The 3.0-liter Toyota 3VZ-FE engine was assembled from 1991 to 1996 at the concern’s American plant and was installed only on the popular Camry sedan and its counterparts: Windom and Lexus ES 300.
It is a 2-shaft overhead valve engine. The camshaft drive is from the chain. There are 2 intake and outlet valves per cylinder. The left camshaft in the direction of the vehicle controls the intake valves, and the right camshaft controls the outlet valves. All 3VZ engines are equipped with an electronic fuel injection system.
There was also an 8-valve version of this power unit with a separate index 3VZ-E.
The VZ family includes engines: 1VZ‑FE, 2VZ‑FE, 4VZ‑FE, 3VZ‑FE, 3VZ‑E, 5VZ‑FE.
The engine was installed on:
- Toyota Camry 3 (XV10) in 1991 – 1996;
- Toyota Windom 1 (XV10) in 1991 – 1996;
- Lexus ES300 2 (XV10) in 1991 – 1994.
Specifications
| Production years | 1991-1996 |
| Displacement, cc | 2958 |
| Fuel system | MPI |
| Power output, hp | 185 |
| Torque output, Nm | 256 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 87.5 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 82 |
| Compression ratio | 9.6 |
| Features | ACIS |
| 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 Windom 1993) — city — highway — combined |
13.2 7.9 9.9 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~250 000 |
| Weight, kg | 200 |
Disadvantages of the 3VZ-FE engine
- As a result of overheating, due to breakdown of the gasket, the cylinder head often cracks.
- Often the cause of overheating is an unreliable fan hydraulic drive.
- There is increased wear on the main connecting rod bearings and crankshaft journals.
- Also, the disadvantages include high fuel consumption and expensive spare parts.
- On runs over 100,000 km, a progressive oil burn usually begins.
