Any probs with used japan motors

[lexusmech]

I put a set of connecting rod bearing in my 91 V6 camry (ES 250) and for some reason one of the bearings didn't "take" or whatever and it messed (scored) up the crank.

On ebay and other websites I can get the replacement motor but it's a 2.0 v6 from Japan with like 45k miles. Whats interesting is the exhaust manifold in the picture is different, but everything else looks the same.

HAS ANYONE HAD PROBLEMS DOING THESE SWAPS? DOES ANYONE HAVE SPECS ON THIS MOTOR? I saw advertised that this 2.0L motor has the same HP but that doesn't sound right unless the compression is more. My compression is 9:1 and I know the 1mz is 9:6. Anyhow...any inputs?

[Toysrme]

It didn't work because altho every VZ engine is related in block, head design, or both; the engine you're referancing is not of a compatible one.

You're lexus has a DOHC 2.5L 2vz-fe.

JDM/Asian markets never had the more powerful VZ block v6's. They had the original, smaller VZ-FE, and the 4VZ-FE which is the evolution of the earlier 2VZ-FE
.
You do not want to get a different replacement engine. The ECU is not going to like the physical differances between them, nor is it 100% that the signals themselves will be the same.(It more than likely is not. 2vz-fe, 3vz-fe, and 5vz-fe engines will not share ECU's) It probably will not mount up exactly either, requiring custom engine mounts.

Also you are incorrect in that the power figures are far from being close. Here are the VZ block v6's that were sold in Camry-esque cars.

*2.0L VZ-FE - 138hp@6000rpm 128lb-ft@4600rpm
2.5L 2VZ-FE - 158hp@5800rpm 152lb-ft@4600rpm
3.0L 3VZ-FE - 184hp@5200rpm 199lb-ft@4400rpm
*2.5L 4VZ-FE - 175hp@6000rpm 165lb-ft@4800rpm
* denote non-NADM avalible engines.

You, have a 2vz-fe. it is not capatable, parts wise, with a VZ-FE.

You'd be the first person to swap a 4vz-fe into your car, but dear god what it would cost to get one, and an ECU for it. There were sold in the Asian & European markets.
^^^ For that type of money, you could fix and turbo the 2vz you have and be sitting over 300hp with it.(i guess)




Moral of the story? Find another 2vz-fe, or repace with only 2vz-fe parts. There should be pleanty of '88-'91 Camries and Lexi lieing around to find one in good condition.

[lexusmech]

Then how come these places offer it for sale even with a warranty?

Sure theres plenty of engines around, but they're all high mileage and are going to have the same problems I'm having. The main problem is the #1 main bearing gets worn out from the accessory belts pulling on it.

[lexusmech]

OK just for the record. I found an ES250 for sale near where I live. He told me (without asking about the engine) that he has one of the Japanese engines (2.0) in his car. He's put 15K on it. Sound like it worked for him.!!

[Toysrme]

Then he either doesn't know his car, or he's had multi thousand dollars invested into something that isn't worth $3000.
Sorry man, but I'm telling you like it is.

(His car has a 2.5L 2vz-fe)

[powderblue91]

he could have a jdm 3s-fe though

[JetspeedCamry]

Originally Posted by powderblue91

he could have a jdm 3s-fe though

Not really.
The 3SFE won't easily bolt up to the VZV21 chassis. The mounts are slightly different and he will proboboly have the same problems as if he put the VZ-FE in.

[Tommy]

Being that its the same series of motor, i cant imagine why it wouldnt work, or why it would be so expensive. yes you would have to have the harness and ECU, but most importers can find you one. Dont know why Toysrme thinks its going to cost thousands of dollars. Being that the VZ-FE was offered in the JDM camry's, i would bet the mounts are fairly similar if not the same.

[JetspeedCamry]

I'd sorta have to agree.
The VZ-FE was based as a 'replacement' engine to the 2VZFE. I can't see it being too hard to mount into the car, considering it was available in VZV21 Camry.
The 3VZFE, even though it is a VZ block, won't fit because it was offereed in a different chassis and therefore won't bolt up easily (and im not sure if it physically fits either???).
By the same token, the 3S series blocks won't bolt up to a VZV chassis either i think, becuase the front frame section was designed to hold the 2VZ.

[gLok]

I would look for sludge problems. I bought a used 1mzfe out of a 2000 Solara and didnt open the valve covers to check for sludge. Come to find out the motor was COMPLETELY sludged up with about a 1/2" of sludge in the oil pan and all over the inside of the motor.

[Toysrme]

The VZ-FE was the original 2.0L VZ block on asian market vista/camry's
2vz-fe was the larger version for ausDM and NADM.

3vz-fe was the continuation based on the 3vz-e truck/SUV block which also recieved a forged crank, 6 bolt main's and (from what I've researched) stronger rods. - With the addition of the DOHC FE style heads.

The later 5vz-fe and 3vz-fe's are incompatible ECU wise. They won't even crank. All 4vz-fe and previous VZ block engines recieve all ignition information (crank/cam timings) from the distributor itself.

2vz-fe and 3vz-fe distributors are different parts for a combination of possible reasons(I don't know exactly why):

1. It physically won't fit in the end of the camshaft
2. The timing signals are incompatible
3. Both of the above

I see absolutely 0 reason why a VZ distributor would be compatible with any other generation. Consequently, the engine would not do anything more than sit and crank even if you could mount it to the chassie.
That is why I fell that I know it's not going to work.

Also ECU wise, let's assume every single signal *is*compatible. I have a strong feeling that even the legendary leaniant Toyota OBD-I ECU's are going to throw a fucking fit having to run so much long-term fuel trim to keep the fuel in check. If it would run, I would think that it would throw multiple CEL's when the engine comes up to temp because of said problem.





I would think you'd have a hell of a lot easier time trying to swap a 4vz-fe and getting that to work correctly. Besides... Who in the hell swaps a motor with less power any ways LoL! You might as well pick up power, 'cause you surely aint gonna get gas mileage.

[powderblue91]

Originally Posted by lexusmech

OK just for the record. I found an ES250 for sale near where I live. He told me (without asking about the engine) that he has one of the Japanese engines (2.0) in his car. He's put 15K on it. Sound like it worked for him.!!

i was talking about this

[JetspeedCamry]

I doubt a ES250 would have a JDM 3sfe in it..more likely a 1VZFE as the ES250 is the same chassis as the VZV21 which doesnt accept 3S blocks as easily as the SV21 chassis.