The Toyota 1JZ vs 2JZ – Comparison & History. If you ask a non-enthusiast about Toyota, most will reply it’s dependable and sensible. Performance-oriented and forceful are two terms that are unlikely to appear on the list. That’s probably because they’ve never heard of the 1JZ or 2JZ.
Both of these engines are instantly recognised and revered in enthusiast circles. They’re also feared on drag strips and racetracks all over the world. That’s because the 1JZ-GTE and 2JZ-GTE’s stock power potential is unlike anything else.
Over the last 30 years, both the 1JZ-GTE and 2JZ-GTE engines have become holy grail engines for anyone wishing to create a lot of power with little effort. Because both engines are extremely similar in design, the question of which is superior naturally arises. In this post, we will directly compare them and explain why the Toyota JZ series development is one of the most astounding powertrain achievements of all time.
A Brief History of the 1JZ and 2JZ Engines
In the 1990s, Japan was at the forefront of a global drive to create cheap sports cars for the general public. Toyota wanted a piece of the action, too, with Nissan creating cars like the R32 Skyline and Mazda releasing the FD RX-7. As a result, a series of inline-6-powered performance vehicles became legendary for a variety of reasons.
The majority of Toyota’s performance-oriented vehicles from the 1990s were powered by an upgraded version of their tried-and-true inline-6 engine. The JZ name was given to this particularly constructed family of engines. The 7M-GTE was the JZ series’ predecessor and a notoriously troublesome engine. Toyota refined their inline-6 recipe with the JZ series after learning from the drawbacks of the 7M-GTE.
The resulting 1JZ and 2JZ engines are among the most powerful and over-engineered engines in history. Both engines can tolerate more than twice the factory level of power with stock internals due to the high-quality materials and balanced design. Because they were created so close together, the 1JZ and 2JZ have significantly more similarities than differences.
Toyota 1JZ-GTE: The Beginning of the JZ Family
- 2.5 Litre Parallel Twin-Turbo DOHC Inline-6 Engine
- 8.5:1 compression ratio
- Bore and Stroke Dimensions: 86 mm 71.5 mm (3.39 in 2.81 in)
- At 6200 rpm, it produces 276 horsepower (206 kW; 280 PS).
- At 4800 rpm, torque is 268 lbft (363 Nm).
- Toyota Soarer (JZZ30), Toyota Chaser / Cressida (JZX81, JZX90, JZX100, JZX110), Toyota Crown (JZS170), Toyota Supra Mk III, Toyota Mark II, Toyota Verossa (JZX81, JZX90, JZX100, JZX100, JZX100, JZX100, JZX100, JZX100, JZ
Toyota 1JZ-GTE Engine Specifications and Performance
The 1JZ-GTE, Toyota’s first 7M-GTE successor, was manufactured from 1990 until 2007. A few important differences distinguished the two motors, with the 1JZ-GTE triumphing in terms of reliability and power potential. Unlike the long-stroke design of the 7M-GTE, the 1JZ engine was designed to be over-square. The 1JZ has a bore of 88mm and a stroke of 71.5mm, with a displacement of 2.5 litres.
Toyota’s square design’s working concept was that an inline-6 with a similar bore and stroke is nearly perfectly balanced, delivering plenty of power without putting too much strain on the internal components. They were correct, it turns out. The 1JZ can easily rev to its optimal powerband with stock power without approaching the engine’s internal limits.
Internal flaws in the 7M-GTE were a common cause of contention. Toyota wanted to make sure that similar dependability concerns didn’t reoccur with the 1JZ. The block was composed of cast iron for maximum strength, and the head was made of lightweight aluminium. The pistons were also produced using a novel aluminium casting technology. The camshaft was made of high-strength steel to reduce wear and damage. These quality enhancements, combined with the over-square shape, significantly boosted the 1JZ’s overall strength.
Toyota 2JZ-GTE: The Next Step
- 3.0 Litre Sequential Twin-Turbo DOHC Inline-6 Engine
- 8.5:1 compression ratio
- Bore and Stroke Dimensions: 86 mm 86 mm (3.39 in 3.39 in)
- At 5600 rpm, it produces 276 horsepower (206 kW; 280 PS).
- At 4000 rpm, torque is 333 lbft (451 Nm).
- Toyota Aristo (JZS147, JZS161), Toyota MkIV Supra JZA80 Vehicle Applications
While the 1JZ launched a new age of Toyota inline-6s, it was the 2JZ-GTE that became legendary. The Toyota Aristo V was the first vehicle to use Toyota’s 2JZ-GTE engine, which debuted in 1991. However, it wasn’t until the 2JZ engine was installed in the MKIV Supra in 1993 that the engine became a cult classic.
The biggest difference between the 1JZ and 2JZ in terms of practical differences is displacement. Toyota increased displacement by half a litre for the 2JZ-GTE, bringing the total displacement to 3 litres. The stroke was likewise increased to 86mm, although the bore remained at the same 86mm as on the 1JZ-GTE. As a result, the 2JZ-GTE is a completely square motor, and its power delivery characteristics differ slightly from those of the 1JZ-GTE.
Aside from the displacement difference, the other major difference was a new turbo format. Toyota previously used twin-parallel CT12A turbochargers on the 1JZ-GTE. Each turbo was in charge of delivering boost to a bank of three spooling cylinders. Toyota chose a dual sequential turbo arrangement for the 2JZ-GTE. With that configuration, a smaller turbo gave low-rpm boost to a larger, slower spooling turbo at higher revs.
Which is better for you: 1JZ or 2JZ?
While the 1JZ and 2JZ are almost identical in most ways, small changes influence their overall features. The longer stroke and displacement of the 2JZ generate the most significant performance differences.
When it comes to overall power capabilities, the 1JZ and 2JZ are roughly equal in terms of strength. Both the 1JZ and 2JZ have cast iron blocks and aluminium heads, allowing them to handle massive power. Similarly, both engines’ steel camshafts and cast aluminium pistons can withstand immense strain.
Strength Comparison of 1JZ and 2JZ
A 1JZ with stock internals is reported to be capable of handling 650-700 horsepower. With factory internals, a 2JZ is said to be capable of handling nearly 800 horsepower. While the 2JZ appears to be stronger on the surface, the bigger displacement of the 2JZ accounts for the higher horsepower figure.
Having stated that, many 1JZs and 2JZs have substantially higher power figures than the ones shown above. The figures show the amount of power that each engine can consistently produce.
Both engines can be expanded to a sufficient degree for practically any application with minimal internal effort. The JZ line’s distinguishing feature is its durability, which is what makes them so popular.
1JZ versus 2JZ Price Comparison
Because the 1JZ-GTE engine is more extensively produced than the 2JZ-GTE engine, it is also much less expensive. The 1JZ-GTE is the ideal engine for an amateur drifter who does not have the funds to invest in a 2JZ-GTE. The extra expenditure of a 2JZ for a drift build is unnecessary because the 1JZ is just as capable.
The 2JZ-GTE engine was only available in the MkIV Supra and the Aristo V, making it extremely rare. As the value of MkIV Supras has risen over the years, so have 2JZ-GTE values. In good condition, 2JZ-GTEs can easily sell for five figures, leaving them out of reach for the majority of fans. Because the 2JZ has become so legendary, the majority of the inflated price is based on bragging rights. Unless you’re expressly looking for a 2JZ, it’s not really reasonable to pay 3-4 times more for one over a 1JZ-GTE. This is obviously dependant on the motor’s intended purpose, as the 1JZ and 2JZ have distinct properties.
Related : The Engine Comparison: LS1 vs. LS2
1JZ vs 2JZ – Which Engine Is Better?
Just because the 1JZ and 2JZ engines are practically identical doesn’t imply they behave the same. Indeed, the 2JZ’s displacement differential and longer stroke have a substantial impact on its properties. Because of the variances in power and torque delivery, each engine is better suited to different applications.
The 1JZ-GTE develops more power at higher RPM thanks to a slightly shorter stroke than the 2JZ. The 1JZ-GTE develops its maximum 280 horsepower at 6,200 RPM, which is quite close to its redline of 7,500 RPM. While the most of the power is provided at high revs, the majority of the torque is created at slightly lower revs. At 4,800 rpm, peak torque is 268 pound-feet. The 1JZ-GTE’s high-rev power output makes it ideal for drifting. Mid-range torque is optimal for starting a drift by breaking rear traction, while sustained high-end power is required to keep the slide continuing. As a result, when combined with the 1JZ’s strength, it is a popular engine of choice for drift builds.
The 2JZ-GTE strikes a more equitable balance between low-end torque and consistent power delivery than the 1JZ-GTE. The fundamental factor is the longer 86mm stroke and increased displacement. Because of the significantly modified internals, the 2JZ-GTE generates a peak 280 horsepower at a lower 5,600 rpm and a peak 320 pound-feet of torque at just 4,000 rpm.
Because of its lower rpm and low-end torque, the 2JZ engine is better suited for drag racing or time attack applications. Low-end torque and massive power are required for a reliable drag strip launch, while a linear powerband is required for an effective time attack car. In both of these instances, the 2JZ-GTE shines.
Conclusions for 1JZ vs 2JZ
Regardless of which engine you favour, neither the 1JZ-GTE nor the 2JZ-GTE is a bad engine. With the JZ series, Toyota established a new standard for powerful, dependable inline-6 engines that is still in use today. The JZ series has ruled their sector thanks to massive over-engineering, smart design, and placement in famous 1990s vehicles.
It’s difficult to say one engine is better than the other because they’re both fantastic for various things. A 1JZ-GTE will outperform other engines in a high-revving drift build. If drag racing or track building is more your pace, a 2JZ-GTE will suffice. In any case, it would be difficult to be dissatisfied with a JZ.
