Toyota 3UZ-FE 4.3L Engine Specs, Problems & Reliability
Toyota 3UZ-FE 4.3L Engine
Here in this article, you will learn more about the Toyota 3UZ-FE 4.3L Engine Specs, its Performance, Cylinder Heads, and Cam Specs & More Let’s discuss the Toyota 3UZ-FE 4.3L Engine, Problems, Reliability, and Reviews.
First introduced in 2000, the 3UZ-FE is a refinement of the 1UZ-FE engine, a 4.0-litre workhorse. The 3UZ’s displacement was increased to 4.3 litres, and it had all of the most up-to-date technologies and electronics from Toyota, just as the late 1UZ engines that used VVTi
While the stroke remained unchanged, the 3UZ-aluminum FE’s cylinder block allowed for a larger bore size of up to 91.0 mm (82.5 mm).
The redesigned block maintained the previous generation’s bore pitch (105.5 mm), cylinder bank offset (21.5 mm), and “V” angle (90 degrees).
In comparison to the old liners, the new ones are thinner by 0.5 mm and made of cast iron (1.5 mm instead of 2 mm). lighter and cooler because of the smaller sleeves and liners, but weaker overall.
The wall thickness of the cylinders was raised by 1 mm to enhance stiffness (from 5.5 mm to 6.5 mm). To further improve water flow, engineers also refined the form of the channels that connect the bores.
The 3UZ-FE shared many components with the 1UZ-FE, including a forged steel crankshaft (completely balanced with five main journals and eight counterweights), forged steel connecting rods, lightweight aluminium pistons with steel struts, and floating-type piston pins.
The pistons’ diameter has been enlarged, and the piston rings’ location has been moved upward to improve the efficiency of the engine.
| Manufacturer | Tahara Plant |
| Also called | Toyota 3UZ |
| Production | 2000-2010 |
| Cylinder block alloy | Aluminium |
| Configuration | V8 |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 4 valves per cylinder |
| Piston stroke, mm (inch) | 82.5 (3.25) |
| Cylinder bore, mm (inch) | 91 (3.58) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Displacement | 4292 cc (261.9 cu in) |
| Power output | 207 kW (282 HP) at 5,600 rpm 213 kW (290 HP) at 5,600 rpm 223 kW (304 HP) at 5,600 rpm |
| Torque output | 417 Nm (307 lb·ft) at 3,500 rpm 434 Nm (320 lb·ft) at 3,400 rpm 441 Nm (325 lb·ft) at 3,400 rpm |
| Redline | – |
| HP per liter | 65.7 67.6 70.8 |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Weight, kg (lbs) | – |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (mpg) -City -Highway -Combined | for Lexus LS430 17.5 (13) 8.9 (26) 11.4 (20) |
| Turbocharger | Naturally aspirated |
| Oil consumption, L/1000 km (qt. per miles) | up to 1.0 (1 qt. per 750 miles) |
| Recommended engine oil | 0W-30 5W-30 5W-40 10W-30 10W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, L (qt.) | 5.1 (5.4) |
| Oil change interval, km (miles) | 5,000-10,000 (3,000-6,000) |
| Normal engine operating temperature, °C (F) | – |
| Engine lifespan, km (miles) -Official information -Real | – 400,000+ (250,000) |
| Tuning, HP -Max HP -No lifespan loss | 500+ – |
| The engine is installed in | Lexus GS 430 Lexus LS 430 / Toyota Celsior Lexus SC 430 / Toyota Soarer Toyota Crown Majesta |
Toyota 3UZ-FE 4.3L Engine Problems
In 2000, the 3UZ-FE arrived to replace the 1UZ-FE, and it was made alongside the 4.7-litre 2UZ.
Similar to the 1UZ, the cylinder block of the 3UZ is a 90-degree aluminium V8 with cast-iron sleeves.
The cylinder bore of this motor is 91 millimetres. This resulted in reduced wall thickness.
3UZ now uses new pistons and lightweight forged connecting rods that are 581 g and 146 mm in length.
The head gaskets for the cylinders have been improved. The cylinder block’s heads were also upgraded, with bigger intake and exhaust ports.
Changes were also made to the intake camshafts, and camshafts with variable valve timing (VVTi) were implemented.
As a result of the redesign, the bolts used to secure the cylinder heads are much more robust.
In order to improve the performance of the 3UZ-FE, a new intake manifold and filters were installed.
Additionally, iridium spark plugs, a new ignition coil, and fuel and cooling system modifications were implemented.
On a 3UZ-FE, the sequence of shots is as follows: 1-2-3-4-5-6-6-7-2. Toyota 3UZ-FE engines come standard with fuel injectors that have a flow rate of 275 cc/min.
The camshaft’s rotation is triggered by the timing belt. Every 50,000 to 60,000 miles (90,000–100,000 km), the timing belt needs to be replaced.
The 3UZ-FE engine can be found in high-end vehicles, most notably Lexus models.
Three years later, in 2006, the new 4.6-litre 1UR engine began to replace the older 3UZ. In 2010, the transition between generations was complete.
Toyota 4.3 V8 3UZ-FE Engine Problems and Reliability
The 3UZ-FE follows in the footsteps of its forerunner and the rest of the UZ family as a dependable and long-lasting motor.
It does not suffer from any of the common design flaws or concerns. If you keep up with regular maintenance, use premium oil and gas, and stick with genuine Toyota components (filters, bolts, etc.), your 3UZ-FE engine should last for many more miles than 300,000 (500,000 km).
any contemporary vehicle engine that uses a timing belt. In the event of a broken timing belt, the 3UZ engine is doomed.
You should change your timing belt every 60,000 miles (100,000 km), or sooner if you spot wear and tear.
Toyota 3UZ-FE 4.3L Engine Review
The Toyota 3UZ-FE engine is a 4.3L V8 engine produced from 2001 until 2007. It’s a part of the Toyota UZ engine family, which is famous for its durability and reliability. The 3UZ-FE engine was featured in several Lexus vehicles which included those of the LS430, GS430, and SC430. For a full review, please check this YouTube video Here.
Toyota 3UZ-FE 4.3L Engine FAQ
Is the 3UZ engine reliable?
The 3UZ-FE follows in the footsteps of its forerunner and the rest of the UZ family as a dependable and long-lasting motor.
It does not suffer from any of the common design flaws or concerns. If you keep up with regular maintenance, use premium oil and gas, and stick with genuine Toyota components (filters, bolts, etc.), your 3UZ-FE engine should last for many more miles than 300,000 (500,000 km).
How much power can you get out of a 3UZ?
The 3UZ-FE comes in at 4,292 cc, which translates to 4.3 L or 261.9 cu in. The engine has a bore of 91 mm and a stroke of 82.5 mm (3.58 in x 3.25 in).
The power output is 216–224 kW (290–305 PS) at 5600 rpm, and the torque output is 441 Nm (325 lb-ft) at 3400 rpm.
What car came with a 3UZ engine?
The Lexus XF30 LS 430 was the first vehicle to feature the 3UZ-FE, a 4.3-litre V8 engine. The 3UZ-FE was developed from the 4.0-litre 1UZ-FE by increasing the bore size and adjusting the valve timing.
Subsequent Lexus models that utilized the 3UZ-FE motor were the S190 GS 430 and the Lexus SC 430.
Is 1UZ or 3UZ better?
The 1UZ VVTi is a hybrid, with a cable-actuated throttle and an electronic control unit (ECU), while the 3UZ has a fully electric throttle body, a larger bore diameter (4.3 vs. 4.0), and a slightly different coolant port design in the block.
