995;
- Toyota Hilux 5 (N80) in 1989 – 1995;
- Toyota T100 1 (XK10) in 1992 – 1995.
Specifications
| Production years | 1988-1995 |
| Displacement, cc | 2958 |
| Fuel system | MPI |
| Power output, hp | 145 – 150 |
| Torque output, Nm | 245 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 12v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 87.5 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 82 |
| Compression ratio | 9.0 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.3 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 1/2 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Toyota 4Runner 1992) — city — highway — combined |
18.2 10.9 14.6 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~250 000 |
| Weight, kg | 190 |
Disadvantages of the Toyota 3VZ-E engine
Overheating brought on by the gasket breaking causes cracks in the heads;
Overheating is frequently caused by an unreliable fan hydraulic drive; the crankshaft’s main journals and connecting rod bearings wear down quickly;
Oil consumption gradually rises after 100,000 kilometers of operation; high fuel consumption and costly spare parts are the remaining drawbacks.