Toyota 3UZ-FE 4.3 engine: Specifications, reliability, problems and tuning

Engine characteristics of Toyota 3UZ-FE 4.3

Parameter	Value
Production	Tahara Plant
Engine make	3UZ
Years of manufacture	2000-2010
Cylinder block material	aluminum
Power system	injector
Type	V-type
Number of cylinders	8
Valves per cylinder	4
Piston stroke, mm	82.5
Cylinder diameter, mm	91
Compression ratio	10.5
Engine displacement, cc	4292
Engine power, hp/rpm	282/5600, 290/5600, 304/5600
Torque, Nm/rpm	417/3500, 434/3400, 441/3400
Fuel	95
Environmental regulations	–
Engine weight, kg	–
Fuel consumption, l/100 km	city: 17.5, highway: 8.9, mixed: 11.4
Oil consumption, gr./1000 km	to 1000
Engine oil	0W-30, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40
How much oil in the engine, liters	5.1
Oil change is carried out, km	7000-10000
Engine operating temperature	–
Engine life, thousand kilometers	in practice: 400+
Tuning, hp	potential: 500+
	without loss of resource: –
Motor installed	Lexus GS 430, LS 430, SC 430,
	Toyota Crown Majesta, Soarer

Average fuel consumption for cars equipped with the 3UZ engine is 17.5 liters per 100 km in the city, 8.9 liters per 100 km on the highway and 11.4 liters per 100 km in mixed mode.

Oil consumption can reach up to 1000 grams per 1000 km. Recommended engine oils include viscosities 0W-30, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30 and 10W-40. The engine oil capacity is 5.1 liters. The recommended oil change interval is 7000 to 10000 kilometers.

The resource of the 3UZ engine is not specified on the factory data, but in practice it can be estimated at more than 400 thousand kilometers. The tuning potential of this engine can reach 500 horsepower without loss of resource.

The 3UZ engine was installed in Lexus GS 430, Lexus LS 430, Lexus SC 430, Toyota Crown Majesta and Toyota Soarer.

Reliability, problems and repairs of the Toyota 3UZ 4.3 engine

The 3UZ-FE engine was introduced in 2000 as the successor to the 4-liter 1UZ-FE. The 3UZ cylinder block was identical to that of the 1UZ, made of aluminum with 90° camber and cast iron liners. The cylinder diameter was increased from 87.5 mm to 91 mm, which affected the wall thickness. New pistons were developed for the 3UZ, lightweight forged connecting rods weighing 581 grams and 146 mm long. The cylinder-head gaskets were also modified.

The cylinder heads were also improved, with larger intake and exhaust ports, and a VVTi timing system on the intake camshafts. The cylinder-head bolts were reinforced for improved reliability.

For the 3UZ-FE engine, a variable-length ACIS intake manifold, new filters and a modified exhaust manifold were developed. An electronic throttle was also utilized, the fuel system was improved, the engine cooling system was improved, and other iridium plugs and ignition coils were used.

The timing system is equipped with a belt. To prevent trouble, it is recommended to replace the timing belt every 100 thousand kilometers.

Along with the 3UZ-FE, other related models were produced: 4-liter 1UZ and cast-iron 4.7-liter 2UZ.

The 3UZ-FE engine was installed on premium cars, mainly on Lexus cars. Since 2006, it began to be replaced by a new 4.6-liter V8 1UR. The process of generation change was finally completed in 2010.

Problems and shortcomings of Toyota 3UZ 4.3 engines

Like its predecessor, the 3UZ is a very reliable and extremely durable motor. It has no design flaws and with regular maintenance, the use of quality oil and gasoline, 3UZ has a resource of more than 500 thousand km.