The company produced the 1.6-liter Toyota 4A-GZE compressor engine from 1986 to 1995 and installed charged versions of such popular models as the Corolla, Sprinter or MR2. This power unit is very often used for inexpensive garage tuning of old cars.
A family: 3A-U, 4A-F, 4A-FE, 4A-FHE, 4A-GE, 4A-GZE, 5A-F, 5A-FE, 5A-FHE, 7A-FE, 8A-FE.
Specifications
| Production years | 1986-1995 |
| Displacement, cc | 1587 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 145 (1 Gen. 1986 – 1990) 165 – 175 (2 Gen. 1990 – 1995) |
| Torque output, Nm | 190 (1 Gen. 1986 – 1990) 210 (2 Gen. 1990 – 1995) |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 81 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 77 |
| Compression ratio | 8.0 (1 Gen. 1986 – 1990) 8.9 (2 Gen. 1990 – 1995) |
| Features | DOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | supercharger |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.2 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Toyota MR2 1989) — city — highway — combined |
11.4 7.5 8.9 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~250 000 |
| Weight, kg | 140 |
The engine was installed on:
- Toyota Corolla 6 (E90) in 1987 – 1991, Corolla 7 (E100) in 1991 – 1995;
- Toyota MR2 1 (W10) in 1986 – 1989;
- Toyota Sprinter 6 (E90) in 1987 – 1991, Sprinter 7 (E100) in 1991 – 1995;
- Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE92 in 1987 – 1991, Sprinter Trueno AE101 in 1991 – 1995.
Disadvantages of the 4A-GZE engine
- Despite being supercharged, this unit is very reliable and, with proper care, lasts a long time.
- Most often, such engines fail after an unsuccessful garage tuning.
- After 150 – 200 thousand kilometers, rings often lie down and the oil burn begins.
- Also, due to contamination of the injectors and the throttle, the idle speed often floats.
- There are no hydraulic lifters and valve clearances need to be adjusted every 100,000 km.
Frequently asked questions about the Toyota 4A-GZE
How much power does the Toyota 4A-GZE make?
Power output of the Toyota 4A-GZE, hp: 145 (1 Gen. 1986 - 1990); 165 - 175 (2 Gen. 1990 - 1995). Torque, Nm: 190 (1 Gen. 1986 - 1990); 210 (2 Gen. 1990 - 1995).
How much oil does the Toyota 4A-GZE take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.2 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Toyota 4A-GZE have a timing belt or chain?
The Toyota 4A-GZE uses a timing belt.
Is the Toyota 4A-GZE turbocharged?
Yes, the Toyota 4A-GZE is turbocharged (supercharger).
Does the Toyota 4A-GZE 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 4A-GZE last?
The typical lifespan of the Toyota 4A-GZE is ~250 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Toyota 4A-GZE?
Toyota MR2 1989: city 11.4, highway 7.5, combined 8.9 L/100 km.
What cars was the Toyota 4A-GZE installed on?
Toyota Corolla 6 (E90) in 1987 - 1991, Corolla 7 (E100) in 1991 - 1995; Toyota MR2 1 (W10) in 1986 - 1989; Toyota Sprinter 6 (E90) in 1987 - 1991, Sprinter 7 (E100) in 1991 - 1995; Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE92 in 1987 - 1991, Sprinter Trueno AE101 in 1991 - 1995.
What are the common problems of the Toyota 4A-GZE?
Despite being supercharged, this unit is very reliable and, with proper care, lasts a long time. Most often, such engines fail after an unsuccessful garage tuning. All known problems.





