The 5.0-liter V12 Toyota 1GZ-FE engine was hand-built in Japan from 1997 to 2017 and was installed only in the Century executive sedan or the Royal limousine based on it. This motor is often used for swapping to other models of the concern or for tuning projects. There is a gas version with the index 1GZ-FNE.
In 1997, a 12-cylinder engine was created specifically for the second generation Century. There is a closed-type aluminum block with cast-iron liners and a cylinder camber angle of 60°, a pair of aluminum DOHC cylinder heads without hydraulic compensators, VVT-i phase shifters at the exhaust, a distributed fuel injection system, an ETCS-i electronic throttle, a timing chain drive. Of the features of the unit, we note two separate control units for each row of cylinders.
Specifications
| Production years | 1997-2017 |
| Displacement, cc | 4996 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 280 – 312 |
| Torque output, Nm | 460 – 481 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V12 |
| Block head | aluminum 48v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 81 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 80.8 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Features | DOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | VVT-i |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-20, 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 8.0 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4/5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Toyota Century 2000) — city — highway — combined |
20.4 9.9 13.8 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~400 000 |
| Weight, kg | 295 |
The engine was installed on:
- Toyota Century 2 (G50) in 1997 – 2017.
Disadvantages of the Toyota 1GZ-FE engine
- This is a very reliable unit with a low degree of forcing and a huge resource, but in terms of electrics, it can throw trouble, and especially its electronic chokes. It should be noted that most often problems arise when tuning and swapping the motor.
- All other complaints on specialized forums are related to the appearance of lubricant consumption. The main reason is the occurrence of the rings, and there is no specific mileage: some normally drive 300-400 thousand km, while others note an oil burn at 100,000 km.
- Even more rare problems of this power unit are associated with the cooling system: it is very important to monitor the cleanliness of the radiator and the condition of the pump that is not the most durable, since the motor overheats quite quickly and breaks through the gaskets, and they are not cheap.
Frequently asked questions about the Toyota 1GZ-FE
How much power does the Toyota 1GZ-FE make?
The Toyota 1GZ-FE develops 280 - 312 hp and 460 - 481 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Toyota 1GZ-FE take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 8.0 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-20, 5W-30.
Does the Toyota 1GZ-FE have a timing belt or chain?
The Toyota 1GZ-FE uses a timing chain.
Is the Toyota 1GZ-FE turbocharged?
No, the Toyota 1GZ-FE is naturally aspirated.
Does the Toyota 1GZ-FE need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Toyota 1GZ-FE last?
The typical lifespan of the Toyota 1GZ-FE is ~400 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Toyota 1GZ-FE?
Toyota Century 2000: city 20.4, highway 9.9, combined 13.8 L/100 km.
What cars was the Toyota 1GZ-FE installed on?
Toyota Century 2 (G50) in 1997 - 2017.
What are the common problems of the Toyota 1GZ-FE?
This is a very reliable unit with a low degree of forcing and a huge resource, but in terms of electrics, it can throw trouble, and especially its electronic chokes. It should be noted that most often problems arise when tuning and swapping the motor. All other complaints on specialized forums are related to the appearance of lubricant consumption. The main reason is the occurrence of the rings, and there is no specific mileage: some normally drive 300-400 thousand km, while others note an oil burn at 100,000 km. All known problems.
