Stupid question.

[Rdubs]

I've tried to search the forums and check google but I can't find it and need to ask:

Is there a way to tell by looking at it, how to tell the difference between a 3VZFE and a 1MZFE? They both just say "24 valve 3.0L" or whatever on the top.



Is there something labeled on the timing belt cover like on the 3SGTE?

I'm looking to buy a V6 motor and need to describe to sellers how to verify the version/model, before I drive all over just to find out it's the wrong one.

Thanks.

[Oteck]

go to ebay

[Jason.MZW20]

The 3VZ has a distributor and 6 wires, looks old, and has a valley in the heads for the spark plug wires. The bottom end is black since it's cast iron.

The 1MZ has either 6 COPs (94-96) or 3 COPs + 3 high tension spark plug wires with no valley in the valve cover. The COPs are bolted down and have an electrical connector on them. The bottom end is silver since it's aluminum.

The engine block is also stamped with the engine code.

[Rdubs]

Originally Posted by Oteck

go to ebay

I looked there to see some engine pics but couldn't see how to tell the difference. I want to buy the actual engine locally.

[RandomHero]

the timing belt cover will say what it is.

if thats gone there is a stamp on the block, i cant revcall where though. but its there

[Rdubs]

Followup stupid question, this one less so.
From the posts it looks like some of the 1MZ engines vary based on the year. I've heard that the 1997 and later engines are preferable to the earlier years. Is there a way to tell the difference between a 97+ and a pre-97? And is there really a difference?

Thanks.

[Tjzsin4given]

does anyone have pictures of the differences???

[muffinman]

Originally Posted by Rdubs

Followup stupid question, this one less so.
From the posts it looks like some of the 1MZ engines vary based on the year. I've heard that the 1997 and later engines are preferable to the earlier years. Is there a way to tell the difference between a 97+ and a pre-97? And is there really a difference?

Thanks.

1MZ-FE
The 1MZ-FE is a 3.0 L (2994 cc) engine. Bore is 87.5 mm and stroke is 83 mm. Output is 168–190 hp @ 5200–5400 rpm with 183–193 ft·lbf of torque at 4400 rpm. Horsepower ratings dropped after the Society of Automotive Engineers implemented a new power measurement system for vehicle engines, Toyota engines rated on 87 octane dropped the most, compared to the same engines used by Lexus rated on 91 octane. It has bucket tappets and was designed for good fuel economy without an overall performance trade-off.

The 1MZ-FE was on Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 1996.

Applications:

1994–2004 Toyota Camry (V6)
1994–2003 Lexus ES 300 & Toyota Windom (Japanese domestic market)
1995-1999 Toyota Avalon (US market)
1995–2004 Toyota Avalon & 2000 Toyota Pronard (Avalon for Japanese domestic market)
1997- Lexus RX 300 & Toyota Harrier (non-US markets)
1998–2000 Toyota Sienna
1999–2003 Toyota Solara (V6)
2000- Toyota Estima (Japanese domestic market)
Toyota Racing Development offered a bolt-on TRD supercharger kit for the 1997-2000 Camry, 1998-2000 Sienna and 1999-2000 Solara. Power output was bumped to 242 hp and 242 ft·lbf of torque.

The 1MZ-FE with VVT-i is used in the Avalon, Highlander, Sienna and Camry. Output is 210 hp (156 kW) at 5800 rpm with 222 ft·lbf (328 N·m) of torque at 4400 rpm. Early versions of the VVT-i 1MZ used a dual throttle body, cast aluminum intake manifold, and EGR block off plates on the exhaust manifolds. Later versions used an ABS plastic intake manifold to further weight reduction and decrease cost. These versions may also have drive-by-wire/electronic throttle control.

Applications:

1999–2003 Lexus RX 300 (US market)
1999–2003 Lexus ES 300
2000–2004 Toyota Avalon
2001–2003 Toyota Highlander/Kluger
2001–2003 Toyota Sienna
2002- Toyota Alphard (Japanese domestic market)
2005–2006 Toyota Camry (V6)

[muffinman]

best i could do

JDM 94-02 1mz-fe (non VVTi)


3vz-fe

[Rdubs]

OK how about this: Can you tell by looking whether or not the motor has VVT-I?

[muffinman]

Originally Posted by Rdubs

OK how about this: Can you tell by looking whether or not the motor has VVT-I?

1mz-fe VVTi

[Rdubs]

Well that is pretty darn hard to miss.

I think now the only thing I'm unsure of is if there's a way to tell the difference between a 97+ 1MZ and a pre-97 one.

[muffinman]

the block should have numbers stamped.

[Rdubs]

You mean the year? I've heard the 1MZ is stamped but haven't heard the year is stamped.

[muffinman]

it won't be stamped with the year but certain digits indicate the production year.

[Oteck]

it's hard to tell the difference aside from the engine covers. the non vvti can be differ if it has the fuel regulator on the rails or not. +97 has the FPR in the tank

[Jason.MZW20]

Originally Posted by Oteck

the non vvti can be differ if it has the fuel regulator on the rails or not.

Those are the ones with 6 COPs that still use wasted spark or 94-96. Toyota moved a 3+3 setup because it cut costs.

[Rdubs]

Favor to ask. I understand now that the 1MZ 97+ motors use three normal spark plug wires and three COP's.

I'm looking to buy a 1MZ and the guys is sure it's a 2001 year, but he also says it has a coil over every plug. It's kind of far away so I can't drive out there just to look.

Hate to ask but does anyone have a picture of the three wires on a 97+ that don't exist on a pre-97, so I can send it to the guy and say do you have these wires or not.

Thanks.

[Jason.MZW20]

Originally Posted by Rdubs

Favor to ask. I understand now that the 1MZ 97+ motors use three normal spark plug wires and three COP's.

I'm looking to buy a 1MZ and the guys is sure it's a 2001 year, but he also says it has a coil over every plug. It's kind of far away so I can't drive out there just to look.

Hate to ask but does anyone have a picture of the three wires on a 97+ that don't exist on a pre-97, so I can send it to the guy and say do you have these wires or not.

Thanks.

6 COPs + MY2000 and greater (Avalon/ES300) means it's VVT-i. These use independent spark.

[Oteck]

you will know it's a 6 COP if you don't see any thick wirings going along the timming belt cover