Toyota 1FZ-FE Ultimate Engine Guide
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The Toyota 1FZ-FE is a 4.5 liter inline or straight-6 engine that was in production from 1993–2009. During its run, it mainly powered the Toyota Land Cruiser and early Lexus LX450. In addition to the fuel injection 1FZ-FE, there was also the carbureted version, the 1FZ-F, and a version that ran on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the 1FZ-E. Depending on the year and model, the 1FZ-FE produced 212-241 horsepower and 275-300 lb-ft of torque. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Toyota’s 1FZ-F, 1FZ-FE, and 1FZ-E engines.
In addition, make sure to check out our other Toyota content, including our 2JZ-GTE engine guide, 2JZ vs RB26 Engine Guide, and our 1JZ vs 2JZ engine Comparison.
Toyota 1FZ-FE History
The Toyota FZ engine family dates back to 1993, when Toyota first developed the 1FZ-F and 1FZ-FE engines. Toyota put both engines inside the Toyota Land Cruiser, and from 1995–1997 they used it in the Lexus LX450. Additionally, there is another version, the 1FZ-E, which Toyota introduced in the mid-2000s. It runs on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and Toyota put it in various forklifts.
The 1FZ engines made their way all across the world, including in the United States. In America, Toyota used the 1FZ-FE inside the 1993–1997 Land Cruiser 80-series, but stopped importing them stateside from 1998-on. Starting in the early-2000s, Toyota largely phased out the carbureted 1FZ-F in favor of the electronic fuel injected 1FZ-FE. In addition to the United States, Toyota also used the engine in Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, South America, South Africa, and various countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
In 1998, Toyota updated the 1FZ-FE with several improvements, though the U.S. markets never got this version. Power increased to 220 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque. In 2006, Toyota introduced its variable valve timing for the intake camshaft (VVT-i), which improved power to 240 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque in some models — mainly in the Middle East.
Toyota last produced the 1FZ engines for cars in 2009, though many are still available on the road today. In addition, there are many 1FZ-E powered forklifts still in heavy use. Overall, the 1FZ-FE gives a solid blend of performance and reliability with its 200+ horsepower and torque and ability to go over 250,000 miles with ease.
The 1FZ-FE engine code breaks down as follows:
- 1 – 1st Generation Engine
- FZ – Toyota FZ Engine Family
- F – Economy Narrow-Angle DOHC Cylinder Head
- E – Multi-Point Fuel Injection
1.5L Toyota 1FZ-FE Specs
| Engine | Toyota 1FZ-FE |
| Engine Family | Toyota FZ |
| Model Years | 1993-2009 |
| Displacement | 4.5 liters (4,476 cc) |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| Configuration | Inline or Straight-6 |
| Compression Ratio | – 8.1:1 (1FZ-F)- 9.0:1 (1FZ-FE) |
| Bore and Stroke | 100 mm x 95 mm |
| Valve Train | DOHC- 24-valve- 4-valves per cylinder |
| Variable Valve Timing | Yes (2006+ 1FZ-FE Only) |
| Fuel System | – Carburetor (1FZ-F)- Electronic Fuel Injection (1FZ-FE) |
| Fuel Type | – Gasoline (1FZ-F/FE)- Liquefied Petroleum Gas (1FZ-E) |
| Head Material | – Cast Iron (1FZ-F)- Aluminum (1FZ-FE) |
| Block Material | Cast Iron |
| Horsepower Output | 84-241 horsepower |
| Torque Output | 217-300 lb-ft |
Toyota 4.5L Vehicles
The Toyota 1FZ-F, 1FZ-FE, and 1FZ-E appeared in the following vehicles:
- 1993–2009 Toyota Land Cruiser
- 1995–1997 Lexus LX450
- Toyota 5FG/5FD Series Forklifts
- Toyota 7FG/7FD Series Forklifts
Toyota 1FZ-FE Design Basics
Toyota 1FZ-FE Block, Cylinder Head, Internals, & Fuel Delivery
The Toyota 1FZ-FE is a 4.5 liter, inline or straight-6, engine, and all versions used a cast iron cylinder block. The 1FZ-F used a cast iron cylinder head, while the 1FZ-FE used an aluminum cylinder head to reduce weight while maintaining strength. The block is a short-skirt bloc, and the outer wall curves outward to help improve strength. It uses a two-piece oil pan with an oil cooler, and the engine weighs just shy of 600 pounds. The cylinder head is a narrow-angle head which allows for improved fuel economy and efficiency.
The pistons are aluminum alloy and the connecting rods are forged steel, and Toyota double shot peened them for strength. Toyota gave the crankshaft 12 balance weights and 7 journals, and the 1FZ-FE has a compression ratio of 9.0:1, while the 1FZ-F has compression of 8.1:1. The firing order of the 1FZ engines is 1-5-3-6-2-4, and from 1995-on could be ordered with dual-fuel tanks in some models for improved distance.
As mentioned, there are three different versions of the engine, with the variations being fuel delivery, fuel type, and cylinder head design. The 1FZ-F uses a single carburetor and runs on pump gasoline. For the 1FZ-FE, Toyota upgraded to electronic fuel injection. The 1FZ-E uses a different cylinder head (non-narrow angle) and runs on LPG instead of regular pump gasoline.
Valve Train, Manifolds, & Ignition System
All versions of the 1FZ have a dual-overhead camshaft (DOHC) valve train with 4 valves per cylinder for 24-valves total. A single timing chain operates the intake camshaft, which then uses a scissor-style gear to actuate the exhaust camshaft. Starting in 2006, it’s reported that some versions for the Middle East market got Toyota’s variable valve timing for the intake camshaft (VVT-i).
For the intake manifold, Toyota used an equal-length, cross-flow design. This means the manifold’s runners start on one side and cross the manifold to reach the valves on the other side. This allows the runners to be longer than normal (400 mm) and improves low-end and mid-range torque. Toyota used a two-piece aluminum intake manifold that was lightweight and sturdy.
For the ignition system, Toyota used an electronic gear driven distributor, which was upgraded after 1998 to an improved version. The oiling system uses an engine-mounted sump that can hold 8 quarts of oil. There are also oil-cooling jets for the pistons. Pre-1997 versions were OBD-I compliant, which switched to OBD-II for 1997-on.
The 1998 Upgrades
For the 1998 model year, Toyota made several improvements and upgrades to the 1FZ engines to make them more reliable and to increase power. Among the changes were larger intake and exhaust valves (from 8.3 mm to 8.7 mm), higher-flowing 4-nozzle fuel injectors, a new fuel filter, a direct ignition system, revised fuel injection system, new intake manifold with longer runners, revised cylinder head shape (due to larger valves), revised piston shape (due to revised cylinder head and valves), and improved cooling from the water pump.
The most notable improvements from the upgrades were for the fuel injected 1FZ-FE. Power increased on the 1FZ-FE from 212-221 horsepower and 275-285 lb-ft of torque. According to some reports, in 2006 some models got VVT-i, which further improved performance to 240 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.
Toyota 4.5L Reliability and Problems
Like most Toyota engines, the 1FZ series are noted for their extreme reliability. These engines are known for being capable of exceeding 250,000 miles without needing a rebuild, and many of them have shown the ability to go past 300,000 miles. The biggest knock on the engine is its poor fuel economy, but considering it was powering large vehicles like the Land Cruise and LX450, that’s somewhat expected.
The few issues surrounding the Toyota 1FZ engines are:
- Head Gasket Failure
- Cooling Hose Failure
On earlier 1FZ engines, the head gaskets were prone to failure. This was due to Toyota’s use of asbestos in prior head gaskets, which they were prohibited from doing by the time of the 1FZ due to environmental regulations. As a result, they made poor head gaskets for a few years trying to find new material. Early 1FZs suffered from this problem, but that was largely rectified by the end of the 1990s.
The external cooling hoses on the radiator are also known to wear out and leak past 100,000 miles. This isn’t entirely unexpected or unheard of, but 100,000 miles is a bit soon for worn out hoses in comparison with other vehicles.
Overall, the 1FZ engines are very reliable and sturdy. If you have one in your possession you can feel relatively secure that they will last a long time with proper care and maintenance.
Toyota 1FZ-FE Summary
From 1993–2009, the Toyota 1FZ engines served as very reliable power plants in Land Cruisers around the world. There were three different versions of the engine, the carbureted 1FZ-F, fuel injected 1FZ-FE, and the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) powered 1FZ-E. The 1FZ-F produced 188 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque its entire lifespan. From 1993–1997, the 1FZ-FE made 212 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, which jumped to 221 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque in 1998. From 2006–2009, some models used VVT-i and made 240 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.
Overall, the 1FZ-series engines are noted for their awesome reliability and solid performance. These engines are known for being capable of exceeding 250,000 miles without needing a rebuild, and many of them have shown the ability to go past 300,000 miles.
Toyota 1FZ-FE FAQ
Yes. The 1FZ-FE is a solid motor that combines good performance with outstanding reliability. Some versions produce as much as 240 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. These engines are known for being capable of exceeding 250,000 miles without needing a rebuild, and many of them have shown the ability to go past 300,000 miles.
The 1FZ-F uses a carburetor, while the 1FZ-FE is electronically fuel injected. In addition, the 1FZ-F has a 8.1:1 compression ratio and makes 188 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the 1FZ-FE makes 212-240 horsepower and 275-300 lb-ft of torque through a 9.0:1 compression ratio.
Toyota mainly put the 1FZ-series engines inside the Toyota Land Cruiser, and from 1995–1997 they used it in the Lexus LX450. Additionally, there is another version of the engine, the 1FZ-E, which Toyota introduced in the mid-2000s. It runs on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and is used in various forklifts.
The 1FZ-FE and 1FZ-F are petrol (gasoline) powered engines.
Graet info. Do you know the part number of cast iron cylinder head ? Can you share more info for 1FZ-E engine, what are the differences between E and FE. Thanks.