Toyota has created some of the most iconic engines out there. The beastly inline-six 2JZ, the screaming V10 in the LFA, and their latest invention — an insanely powerful 3-cylinder — are just some of the examples. What people don’t realize is that the Japanese carmakers were only able to develop those iconic engines with revenue generated thanks to their mass-produced vehicles. Powering these breadwinners are engines that are engines of incredible potential as well.
The company’s inline-four and V6 engines don’t make headlines for outlandish reasons, but they are capable in their own right. One such engine is the GR series. This engine range has been used in a long list of vehicles wearing the Toyota and Lexus badges. Before we go any further, keep in mind that the GR engine is not related to the company’s GR (Gazoo Racing) performance brand. We are also going to focus on the most popular version – the 2GR FE engine.
Toyota GR Engine – The Beginning
To fully understand where the 2GR engine is coming from, we need to take a look at why this engine was introduced in the first place. It made its debut as the 1GR-FE in 2002. Toyota has designed this motor for use in the company’s popular and highly-capable Toyota 4Runner, Land Cruiser Prado, and Hilux Surf. The 4.0 V6 gasoline engine was mounted longitudinally and paired with 2WD and 4WD setups.
Since then, the engine received several revisions that brought significant improvements including a power bump from its original 236 hp and 266 lb-ft figure. And yes, the GR is still alive and kicking in the company’s Hilux.
What’s Inside the 2GR FE Engine?
Only 2 years after the 1GR FE entered the market, Toyota introduced the 2GR FE engine. The biggest difference between the two, and the reason why the 2GR FE engine was introduced, was the fact that the latter was better suited for transverse layouts. This meant it could be used in front-wheel-drive applications. Another big change was that it was a lower-capacity 3.5 V6. Toyota achieved this by reducing the stroke from 95 mm to 83 mm. The bore remained unchanged at 94 mm.
While the power output figures of the 2GR FE engine depend on the vehicle it’s being used in, what remains constant is its power and torque advantage over the 1GR FE. The 2GR FE engine produces between 270 HP and 314 hp and between 248 lb-ft and 260 lb-ft, depending on the application. This version of the V6 engine also makes use of the company’s VVT-i system that features variable valve timing on intake and exhaust camshafts.
These cams get driven by a timing chain and not a timing belt on the 2GR FE. The valves, meanwhile, use roller-follower rocker arms and a concave cam lobe design. This helps increase valve lift when compared to the system the 1GR uses. However, this change did increase overall cylinder head height allowing for a taller roller rocker system. The 2GR FE engine also weighs 358 lb, making it slightly lighter than the 1GR which has a service weight of 366 lb.
Which Vehicles Used the 2GR FE Engine?
As we mentioned earlier, the GR engine series was used extensively. This engine was more popular than the Toyota 3RZ, and that was used in a bunch of their models. Here’s a list of most of the vehicles to make use of the 2GR FE.
- 2005–2018 Toyota Avalon (GSX30/40)
- 2006–2017 Toyota Aurion (GSV40/50)
- 2005–2012 Toyota RAV4/Vanguard (GSA33/38)
- 2006–2019 Toyota Estima/Previa/Tarago (GSR50/55)
- 2006–2017 Toyota Camry (GSV40/50)
- 2006–2018 Lexus ES 350 (GSV40/50)
- 2007–2009 Lexus RX 350/Toyota Harrier (GSU30/31/35/36)
- 2009–2015 Lexus RX 350 (GGL10/15/16)
- 2007–2016 Toyota Highlander/Kluger (GSU40/45/50/55)
- 2007-2012 Toyota Blade Master (GRE156)
- 2007-2013 Toyota Mark X Zio (GGA10)
- 2008–2017 Toyota Alphard/Vellfire (GGH20/25/30/35)
- 2008–2016 Toyota Venza (GGV10/15)
- 2007–2016 Toyota Sienna (GSL20/23/25/30/33/35)
What Makes the 2GR FE Engine Special?
While we have only listed Toyota vehicles that made use of this engine, it saw more applications outside the Toyota group. Lotus, the British sports carmaker, used a supercharged version of this engine in their Exige S and Evora S sports cars. What makes the 2GR FE engine special is its bulletproof reliability even when modified.
When push comes to shove, it won’t give up on you given that you’ve maintained it well. Toyota loves this engine so much that they’ve decided to slap a TRD badge on it and use it in its stock form in the new Toyota Camry TRD. Best of all, this Camry does fairly well against the competition.
While it’s not the most common swap option, it’s gaining popularity thanks to its availability and fitment potential. Interestingly, the 2GR FE engine works well in the mid-engined MR2. This shouldn’t come as a surprise since it is what powered the aforementioned mid-engine Lotus offerings. That being said, the engine’s internals leave very little headroom when it comes to handling more power.
If you want to push serious wheel horsepower, you’ll need stronger pistons and camshafts. Minor upgrades and tuning, however, can take the power figure close to 325 hp which is impressive nonetheless. While newer versions of this engine exist, the 2GR FE engine is a good choice because of its affordability and availability.
What to Look Out For?
Even though it’s a proper workhorse, the Toyota 2GR FE engine has certain shortcomings. If you’re looking to get a car with one of these in it, you should definitely pay attention to the following issues.
Oil Leaks
First on the list of things one should look out for with the Toyota 2GR FE is oil leaks. Engines made before 2010 were more susceptible to this problem. One of the most common points of failure was the rubber hose used by the VVT-i system. This hose that supplies engine oil to the system used to be made out of rubber, and as you can expect from parts made out of rubber — they don’t last forever.
That’s even more true when it comes to rubber hoses in the engine bay due to the unfavorable high temperatures. This 2GR FE engine problem was addressed by replacing the rubber line with a metal one. This metal line is compatible with older 2GR FE engines which means there’s no need to worry. Regardless of the condition of the hose, it’s best to replace it with the metal one on a newly acquired engine. This will eliminate the possibility of pesky oil leaks.
Idler Pulley Failure
Another common problem with the 2GR FE engine concerns its idler pulley. It is important to note that this problem is only known to affect early versions of this engine as it was fixed by 2009. Toyota took care of this problem by using a stronger or heavier-duty idler pulley.
Luckily, this issue isn’t as serious as it sounds. When the pulley begins to fail, you’ll hear it. In fact, it can get so loud that you simply can’t miss it. If you hear a grinding noise or any kind of noise that can be attributed to a bad bearing, it’s probably time to get that pulley replaced.
Replacing the pulley will not only get rid of the sound but ensure that it doesn’t return. We also recommend replacing the serpentine belt during this time since you’ll have to take it off anyway.
Water Pump Problem
While water pumps can fail on any engine at any given time. The pump found on a 2GR FE engine prior to the 2010 update is known to fail prematurely. The water pump has an incredibly important role in maintaining engine temperature. These pumps undergo a considerable amount of wear and tear especially with higher miles.
If you have a 2GR FE engine from before 2010 and are witnessing signs of water pump failure, it’s a good idea to replace it right away.
Bad Spark Plugs and Ignition Coils
Toyota’s 2GR FE engine sure is reliable, but early engines require a little TLC to make sure everything is running on a track. While the problems mentioned above are much more common, there are a few reports that suggest spark plugs and ignition coils could fail prematurely. While there is no exact reason for this occurrence, it’s known to happen.
Bad spark plugs and coil packs present several symptoms. One of the earliest signs includes misfire and a rough idle. If you are noticing this, it is time to get a replacement. Yes, that means replacing all six.
Let’s Keep That Toyota 2GR FE Engine Running Together!
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