The 2 Cars That Had the 2JZ Engine in the USA (Plus Others Elsewhere)

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2JZ is commonly used to define cars with 320 horsepower, a whole three-liter inline capacity, six engine capacities, and a torque power of 320-pound feet. These cars are also powered by turbochargers that make them even more efficient. 

While you will find the 2JZ engine in several cars, Toyota happens to be the home base for the same. Several cars in North America have a similar capacity of 320 horsepower but even then, we’ve got plenty of room to tap in. 

Over the next few sections of this article, we will discuss 2JZ engines in detail and learn which cars come featured with these engines. 

So what vehicles in the USA had the 2JZ? Lets dig into that.

1. 1993-1998 Toyota Supra

If you’re wondering whether the 2JZ engine was ever used in America, your conviction is correct. However, the only 2jz car sold in the states was for a mere five years between 1993 and 1998. The car was the iconic Supra Twin Turbo where T stands for induction through force. 

The car had a 3.0L displacement and was capable of 320 hp at 5,600 rpm. The torque values for the same were 315 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. The 100km/h mark was hit in 5.6 seconds which is pretty good for a car from the ’90s. Topping out at 155 mph, the car was really fast for its time. 

2. 1992 – 2000 Lexus SC300

Example of a heavily modified Lexus SC300

The Lexus SC300 was introduced in 1991 as a two-door coupé. It was powered by the non-turbocharged 2JZ-GE inline-six engine, which was also used in the Toyota Aristo/Lexus GS300. In 1992, the SC400 was introduced with a 4.0 L 1UZ-FE V8 engine. The SC300 and SC400 were equipped with rear-wheel drive and featured a 5-speed automatic transmission. In 1997, the second generation Lexus SC was introduced.

The SC300 was discontinued, while the SC400 received a new 3UZ-FE V8 engine. The second-generation SC continued to be offered with rear-wheel drive and a 5-speed automatic transmission. The Lexus SC was discontinued in 2010.

What other vehicles had the 2JZ installed?

To understand the cars that feature this engine, we first need to understand which cars are large enough to accommodate them. Typically, you will find the 2jz engine in the following cars

  • Toyota Altezza
  • Lexus IS300
  • Toyota Aristo
  • Lexus GS300
  • Toyota Crown
  • Toyota Chaser
  • Toyota Cresta
  • Toyota Mark
  • Toyota Progres
  • Lexus SC300

If you’re wondering where the engine was first used, your answer is in the list. The engine was first featured in Toyota Aristo. However, it wasn’t as staggeringly successful as people hoped for and was therefore discontinued after a while.

Post-2005, Toyota was branding the same Aristo as Lexus GS. Next, we have the GTE which is created on the GE block of the 2JZ engine. It features multiple sequential turbos. This is interestingly different from the parallel 1JZ feature that you would find in the GTE turbo. The configuration is 270bhp and to date, it is common as a sports car. 

2JZ motors

If you are wondering what cars come backed with the 2JZ motor, then Toyota tops the charts. The most popular options here would be the AS300 series from Altezza and the IS300 series from Lexus.

Aristo is popularly marketed as the sister variant of Lexus GS300. These cars also feature a unit dedicated to real wheel capacity. As you already know from the previous section, other cars with this engine include Mark, Cresta, and the Chase series. 

What’s the secret to the 2JZ engine’s power?

Now that you know which cars feature a 2JZ engine, you probably want to know why these cars are so incredibly powerful. One of the defining reasons behind this is the solid head gaskets that Toyota has installed along with their iconic closed block system.

To add to that, the car doesn’t come with additional water lining cylinders which further adds to its robustness and durability. This is also the reason why turners make take in the majority power further making way for a smooth ride. 

How much does a 2JZ cost?

A 2JZ engine is a high-performance machine that can provide a significant boost to any vehicle. While the exact cost of this type of engine will depend on a number of factors, such as its age, condition, and previous usage, an average price for a used 2JZ might be around $800-$2000.

Of course, buyers should carefully inspect any potential purchase to ensure that it is in good working order and will be able to meet their performance needs. Ultimately, the cost of a high-quality 2JZ engine is well worth the investment if you want to experience the speed and power of this popular motorsports icon.

What does 2JZ stand for?

When it comes to 2JZ, the two stand for the engine generation (previous generation was called the 1JZ), and the “JZ” just refers to the family of engine the is again refers to the type of engine. The most common version of this engine is the 2JZ-GTE, and the G refers to the valve geometry with a wide-angle. Other parameters like T refer to induction over force and E refers to injecting fuel electronically. 

Conclusion

Now that you know what 2JZ engines are and which cars feature them, shortlist them already and get them right away! You will find plenty of Toyota cars with this capacity though you can always explore other brands and see how they fare.

Do keep in mind that the 2JZ engine requires maintenance, but it lasts quite long. So you can always rest assured that your investment will continue to offer value for some time!​

The 2JZ engine is one of the most popular and powerful engines on the market today. Known for its high power output, durability, and reliability, this engine can be found in a wide range of Toyota and Lexus vehicles back in the 90s.