Toyota 1UZFE - What makes it GREAT? ICONIC ENGINES #8

Summary

In this episode of Iconic Engines, the 1UZ-FE V8 engine is explored, highlighting its debut in the Lexus LS400. The engine's development under Project F1, led by Toyota's chairman, is detailed, emphasizing its pursuit of luxury to rival European and American brands. The 1UZ-FE's evolution, including its use in aviation and marine applications, and its adaptability for performance tuning and swapping in various vehicles, is discussed. The video also covers engine specifications, potential modifications, and the challenges and rewards of forced induction, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 🏎️ The 1UZ-FE is a V8 engine known for its aluminum quad-cam design and was first introduced in the Lexus LS400 in 1989.
• 🔧 The engine was developed as part of Toyota's Project F1, which aimed to create a luxury sedan to rival European and American brands.
• 💡 The 1UZ-FE is praised for its reliability, with some LS400s reaching over 400,000 miles with regular maintenance.
• ✈️ Uniquely, the 1UZ-FE received FAA approval for use in airplanes, marketed as the FV 2400 TC.
• 🚤 It was also used in marine applications and even in ambulances, showcasing its versatility.
• 🏁 Despite not being a great success in racing, the 1UZ-FE has become popular for swaps in lighter and more nimble cars by enthusiasts.
• 🔩 The engine features an over-square design with a 90-degree V-angle, forged steel crankshaft, and hyper-eutectic aluminum pistons.
• 📈 Post-1997 models of the 1UZ-FE received variable valve timing (VVT-i) and saw slight increases in power output.
• 🛠 For performance tuning, the script suggests starting with a standalone ECU, then moving to exhaust and intake modifications.
• 💨 Forced induction, such as turbocharging or supercharging, is a popular modification path for the 1UZ-FE, with potential power increases up to 500+ horsepower.

Q & A

What is the 1UZ-FE engine?

The 1UZ-FE is a V8 engine produced by Toyota, known for its aluminum quad-cam design and 32-valve configuration. It debuted in 1989 in the Lexus LS400.

What does the 'F' in 1UZ-FE stand for?

The 'F' in 1UZ-FE stands for 'economy-oriented' cylinder heads in Toyota engine codes, as opposed to 'G' which stands for performance-oriented cylinder heads.

What was Project F1 and how does it relate to the 1UZ-FE engine?

Project F1 was a secret Toyota project initiated in 1983 with the goal of creating a luxury sedan to rival American and European brands. The 1UZ-FE engine was developed as part of this project.

How much did Toyota invest in Project F1?

Toyota invested more than 1 billion dollars in Project F1 to develop the LS 400 and the 1UZ-FE engine.

What was unique about the development of the 1UZ-FE engine?

The development of the 1UZ-FE engine was unique due to its extensive testing, with development teams driving LS 400 prototypes over 2.7 million kilometers in various conditions.

Why is the 1UZ-FE engine considered reliable?

The 1UZ-FE engine is considered reliable due to its thorough development process, extensive testing, and high-quality engineering standards set during Project F1.

What is special about the 1UZ-FE engine's use in airplanes?

The 1UZ-FE engine is one of the few automotive engines approved by the United States Federal Aviation Administration for use in airplanes, specifically in its twin-turbo 360 horsepower form known as the FV 2400 TC.

What are some common modifications made to the 1UZ-FE engine for performance enhancement?

Common modifications include upgrading the ECU to a tunable standalone unit, replacing the exhaust manifolds, upgrading the camshafts, and potentially adding forced induction like turbos or superchargers.

What is the potential power output of a stock 1UZ-FE engine?

The stock 1UZ-FE engine makes 256 horsepower, but with revisions in 1994 and 1997, the power output was increased to 261 and then 290 horsepower respectively.

How does the 1UZ-FE engine perform in racing applications?

While the 1UZ-FE engine was not a great success in racing, particularly in the Sartre MC8R where it finished second to last, it has been discovered by car enthusiasts for its potential in various motorsport applications like drag racing and drifting.

What is the significance of the 1UZ-FE engine's aluminum construction?

The aluminum construction of the 1UZ-FE engine, including the engine block and cylinder heads, contributes to its lightweight and compact design, which is beneficial for performance and handling.