The 1.3-liter Toyota 4E-FTE turbo engine was assembled at a factory in Japan from 1990 to 1999 and was installed in the fourth and fifth generations of the Starlet model in the back of the P80 and P90, respectively. This turbo engine is very often used for budget swaps for other Toyota cars.
E family: 1E, 2E, 2E-E, 2E-TE, 3E, 3E-E, 3E-TE, 4E-FE, 4E-FTE, 5E-FE, 5E-FHE.
Specifications
| Production years | 1990-1999 |
| Displacement, cc | 1331 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 135 |
| Torque output, Nm | 157 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 74 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 77.4 |
| Compression ratio | 8.2 |
| Features | DOHC, intercooler |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | CT9 |
| 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 Starlet 1997) — city — highway — combined |
10.1 6.4 7.9 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~200 000 |
| Weight, kg | 115 |
The engine was installed on:
- Toyota Starlet 4 (P80) in 1990 – 1995, Starlet 5 (P90) in 1996 – 1999.
Disadvantages of the 4E-FTE engine
- The reliability of this turbo engine is not bad if you follow its cooling system;
- From frequent overheating, seals crack and flow here, pierces the cylinder head gasket;
- Due to contamination of the throttle or idle speed controller channel, idle speed often floats;
- Already after 100,000 km, oil scraper rings may lie down and lubricant consumption will appear;
- There are no hydraulic lifters here and valve clearances require periodic adjustment.
Frequently asked questions about the Toyota 4E-FTE
How much power does the Toyota 4E-FTE make?
The Toyota 4E-FTE develops 135 hp and 157 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Toyota 4E-FTE take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.2 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Toyota 4E-FTE have a timing belt or chain?
The Toyota 4E-FTE uses a timing belt.
Is the Toyota 4E-FTE turbocharged?
Yes, the Toyota 4E-FTE is turbocharged (CT9).
Does the Toyota 4E-FTE 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 4E-FTE last?
The typical lifespan of the Toyota 4E-FTE is ~200 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Toyota 4E-FTE?
Toyota Starlet 1997: city 10.1, highway 6.4, combined 7.9 L/100 km.
What cars was the Toyota 4E-FTE installed on?
Toyota Starlet 4 (P80) in 1990 - 1995, Starlet 5 (P90) in 1996 - 1999.
What are the common problems of the Toyota 4E-FTE?
The reliability of this turbo engine is not bad if you follow its cooling system. From frequent overheating, seals crack and flow here, pierces the cylinder head gasket. All known problems.
