3VZ-FE Generation Differences - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

christine_lives! · 09-18-2009, 05:40 PM

I have once again stepped into the Camry forum for some advice on an engine swap I am prepping to do this winter...

Are there any worthwhile changes between years on the 3VZ-FE? I know on my 5SFE, the 93' has a knock sensor and a few other minor upgrades. I am just curious to see what benefits lurk based on year for the 3VZ-FE. I don't recall if they were still imported into the states after 94' unless they were used in a few Lexus ES 300s. Thanks, any info is appreciated!

***CharmCityES*** · 09-21-2009, 01:29 AM

Moved to gen 3-4 section since the 3VZ-FE came equipped only on 92-93 camry V6 and ES300models...since it was a 2 year only engine its not really the recipiant of any noteworthy mechanical changes..its a simple iron block/aluminum head four cam 24 valve V6 engine, and its design carried forth with the 1MZ-FE V6, which is essentially an all aluminum version of the 3VZ-FE, and thus some parts from the 1MZ engine cross over to the similar 3VZ engine. It is not similar to the 5S-FE in how there was several versions of the motor because the 5s ran from 92-01 where the 3VZ only went 2 model years in the US....the only differences one might encounter with a 3VZ are that theres an option of automatic or manual transmissions..JDM versions of the motor might have differences due to different regulations and configurations of the motor and such.

also, dont confuse the 3VZ-FE with its family members the 3VZ-E (88-94 TRUCK, T-100, 4Runner), 2VZ-FE (88-91 camry V6 and 90-91 ES250) and 5VZ-FE (95-03 tacoma/4runner, 99-03 tundra V6) as they are all dissimilar.

christine_lives! · 09-21-2009, 01:49 AM

From my understanding, the engine had a run from 1991-1997+

Toyota supposedly limited the run in the States for 2 years because of competition with their performance engines, hence the detuning of the 3VZ-FE as to not compete.

I am curious if there are ANY changes besides lack of emissions on the engine sold in or outside the states. It should be an easily sourced motor elsewhere in the world, just more difficult here. I am just trying to make the most educated decision on the V6 swap possible.

I know some of the small upgrades for the 5S-FE included weight changes and the nifty knock sensor. Just seeing if anyone has heard of similar things for the 3VZ-FE. Thanks!

n3rdifed · 09-21-2009, 06:43 AM

i thought it was from 92-94?

chronoti · 09-21-2009, 11:23 AM

auzyland had them till 97 or 96 who knows holden used the engine for a while too.

unless you have some crazy mds setup where you need the distro or crazy boost that needs the cast iron block, go with mz

christine_lives! · 09-21-2009, 12:29 PM

Being that the 3VZ bolts up to my tranny and engine bay with only one mount mod (and a simple one at that) I'll be focussed there. Dropping in a 225hp+ V6 with a wide powerband into my 135hp Celica with possibility to TT later for around $300 screams "must have".

chronoti · 09-21-2009, 01:13 PM

mz, vz, s, a, az all the same bell housing.

i would say go older the newer (96+) ecu is odb2 and is harder to trick. and i want to say they didn't make an edition without a distro.

same regard i could say 5vz but the high end isn't as good as the 3vz, (heads aren't swapable). but you get more displacement.

***CharmCityES*** · 09-21-2009, 01:59 PM

the 5VZ is very torquey in the low RPMs, but lacks the top end kick of the 3VZ. I dont know if the heads are swappable but i think milt was looking into it a while back.

the 3VZ is a great low buck swap for celica's and mr2's since they share alot of common parts.